In the last Monday Briefing of the semester, we write about press freedom in Israel, focusing on the recent news of Al Jazeera having been banned in the country.
In other news, we look at developments of the war in Ukraine and student protests across American university campuses.
All this and much more in our new issue. Have a read to start your week well informed!
Spotlight: Press freedom is elusive.
by Elisa Latora
“If you’re watching this… then Al Jazeera has been banned in Israel.” These are the pre-recorded of words of Al Jazeera correspondent Imran Khan on his “final report” from East Jerusalem. In the past hours, Israel’s government has moved to shut down the operations of Al Jazeera, raiding their offices in Jerusalem and stopping all satellite broadcasting of the channel – while it is still possible to access it through Facebook.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the cabinet is in support of stopping the broadcasters’ operations in the country while the war in Gaza is ongoing. Netanyahu has long branded Al Jazeera a mouthpiece of Hamas and perceived its news reporting as a “threat to national security”. This is likely to be because, as well as carrying out round-the-clock reporting of the war and its causalities from inside of Gaza, Al Jazeera has published in the past verbatim statements from Hamas and other militant groups in the region. It is no coincidence, then, that Israel passed a law last month which enables the temporary closure of foreign broadcasters considered a threat to national security. This has allowed Netanyahu to effectively stop operations of Al Jazeera for a 45-day period, which could be subject to renewal, lasting until the end of July.
The government’s move has encountered internal political opposition, with the National Unity party, a centrist member of the ruling coalition, saying that the move could “sabotage” efforts to negotiate the freeing of Israeli hostages and complicate ceasefire talks already close to failing. When freedom of press is synonym for transparency and accountability, the closure of Al Jazeera, one of the major (and few) voices reporting from on-the-ground in Gaza, symbolizes a dangerous intensification in Netanyahu’s authoritarianism. The Foreign Press Association stated: “This is a dark day for the media. This is a dark day for democracy.”
Around the World
by Chiara Todesco, Vatsal Aggarwal, and Giulio Savare
- Spain’s PM Pedro Sanchez refuses to quit, vowing to fight ‘unfounded’ attack on his wife. [link to CNN]
On Monday, the five days of reflection expired for the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez who had canceled his public duties after the announcement that a judge had begun a probe against his wife Begoña Gomez “for alleged influence peddling and business corruption”. The awaited result of his reflection period was announced by Sanchez in a TV address: “I have decided to continue, with more force if possible, as the head of the Spanish government.” The prime minister said that the complaint against his wife appeared to be based on “alleged information” published by “right and far-right” digital media, identifying this complaint as part of a campaign against him that has been ongoing for 10 years and “will not stop”.
2. Philippines alleges China damaged vessel in South China Sea disputed shoal. [link to Al Jazeera]
The Philippines has accused China of engaging in provocative actions by reinstalling a barrier at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which China seized from Manila in 2012. Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels encountered China Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia ships, with one PCG vessel hit by water cannon. The incident damaged the ship’s railing and canopy, indicating forceful harassment. China claimed to have expelled Philippine vessels from the area and reinstated a barrier across the shoal’s entrance. This action violates international maritime law, as the shoal falls within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under UNCLOS. The South China Sea dispute involves multiple countries, including Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
3. Colombia to cut diplomatic ties with Israel over Gaza war, Petro says. [link to Al Jazeera]
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced plans to sever diplomatic relations with Israel due to concerns over its actions in Gaza, including accusations of genocide. Petro’s decision reflects his longstanding criticism of Israeli policies and aligns with international human rights advocates’ warnings. Israel has refuted these accusations, framing its actions as necessary for security. Colombia’s move to join an ICJ case against Israel highlights global efforts to address the conflict’s humanitarian implications. The situation underscores complex perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of international diplomacy amid ongoing tensions. Both sides’ responses will continue to shape global discourse on this pressing issue.
4. UN, EU, US urge Georgia to halt ‘foreign agents’ bill as protests grow. [link to Al Jazeera]
Thousands of Georgians are protesting in the capital Tbilisi against the so-called “foreign agent” bill which passed its second reading in parliament this week. The bill would require organizations receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. The protesters accuse the government of being “Kremlin’s puppets” as the bill threats opposition and free speech. The country was a former member of the Soviet Union and saw Russian invasion in 2008 which led to the occupation of 20% of its internationally recognized territory. The director general of the EU Commission’s enlargement directorate raised a warning that the bill would put at risk the country’s aspiration to become a member of the Union.
