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Statement on the question of Palestine

On the occasion of the meeting of the “Nordic Initiative for a Diplomatic Accord in Israel and Palestine”

Edinburgh, 1 September 2025

by Hans Köchler*

(12 September 2025) “The time for debate and hesitation has passed …” These were the introductory words chosen by the IPC1 formally declaring famine in Gaza.2 This entirely avoidable, man-made disaster should give us pause. How could the international community – that has been propagating the universal values of humanity in virtually thousands of solemn proclamations and declarations – let this happen, after the unspeakable horrors of the Second World War?

“Why world peace depends on Germany”

Assessments by Hauke Ritz, publicist and philosopher, Berlin

by Marita Brune*

(12 September 2025) Attentive observers of world affairs have long wondered why European countries, especially Germany, not only fail to support Trump’s peace initiatives, but even seek to undermine them. This is particularly true of Germany, a country whose politicians have blindly followed everything that has been dictated by the US for decades. Has Germany suddenly discovered that it could act independently? It is impossible to ignore the fact that Europe is doing everything it can to prolong the terrible war in Ukraine. Is Europe, is Germany now possibly responsible for an escalation of this war, which could lead to a world war?

All “disinformation”?

How the state interferes with freedom of expression and freedom of the press

by Dr Jonas Tögel*

(12 September 2025) (CH-S) In the following article, Jonas Tögel describes the dramatic deterioration of freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Germany and the EU, and the methods being used to further destroy them. Most EU states today face accusations of treating their citizens in a despotic manner, patronising them and treating them as compliant subjects.

“Gaza is a hotbed of human rights violations”

Interview with Philippe Lazzarini (UNRWA)* conducted by Guy Mettan**

(5 September 2025) On Friday, 22 August, the United Nations declared a state of famine in Gaza, where more than half a million people are in a “catastrophic” situation. The helpless majority of the world’s population is outraged, while the West remains inactive. Trapped in their guilt over the Holocaust, Western powers remain passive in the face of Israeli attacks, even though a new genocide is underway and a confidential report by the Israeli army confirms that 83% of the 62,000 people killed in Gaza are innocent civilians.

“All peoples must be respected by the powerful in their identity and rights”

Joint Statement by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, 26 August 2025

“In the path of righteousness there is life, in walking its path there is no death” (Proverbs 12,28). 

What a topsy-turvy world!

Responsibility for educational success shifted from adults to children

by Christine Staehelin*

(5 September 2025) The survey data from the check tests carried out in north-western Switzerland and other performance tests in Switzerland speak for themselves. The decline in performance in German is particularly noticeable at primary level, and there are significant differences in performance between children. Social background – however it is defined here – clearly plays a major role, even more so than mother tongue, as was previously assumed. However, the data does not reveal the causes.