Defense Industry

• Contracts For Feb. 20, 2024

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 20 February 2024 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 20 Feb 2024

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• 24h Operational Update: Armed Terrorists Identified and Eliminated Israel Defense Forces 20 Feb 2024
• Israeli regime confirms death of another trooper in Gaza war IRNA 20 Feb 2024 -- In line with its policy of releasing military casualties gradually, the Israeli regime's army has confirmed the death of yet another soldier in the Gaza Strip.
• Prime Minister's Office Statement Israel - Prime Minister 20 Feb 2024
• PM Netanyahu to Sky Rider Unit Soldiers regarding the UN Security Council Discussion: "No pressure can stop us." Israel - Prime Minister 20 Feb 2024
• Feb. 19: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Press TV 20 Feb 2024
• Over 700,000 people could starve to death in north Gaza as Israeli blockade persists, Gaza authorities warn Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- Authorities of the war-torn Gaza Strip have warned that as many as 700,000 people could starve to death north of the Palestinian territory as Israel severely restricts humanitarian aid to the densely populated territory.
• ICJ hearing: Israel 'apartheid' against Palestinians worse than in South Africa Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- South Africa has told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague that Israel is responsible for apartheid against the Palestinians and its occupation is "inherently and fundamentally illegal".
• WHO transfers critical patients out of Nasser Medical Complex, fears for safety of remaining patients WHO 20 Feb 2024
• Gazans 'hanging by a thread', warns WFP UN News 20 Feb 2024 -- The UN emergency food relief agency (WFP) warned that Gaza is "hanging by a thread", calling for urgent access to allow it to reach the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians on the verge of famine.
• WHO: Gaza's Health System Hanging by a Thread Amid Ongoing Hostilities, Restrictions VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- The World Health Organization warns that Gaza's health system is hanging by a thread as health facilities throughout the Palestinian enclave cease to function, restrictions to access increase, medical supplies dwindle and cuts in other humanitarian aid essential for patient care grow.
• UN Food Agency pauses deliveries to the North of Gaza WFP 20 Feb 2024 -- The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is pausing deliveries of life-saving food aid to northern Gaza until conditions are in place that allow for safe distributions.
• Destruction around Gaza's Nasser Hospital "indescribable": WHO IRNA 20 Feb 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the destruction around Gaza's Nasser Hospital is "indescribable".
• Israel hindering rescue missions to Gaza's Nasser hospital: WHO Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) says Israel's military forces are hindering medical rescue missions to the besieged Nasser Hospital, whose condition is "indescribable."
• UN warns of 'explosion' in Gaza child deaths amid combination of disease, hunger Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- The United Nations has warned that spread of diseases and acute malnutrition could spark an "explosion" in preventable child deaths in the Gaza Strip amid the genocidal Israeli war.
• US vetoes Algerian resolution demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza UN News 20 Feb 2024 -- The UN Security Council met in New York on Gaza on Tuesday, where the United States vetoed a resolution put forward on behalf of Arab States by Algeria demanding "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire that must be respected by all parties".
• US Vetoes Gaza Cease-Fire at UN VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- Israel's military on Tuesday reported intense fighting in the Khan Younis area of the Gaza Strip, while the United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution that calls for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire, scaled up aid access and rejects the forced displacement of Palestinians.
• US drafts UN resolution for 'temporary' half to Gaza war after rejecting ceasefire proposal Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- The United States is circulating a counter UN Security Council resolution that would support a temporary ceasefire in Gaza after threatening to veto a draft resolution demanding an immediate halt to Israel's war on the Palestinian territory.
• Typical of Washington: US once again vetoes UN resolution for Gaza ceasefire Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- Unsurprisingly, the United States has once again vetoed a UN resolution that calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
• Israel has put regional security at serious risk: Iran's FM Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian of Iran says the Israeli regime's protracted war on the besieged Gaza Strip has put regional security at serious risk.
• 26 EU members warn against Israel's 'catastrophic' invasion of Rafah Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- Nearly all member states of the European Union have warned the Israeli regime against going ahead with its planned ground invasion of the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, which is packed with Palestinian refugees.