5. How Counterprotesters at U.C.L.A. Provoked Violence, Unchecked for Hours. [link to NYT]
As the war in Gaza intensifies, student protests have spread across American campuses demanding an immediate ceasefire. Typically, the protests have been peaceful, and most university leaders have initially allowed the protests to proceed. However, violence erupted on Tuesday night at a camp set up by pro-Palestinian protesters on 25 April. Clashes began after counter-demonstrators attempted to dismantle the barricade and pro-Palestinian demonstrators rushed to rebuild it. The violence lasted almost five hours as police did not intervene immediately. Video footage shows dozens of counter-protesters inciting violence and beating the demonstrators with sticks. Fifteen people were reportedly injured in the attack.
European News
by Pietro Ferrari and Zoe Di Lieto
This week’s focus on: The war in Ukraine
Today’s European spotlight focuses on the war in Ukraine, as alarming news from the frontlines arrive on western media. Russian soldiers have been on the offensive for several months at this point and they managed to secure small but significant territorial gains, especially around the city of Avdiivka. This week, the US department of State has claimed that the invaders have used chemical weapons, outlawed by many international treaties, on the Ukrainian troops. American intelligence has identified the gas Chloropicrin as the main agent used on the frontlines. New sanctions against the chemical and biological weapons programs were issued as a response.
The war is slowly drifting in Putin’s favor, as the lack and delays of western weapons and ammunition to Ukraine has hindered the resistance of the attacked army. Fear of a catastrophic defeat and a subsequent breakthrough spreads across Europe and the US, as the Russians advance. From Paris, President Emanuel Macron has repeated what he had stated some weeks ago, this time clearer than ever. The sending of French boots on the ground is not out of the picture, if the Ukrainians were to ask for such drastic help. For the moment this kind of request has not arrived, but the war situation is changing fast.
2. Scotland leader Humza Yousaf resigns in latest setback for independence. [link to The Washington Post]
Scottish prime minister Humza Yousaf has resigned from the position of leader of the Scottish National Party, the leading force in the parliament and a long lasting force advocating for independence from London, and thus from the role for head of government itself. The major cause of this crisis is the breakdown of the deal that the SNP had with the Scottish Green Party, mainly in matters of ecological transition and social rights.
Yousaf was in power since February of 2023, when his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon had stepped down.
3. Jannik Sinner Withdraws from Rome Internationals Due to Injury. [link to Il Messaggero]
Jannik Sinner withdrew from the Internazionali di Roma tournament due to the same physical problems to his right hip that made him leave the Madrid Open earlier. “I am sad but I will still come to Rome” he announced. Right now the only goal for the player is to best prepare for the Roland-Garros. Given his young age there might be chance for a fast recovery, even though the length of such condition is not yet certain.
4. Sadiq Khan Re-elected Mayor of London in Latest Win for Labour Party. [link to NYT]
Sadiq Kahn became the first three-time winner mayor of London. He was initially elected in 2016, taking the position of the first Muslim mayor of London. With this victory is can be analysed that the city tends to lean to the left, as Susan Hall, candidate for the Conservative party, only scored 32 percent of votes when Mr. Kahn won 43 per cent. “We answered fearmongering with facts, hate with hope and attempts to divide with efforts to unite” said the mayor in a speech.
Bocconi news
Last week ended with good vibes at the Bocconi Sport Center, as alumni, students, and the Bocconi Sport Team exchanged stories and shared the passion that unites them.
European elections are getting closer, and political campaigns continue. As Bocconi students, we have the possibility and the right to vote. On 9 May, it’s Europe Day, and if you want to have quick responses to make your voting decision clearer, on that day IEP@BU will participate in a flash mob “speed date” at Castello Sforzesco. Everyone will have the chance to ask Bocconi experts and professors about the powers of the European Union and its hot policies.
