Hamas isn't thrilled about the new watered-down UN resolution

Hi Global Recap readers,

With a hectic week coming to a close, I wish you a splendid weekend and a joyous holiday season with your near and dear ones.

As for me, it’s time to switch off from the world afar and immerse myself in the warmth of those around me.

Because sometimes, we need to unplug from today’s hyper-connected world.

🌐 Around the world:

• 🇯🇵 Japan’s response to missile threats.

• 👨‍💻 Iranian Hackers are at it again.

• 🇺🇸 US exposes Iran’s involvement.

• 🚔 Germany charges 2 ISIS-linked Syrians.

• 🇺🇳 UN passes watered-down resolution on Gaza aid (but Hamas isn’t thrilled).

Let’s get into today’s news.

🇯🇵 Japan’s Had Enough

Did you know that Japan's military, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), is purely defensive?

As the name suggests, it's designed for self-defense and peacekeeping operations under the country's post-WWII constitution.

However, in recent years, the government has been attempting to amend the constitution to eventually allow offensive strikes and overseas deployment, among other initiatives.

• Now: With regional threats looming, primarily from North Korea and China, it’s pumping a record-breaking ¥7.95 trillion (~$56 billion) into defense for 2024 - a 16% hike.

• Plan: To fast-track long-range missiles capable of reaching the two communist countries.

• Threat: North Korea’s constant nuclear threat and missile tests frequently prompt air sirens in the country, warning people to take cover.

Take a listen:

Click for more

🚨 Iranian Malware Attack

Iran's sneaky hackers are at it again, trying to steal defense secrets with a new nasty malware.

Microsoft saw through their tricks though.

• Malware: FalseFont.

• Method: Although not detailed by Microsoft, it is assumed that email phishing, social engineering, and/or exploitation of unpatched device vulnerabilities were used.

• Target: Weapon makers in over 100k companies.

Click for more

🇮🇷 Iran’s Deep Involvement

The US has declassified intelligence revealing Iran’s deep involvement in Red Sea commercial vessel attacks, where Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial ships - forcing major firms to suspend shipments through the region.

• Attacks: The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have launched over 100 attacks in recent weeks, reportedly with Iran providing critical support.

• Support: Drones. missiles, monitoring systems, and intelligence for selecting targets.

• However: Iran has been denying any involvement for months now.

• Why Release Intel? To disrupt Iran’s actions.

Click for more

🚔 Germany Charges ISIS-linked Syrians

Germany has indicted two Syrians for heinous war crimes committed a decade ago in Damascus, allegedly part of the notorious Islamic State.

• Accusations: Membership in a foreign terror group and lethal hostage-taking.

• Suspects’ Past: Joined ISIS around 2013, with one accused of executing prisoners and the other of leading a bomb-planting unit.

• Refugee Context: Over the past decade, Germany has become a haven for hundreds of thousands of Syrians fleeing their homeland’s civil war.

Click for more

🏷️ Your Choice Matters

Have you ever wondered: “Am I unwittingly supporting the CCP?”

Given that the CCP has control over companies in China, your purchases of Chinese products may be indirectly contributing to their power.

That’s why: We’ve created a simple browser extension called Shop Safe.

• Instantly identify if a product is from China while you shop online.

• We don't collect data, not even an email. No hidden agendas – just transparency for conscious choices.

• It’s FREE.

Click for more

United Nations

UN Passes Lifeline Resolution for Gaza, But Hamas Isn’t Happy

📦 Aid Boost for Gaza. The UN Security Council has agreed to enhance humanitarian aid to Gaza, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

🤝 Unanimous, Yet Divided. The resolution, put forth by the United Arab Emirates, was approved after intense discussions. Notably, the US previously vetoed the original version of the resolution that called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire.”

🕊️ Compromise. The original call for a ceasefire was modified to call for “urgent steps to immediately allow safe, unhindered, and expanded humanitarian access and to create the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.”

🇷🇺 Russia’s Amendment. Russia wanted to go further. Instead of a call for creating conditions for “a sustainable cessation of hostilities,” it wanted the wording to be “an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities.” But it was shut down by the US.

🇺🇸 US’ Response. In response to Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, saber-rattling a veto card, the US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield said ahead of the vote:

The End Result

🇺🇸🇷🇺 US + Russia. Well, the US didn’t veto this time. In fact, it was joined by Russia in abstaining from the vote.

🇺🇳 UN Rules. The 15-member UN Security Council includes 5 Permanent Member States - China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US. If any of these members cast a negative vote, the resolution is not approved. However, they may abstain, to allow the resolution to be passed with a total of nine affirmative votes.

• Here’s the UN’s explanation of their voting system.

Click here for the resolution

Palestine’s Response

📜 UN Resolution Sparks Debate. If you thought Palestine would be happy about this decision, you are mistaken. Instead, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have voiced contrasting opinions.

• The Palestinian Authority views the UN’s resolution as “a step in the right direction.”

• Hamas criticizes it for being an “insufficient step.”