• 26 EU countries call for "immediate humanitarian pause" in Gaza People's Daily 20 Feb 2024 -- Twenty-six member states of the European Union (EU) called for an "immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a sustainable ceasefire" in the besieged Gaza Strip, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said here on Monday.
• Statement by the Foreign Ministers of 26 EU Member States on Israel and Palestine Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland 20 Feb 2024 -- Statement by the Foreign Ministers of 26 EU Member States on Israel and Palestine on 19 February 2024
• US imposes limited pressure on Israel while intl community increasingly calls for cease-fire Global Times 20 Feb 2024 -- The term that the US used in its UN Security Council draft resolution about the Gaza conflict has changed to "temporary cease-fire" rather than "pause," while 26 EU members warned Israel about the catastrophic consequence of attacking Rafah, where a large number of displaced Palestinians have fled over the course of the conflict.
• The UK is calling for an immediate suspension in fighting to get aid in and hostages out of Gaza: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 Feb 2024 -- Explanation of vote by Ambassador Barbara Woodward at the UN Security Council meeting on Gaza.
• Hamas chief Haniyeh in Cairo for talks on Gaza situation Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- The leader of the Hamas resistance movement has arrived in Cairo to hold talks with Egyptian officials about the political situation in the war-torn Gaza Strip amid Israel's genocidal war on the Palestinian territory.
• US veto serves Israel's Nazi agenda, Hamas says after Washington blocks ceasefire Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement of Hamas condemns "in the strongest terms" the United States' recent vetoing of a draft resolution aimed at bringing about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which is enduring a genocidal Israeli war.
• Hamas urges international probe into crimes of Israel against Palestinian women Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has called for the opening of an international investigation into the brutal crimes of Israel against the Palestinian women and girls in the besieged Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.
• Hezbollah, Israeli forces exchange fire across Lebanon border IRNA 20 Feb 2024 -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement and Israeli forces have exchanged fire across the southern Lebanese border as tensions continue to rise over the war in the Gaza Strip.
• At least 14 injured in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanese town Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- At least 14 civilians have sustained injuries when Israeli warplanes hit multiple targets in Lebanon's southern town of Ghazieh with air-to-surface missiles, according to Lebanese military sources.
• 90 pct of Lebanese hold U.S. accountable for Israel's continuous attacks in Lebanon, Gaza: survey People's Daily 20 Feb 2024 -- An opinion poll revealed that 90 percent of the Lebanese hold the United States accountable for Israel's continued attacks on Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, al-Akhbar local newspaper reported on Monday.

Other Conflicts

• UN allocates $100 million for underfunded emergencies UN News 20 Feb 2024 -- The UN's top relief official on Tuesday released $100 million from the Organization's core humanitarian emergency fund to support underfunded aid operations in seven countries in Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.
• UN allocates US$100 million to boost poorly funded humanitarian crises UNOCHA 20 Feb 2024 -- Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths today released US$100 million from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support underfunded humanitarian emergencies in seven countries in Africa, the Americas and the Middle East. The crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sudan and Syria top the list, receiving $20 million each.
• PLA monitors Philippines-rallied joint patrol in South China Sea Global Times 20 Feb 2024 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Monday monitored a Philippines-rallied joint air patrol in the South China Sea, which experts said on Tuesday was a political show aimed at China but had little military significance.
• Philippines 'stirs up trouble' in South China Sea by holding patrols with US: China Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- China has rebuked the Philippines for its unfriendly maneuvers in the South China Sea, saying Manila "stirs up trouble" by holding joint air patrols with "extraterritorial countries".
• Taliban's Boycott Of Key UN Meeting A Blow To Hopes Of Increased Engagement RFE/RL 20 Feb 2024 -- The Taliban boycotted a United Nations-sponsored conference on Afghanistan, the first time the extremist group was invited to participate in a major international event since it seized power in 2021.
• China's special envoy on Afghan affairs urges US to unfreeze Afghanistan assets Global Times 20 Feb 2024 -- China's special envoy on Afghan affairs Yue Xiaoyong once again urged the US to unfreeze the $7 billion Washington holds of Afghanistan's overseas assets and lift its unilateral sanctions. In an interview with the Global Times on Tuesday, Yue emphasized that Washington's aid plan for Afghanistan only scratches the surface and he urged the US to stop avoiding the real challenges facing Afghanistan.