The most shocking news today is that this academic year is drawing to a close, marking our final Monday briefing for Tra I Leoni. We’ve cherished your readership and hope many more will join us next year. As usual, we present a list of upcoming events, this time the last events of this wonderful year:
- Food&Beverage | 06/05/2024 | 18:15 | Aula 24 | B.WINE + BFOOD + STARTING FINANCE | Speakers: Valentina Abbona, Francesca Verna, and Eric Marchisio
- Inflation in Europe: How geopolitics and economics shaped the continent’s crisis | 06/05/2024 | 6:30 pm | Room N02 | ALEPH-ANALISI STRATEGICHE + ASTRA BOCCONI | Guest speakers: Carlo Favero, Michele Boldrin
- Leadership al femminile | 06/05/2024 | 18:30 | Aula 32 | B.LAB BOCCONI + M&A CIRCLE + WIF | Speakers: Marta De Donno, Alberto Sampietro, Lucia Francesca Pellino
- GUARDANDO OLTRE I CONFINI: UN DIALOGO GLOBALE SULLA LEGALITÀ | 07/05/2024 | 10:00 | Aula Franceschi
- Benvenuti al Moulin Rouge! Bocconi edition | 07/05/2024 | 20:30 | Aula Magna Roentgen
- Performing Arts Night | 08/05/2024 at 7 pm | Aula Magna Roentgen
- Il genere politico | 09/05/2024 at 18:30 | Aula 13 | BOCCONI EQUAL STUDENTS + BOCCONI D’INCHIOSTRO | Speaker: Lorenzo Bernini
- Trasformare un genere: l’importanza degli “Addetti ai Lavori” | 09/05/2024 at 18:00 | GUD | RADIO BOCCONI | Speaker: Paola Zukar
- Etichette di carta…velina | 09/05/2024 at 18:30 | Aula 32 | ASTRA BOCCONI | Speaker: Ludovica Meral Frasca
- Le carceri: storie di vita e rinascita | 10/05/2024 at 18:30 | Aula 31 | STUDENTI BOCCONI RETTORIA SAN FERDINANDO + IUS@B + RES ETHICA | Speakers: Daniel Zaccaro, Eleonora Montani
- Milano a prima vista | 10/05/2024 at 18:30 | Aula Manfredini | ASTRA BOCCONI + BOCCONI TV | Speakers: Ida di Filippo, Gianluca Torre, Mariana D’Amico
Every week, your TiL Monday Briefing 🗞: you better read it with a cup of coffee! ☕️
Head of the Monday Briefing column: Pietro Ferrari. Current writing staff: Vatsal Aggarwal, Cristiana Murè. Cartoons by Polina Mednikova. The Monday Briefing column was established in its current form in 2021 by Bojan Zeric.
Having lived both in Italy and the UK, I enjoy exploring how multiculturalism affects our personal identities. I use language, writing and journalism as tools to decipher the world around me. And, I will of course never turn down a lively convo about current news. With a degree in Economic and Social sciences, I’m now pursuing a master’s in Politics and Policy Analysis.
I'm Chiara Todesco, I live in Milan where I'm attending the first year at Bocconi’s bachelor in International Politics and Government. I have done classical studies at liceo classico Carducci and I'm interested in humanities and politics. I like to study and deepen my knowledge about international dynamics. I'm active in my territory as “consigliera di municipio”.
Hi, it’s Zoe Di Lieto here, student from the Economic and social sciences course here in Bocconi. I grew up in Rome and I’ve only recently moved to Milan for university. I’m a passionate reader, I love to travel and I like to play a little guitar occasionally. I’d say the fields I’m most interested in are literature, philosophy and cultures, especially how different cultural background affects social behavior.
I am a cosmopolitan human being, deeply passionate about journalism, political economics, equality and sustainability. I started reading and writing at the age of 4, which have been my lifelong saviors. As a child, I enjoyed playing and painting. Furthermore, my wanderlust has led me through scout, exchange and Interrail adventures. Now, as a former 'BIG' student, I immerse myself in politics and policy analysis, creating new kind of canvases and traveling by data.
I have spent most of my life in India before recently moving to Milan, where I am pursuing an MSc in Finance at Bocconi. I am interested in politics, art and culture, cinema, and travelling. Through my writing, I aspire to document important voices and present opinions. In my free time, I try to keep up with my movies-to-watch list, sample as many restaurants as I can, and find cats to pet.
Always trying to extend my knowledge about the mysterious forces that shape our reality, sometimes with some weird model, sometimes by reading the news. In this chapter of my life I am pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Economic and Social Sciences at Bocconi.
