This is ‘Global Village Today’, which brings you important news from various countries around the world.
Host) What news is there today?
Reporter) The Israeli military ordered residents of Gaza City, the center of the Palestinian Gaza Strip, to evacuate. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will hold its annual nuclear deterrence exercise next week.
Host) Global Today, the first news is about the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas. An evacuation order was issued to Gaza residents on the 13th?
Reporter) That’s right. The Israeli military ordered residents of Gaza City, located in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, on the 13th to leave for the southern part of the Gaza Strip within 24 hours. The Israeli military announced, “Civilians in Gaza City should evacuate to the south for the safety of themselves and their families and distance themselves from Hamas terrorists who use you as human shields.”
Host) Why did the Israeli military issue an evacuation order for residents?
Reporter) Yes. The Israeli military explained that this was to destroy Hamas military infrastructure in Gaza City. The Israeli military pointed out that “Hamas terrorists are hiding in tunnels under houses or in buildings where there are many innocent civilians.” “Every part of Hamas’ infrastructure will be attacked,” Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said.
Host) So, you ordered civilians to evacuate in order to carry out a military operation to destroy Hamas facilities?
Reporter) That’s right. The Israeli military said, “In the coming days, the military will continue important operations in Gaza City and make extensive efforts to reduce casualties to civilians,” adding, “Do not return until further advised.”
Host) Can the evacuation order for residents be seen as a signal that the deployment of ground troops to the Gaza Strip is imminent?
Reporter) That’s right. It is reported that Israel has currently deployed approximately 300,000 troops and tanks around the Gaza Strip in preparation for the deployment of ground forces. The Israeli military previously said that it was preparing to move troops, but that the government had not yet decided. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would wipe out Hamas and threatened them with death.
Host) What is the local reaction to the evacuation order?
Reporter) Yes. Media reports say the evacuation order is causing great fear among hundreds of thousands of local residents and aid workers. “The United Nations does not believe that such a move is possible without catastrophic humanitarian consequences,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. “If the evacuation order is confirmed, we strongly demand that it be canceled to avoid the tragedy that has already occurred turning into a catastrophic situation,” Dujarric said.
Host) Are you concerned that there will be a big problem as many residents evacuate?
Reporter) That’s right. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society pointed out that many people, including patients, have no way to travel safely.
Host) Is there any reaction from Hamas regarding the Israeli military order?
Reporter) Yes. Hamas called the evacuation order “fake propaganda” and urged residents to stay at home. Hamas also claimed that “Israel is trying to sow chaos among the population and undermine the cohesion of our internal front.”
Host) It is known that the situation in the Gaza Strip, which has been under attack day after day since Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on the 7th, is very bad right now, right?
Reporter) That’s right. According to UN estimates, more than 400,000 people have already fled their homes in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported that fuel to power generators at hospitals in the Gaza Strip will soon run out. The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) says there are severe food and water shortages. ICRC regional director Fabrizio Carboni said, “The suffering this situation has caused is terrible,” and added, “We implore both sides to reduce the suffering of civilians.”
Host) How much casualty has been lost on both sides so far?
Reporter) Yes. More than 1,400 people were killed in the Gaza Strip and 1,300 on the Israeli side. In particular, it is known that at least 150 Israelis are being held hostage in the Gaza Strip.
Host) Meanwhile, high-ranking U.S. government officials visited Israel to convey support and support for Israel?
Reporter) That’s right. Secretary of State Tony Blinken arrived in Israel on the 12th, and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel on the 13th. Secretary Blinken held a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on the 12th. He said Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people and emphasized that the United States will always stand with Israel.
Host) Secretary Blinken visited not only Israel but also neighboring countries to discuss this situation, right?
Reporter) Yes. Secretary Blinken met with Jordan’s King Abdullah and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on the 13th. Secretary Blinken also plans to visit allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss the situation.
A Tornado aircraft takes off after participating in the ‘Air Defender’ air defense training in northern Germany last June. (file photo)
Host) This is the next news from Global Village Today. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is starting an eye-catching exercise next week?
Reporter) Yes. NATO will hold its annual nuclear deterrence exercise, Steadfast Noon, from the 16th to the 26th. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg explained on the 12th that this training is a regular exercise held every October, and that “this year, training will be held in Italy, Croatia, and the Mediterranean.”
Host) What is the specific goal of this training?
Reporter) Yes. Secretary-General Stoltenberg said the exercise “will help ensure the reliability, effectiveness and safety of NATO’s nuclear deterrent and send a clear message that NATO will protect and defend its allies.”
Host) If it is a nuclear deterrence exercise, will actual nuclear warheads be used in the exercise?
Reporter) That’s not it. Fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads are mobilized. The training involves the latest fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and aerial refueling aircraft from 13 NATO member countries. Among these is the B-52 strategic bomber flying from the U.S. mainland.
Host) I understand that NATO conducts nuclear deterrence exercises every year, but does not directly possess nuclear weapons? Is that correct?
Reporter) That’s right. NATO, as an organization, does not possess nuclear weapons of any kind. However, only some member states have nuclear weapons. Among NATO members, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France are nuclear weapons states.
Host) Is there a reason why this ‘steadfast eye’ training has been attracting more attention since last year?
Reporter) Yes. Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. This is because Russia threatened to use tactical nuclear weapons if necessary while carrying out this war. Russia has repeatedly emphasized the role of nuclear weapons in its military posture at a time when conventional forces are struggling in the war in Ukraine. In this regard, Secretary-General Stoltenberg emphasized that the war in Ukraine is a reminder of the important role NATO nuclear weapons play in deterring aggression.
Host) But recently, Russia has been making eye-catching moves regarding nuclear weapons, right?
Reporter) That’s right. First, Russia announced earlier this year that it would suspend implementation of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Agreement (New START) signed with the United States. Meanwhile, there has been controversy recently when it was announced that ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) could be withdrawn. NewStart and CTBT are two important pillars of the international community’s efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
Host) Withdrawal of CTBT ratification is not just a threat; is Russia actually taking steps to implement it?
Reporter) Yes. The Russian House of Representatives (Duma) announced on the 12th that it plans to vote next week on a bill to withdraw ratification of the CTBT. The Duma is taking these steps following President Vladimir Putin’s signal. President Putin said last week that the withdrawal of ratification reflects the U.S. position.
Host) What does President Putin mean by the US position?
Reporter) Yes. This refers to a situation where the United States has signed the CTBT, but unlike Russia, has not ratified it. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow would withdraw from the agreement to be on equal footing with the United States.
Host) Will Russia actually resume nuclear testing if it leaves CTBT?
Reporter) That’s not it. Russia has placed conditions on resuming nuclear testing. They say they will only conduct nuclear tests if the United States resumes nuclear tests. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg said Russia’s move “shows a lack of respect for and continued disregard for its commitments to the international community. This is reckless and threatens the international norm against nuclear testing.” I did.
Host) We will listen to this part of the global village today.
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2023-10-13 12:31:13