• Shelling kills 7 displaced people in Myanmar, including a minor Radio Free Asia 20 Feb 2024 -- Junta shelling killed seven civilians in a heavily disputed territory of Myanmar, an ethnic army claimed in a Tuesday statement.
• Junta arrests 600 civilians after their arrival at 2 Rakhine airports Radio Free Asia 20 Feb 2024 -- Junta troops arrested around 600 civilians after their flights from Yangon landed at two airports in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, according to family members and sources with knowledge of the situation, who said the military is holding them on suspicion of attempting to join the armed resistance.
• Rwanda says questions U.S. credibility in mediating peace in Great Lakes region People's Daily 20 Feb 2024 -- Rwanda has said that it questions "the ability of the United States to serve as a credible mediator in the Great Lakes Region."
• Sudan's army says makes first major advance in war with RSF Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- The Sudanese Army (SAF) has made its first major advance in 10 months of war with the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), regaining control of part of the key city of Omdurman.
• UN Security Council Sanctions 6 Rebel Leaders in Congo VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- The U.N. Security Council designated six individuals for sanctions Tuesday for their destabilizing activities in Congo, where violence has escalated in the east this year, intensifying an already dire humanitarian situation.
• UN agencies sound alarm over renewed clashes in eastern DR Congo UN News 20 Feb 2024 -- Amid reports of a renewed escalation of hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN peacekeeping mission in the country has called on the M23 rebels to cease its offensive, the UN Spokesperson said on Monday as the Security Council prepares to meet on Tuesday at 3 PM New York time to discuss the situation.
• The UK is deeply concerned at the worsening violence in eastern DRC: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 20 Feb 2024 -- Statement by Deputy Political Coordinator Thomas Phipps at the UN Security Council meeting on DRC.
• The humanitarian community and the Congolese Government appeal for US$ 2.6 billion to respond to the alarming humanitarian crisis UNOCHA 20 Feb 2024 -- The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the humanitarian community have launched an appeal for US$ 2.6 billion to fund the country's 2024 humanitarian response plan. The funds are aimed at providing life-saving assistance and protection to 8.7 million people in need.
• WFP calls for urgent support to safeguard resilience programmes in The Sahel as funding dwindles WFP 20 Feb 2024 -- Amid persistently high humanitarian needs in West and Central Africa, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is calling on governments and partners to safeguard resilience-building programmes that help crisis-affected communities withstand shocks and meet their own food and nutrition needs. This will prevent a reversal of hard-won development gains in the region and help reduce humanitarian needs over time.

News Reports

• Assange Lawyers Make Last Bid to Prevent Extradition VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- Lawyers for Julian Assange on Tuesday made a last-ditch effort to prevent his extradition to the United States after fighting it for more than a decade.
• International investigation disrupts the world's most harmful cyber crime group NCA 20 Feb 2024 -- The National Crime Agency is today, Tuesday 20 February, revealing details of an international disruption campaign targeting LockBit, the world's most harmful cyber crime group.
• U.S. and U.K. Disrupt LockBit Ransomware Variant US Dept. of Justice 20 Feb 2024 -- The Department of Justice joined the United Kingdom and international law enforcement partners in London today to announce the disruption of the LockBit ransomware group, one of the most active ransomware groups in the world that has targeted over 2,000 victims, received more than $120 million in ransom payments, and made ransom demands totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.
• British, U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies Disrupt Ransomware Group Linked To Russia RFE/RL 20 Feb 2024 -- U.S. and British officials on February 20 announced that they had infiltrated and disrupted a Russian-linked ransomware cybercrime group known as LockBit, arresting two Russian nationals in Poland and Ukraine, and indicting two others in the United States.
• United States Sanctions Affiliates of Russia-Based LockBit Ransomware Group US Treasury 20 Feb 2024 -- Today, the United States is designating two individuals who are affiliates of the Russia-based ransomware group LockBit. This action is the first in an ongoing collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and our international partners targeting LockBit.
