Gaza, DR Congo, Mali

Today's three stories you should know

Gaza

A rare courtroom glimpse of prominent Palestinian doctor Hussam Abu Safiya, who was abducted from northern Gaza’s last functioning hospital by the Israeli army 17 months ago, has renewed calls for his release. Abu Safiya has since been held without any formal charges and has been kept in what his lawyers have said are extremely harsh conditions, often going without medical treatment and sufficient food. Appearing via video link in front of Israel’s Supreme Court, the 53-year-old was gaunt and pale and had what looked like lash marks or skin disease on his arms. After the court appearance, Abu Safiya’s lawyer, Nasser Odeh, said he had a message from the doctor to impart: “I am a pediatrician who provides medical care to patients, the wounded, and the most vulnerable in the Strip. I carried out my work in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards. My detention is unjust and arbitrary.”

More from AP here.

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Coming this week: Ethiopia.

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DR Congo

The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has spread into a new area, authorities said, indicating sustained transmission three weeks after the outbreak was declared. It brings the number of affected “health zones” to 26 nationwide and ​18 in the conflict-ridden Ituri province, which accounts for more than ​94 percent of confirmed cases. A health zone in DRC covers an area with a network of clinics and a referral ​hospital. There have been 635 confirmed cases and 127 deaths, as well as hundreds of suspected cases and deaths. The outbreak is of the rarer Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine.

More from Reuters here.

Proximities has published a deep dive on the Ebola outbreak here.

Mali

Two Malian journalists have been arrested in the latest incident in a crackdown on the media as the country’s military rulers grapple with an escalating insurgency. Chahana Takiou and Abdramane Keïta were detained on similar charges focused on undermining the “credibility of the State.” Takiou, director of the “22 Septembre” newspaper, had said he regretted that another journalist was being tried under a cybercrime law, while Keïta had reported the fact that the town of Kidal was now under the control of the Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin armed group. “The authorities should immediately release Takiou and Keïta and drop charges stemming from their exercise of the right to freedom of expression,” Ilaria Allegrozzi, of Human Rights Watch, said.

More from Human Rights Watch here.

Proximities has published a deep dive on the conflict in the Sahel here.