• Meeting with Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev President of Russia 20 Feb 2024 -- The President had a working meeting with Minister of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev. The Minister of Agriculture informed the President about humanitarian aid shipments to six countries on the African continent.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Yvan Gil, Caracas, February 20, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Feb 2024
• Russia: Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Mission to the EU summoned by the EEAS European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 Feb 2024 -- The EEAS Managing Director for Eastern Europe, Russia, Central Asia, regional cooperation and OSCE, Michael Siebert, summoned the Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Mission of the Russian Federation to the European Union, Kirill Logvinov, in Brussels.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Yvan Gil, Caracas, February 20, 2024 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Feb 2024
• Moscow City Court Rejects U.S. Journalist Gershkovich's Appeal Against His Pretrial Detention RFE/RL 20 Feb 2024 -- The Moscow City Court rejected another appeal by U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich over his pretrial detention on an espionage charge that he, his employer, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), and the U.S. government reject.
• Comment by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on Russia's hybrid operation against Estonia Estonia MFA 20 Feb 2024 -- It is clear that Russia is systematically trying to undermine our society by organising hybrid operations against our state, our people and our security. It is also clear that we will not break and for us, there is nothing surprising about Russia's hybrid activities.
• Tsahkna in Brussels: Navalny's murderer Putin must get a strong response from the EU Estonia MFA 20 Feb 2024 -- On 19 February, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where the agenda included comprehensive support to Ukraine, the death of Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny, and the situation in the Middle East and the Sahel.
• MFA statement on summoning to MFA of Ambassador of Russian Federation Sergey Andreev Poland - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 20 Feb 2024 -- On 20 February 2024, Ambassador of the Russian Federation Sergey Andreev was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The MFA called on the Russian authorities to take responsibility for the death of Alexei Navalny and conduct a full and transparent investigation to establish the circumstances and the cause of his death.
• China slams NATO over 'hyping' death of Russian opposition figure Press TV 20 Feb 2024 -- China has criticized US-led NATO countries for hyping up the death of the Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, asking them to "stop their tricks", and interference in the internal matters of other countries.
• 'If Anyone Can Continue His Work, Yulia Can': Navalny's Widow Steps Forward In Russian Opposition's Darkest Hour RFE/RL 20 Feb 2024 -- Fighting back her emotions just days after her husband's suspicious death in a remote Russian prison, Yulia Navalnaya, the 47-year-old widow of Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny, vowed to press on with her husband's activism against the increasingly authoritarian government of President Vladimir Putin.
• In Video Message, Navalny's Mother Pleads With Putin To Return Her Son's Body RFE/RL 20 Feb 2024 -- Kremlin opponent Aleksei Navalny's mother has made an impassioned plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin to release the body of her son, who died on February 16 in a remote Arctic penal colony, as outrage mounts over the authorities' handling of Navalny's death.
• Navalny's Mother Pleads With Putin to Release Her Son's Body VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- The mother of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny pleaded Tuesday with President Vladimir Putin to intervene and release her son's body to her so he can be buried with dignity.
• US Sees China Taking 'Concrete Steps' to Counter Drug Trade VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- A high-level meeting between the top U.S. homeland security official and his Chinese counterpart is giving Washington reason to hope that current talks may eventually help stem the flow of drugs such as fentanyl into the United States.
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on February 20, 2024 PRC MofA 20 Feb 2024
• 'Stop harassing' Chinese students, Beijing tells US Radio Free Asia 20 Feb 2024 -- Chinese Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong has accused U.S. authorities of "harassing" Chinese students studying in America and called for law enforcement to instead work harder to "ensure the safety" of Chinese diplomatic personnel sent to the United States.
• Dutch government withdraws permits for ASML to export to China Radio Free Asia 20 Feb 2024 -- The Netherlands has decided to withdraw permits for ASML, the leader in semiconductor equipment manufacturing, to export its equipment to China on fears it may be used for military purposes.
• Netherlands may lose top chip market amid crackdown on China: analysts Global Times 20 Feb 2024 -- Chinese analysts rebuked a Dutch official's claim that China aims to seek military advantages from Netherlands-based ASML's chipmaking tools, saying that the Dutch government's crackdown on China's chip industry - under pressure from the US - may come with a heavy price for the Netherlands, which could lose one of the world's largest chip markets.
• Top HK official vows to advance Article 23 legislation at full speed Global Times 20 Feb 2024 -- As the public consultation period for the legislation of the Article 23 will end in the coming week, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee said on Tuesday that the majority of opinions support the legislation, and the legislation process should be pushed forward at full speed.
• China calls for mindset change to grow, end 'lying flat' bureaucracy Radio Free Asia 20 Feb 2024 -- A directive from a Chinese provincial government seen as aiming to further shore up the ideology of Chinese President Xi Jinping and break away from late leader Deng Xiaoping's reformist thoughts has stirred up heated debate.
• Group launches legal center to fight China's 'long-arm' enforcement Radio Free Asia 20 Feb 2024 -- An overseas rights group is fighting back against China's "long-arm" pursuit of dissidents and activists in exile with a free legal advice service.
• China's securities regulator pledges prompt response to market concerns People's Daily 20 Feb 2024 -- China's securities regulator has said that it will respond to market concerns promptly and work together with all sides to promote the development of the capital market.
• Nearly all ex-allies paying back Taiwan loans: MOFA CNA 20 Feb 2024 -- All of the Republic of China's (ROC) former diplomatic allies, apart from two African states, are repaying loans owed to Taiwanese banks in accordance with their contracts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday.
• Premier urges reciprocal cooperation amid cross-strait maritime dispute CNA 20 Feb 2024 -- Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) on Tuesday called for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to approach the security of Kinmen and Xiamen waters with rationality and equality, following a boat chase that resulted in the death of two Chinese fishermen last week.
• Political party calls on Taiwan authorities to avoid inciting confrontation after incident of mainland fishermen's death Global Times 20 Feb 2024 -- The Labor Party of Taiwan on Tuesday called on Taiwan society, especially the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities to pay attention to dealing with the aftermath of the death of two fishermen from the mainland, to create environment for rational communication and to avoid further inciting cross-Straits confrontations.
• Chinese coast guard causes 'panic' with Taiwan cruise ship boarding Radio Free Asia 20 Feb 2024 -- Chinese coast guard officers boarded a Taiwanese sightseeing vessel near Kinmen island, then inspected its navigation plan and ship documents as the cruise ship's frightened passengers and crew members looked on, Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration said.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 20, 2024 ROC MND 20 Feb 2024
• Taiwan Says Chinese Naval Forces Board Taiwan Tourist Boat VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- Taiwan says a tourist boat from the self-ruled island was boarded by the Chinese coast guard.
• Seoul's Ties With Havana Seen as Setback for Pyongyang VOA 20 Feb 2024 -- Seoul's newly forged diplomatic ties with Havana are a diplomatic setback for North Korea, which views Cuba as a brother country, according to analysts.
• N Korean leader receives a luxurious car gift from Putin: state media Radio Free Asia 20 Feb 2024 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with a Russian-made passenger car, according to the North Korean media, the latest sign of the enhanced ties between the two nations.
• Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Receives Gift from Russian President KCNA 20 Feb 2024 -- Kim Jong Un , president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), was presented with a car made in Russia for his personal use by Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, president of the Russian Federation.
• There's no alternative to JCPOA: Russia IRNA 20 Feb 2024 -- Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's ambassador and permanent representative to international organizations based in Vienna has reiterated that there is no alternative to the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA.
• World News in Brief: Papua New Guinea violence, Ukraine's displaced, $2.6 billion DR Congo appeal UN News 20 Feb 2024 -- The Government of Papua New Guinea must effectively address escalating tribal violence, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Tuesday.
• Georgia: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after the Association Council European External Action Service (EEAS) 20 Feb 2024
• Vietnam indicts former police chief for bribery Radio Free Asia 20 Feb 2024 -- Vietnam has indicted former police chief Do Huu Ca, who was a key figure in a violent forced eviction 12 years ago, on five different charges related to bribery, state media reported Tuesday.