Israel-Hamas War / Protests at the Judicial Branch

Israel-Hamas War. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador informed that the 276 Mexicans who were trapped in the war between Israel and Hamas have been rescued.

On Oct. 7, the Palestine-Islamic militant group Hamas, which opposes Israeli control of Palestine, launched a surprise sea, air and ground attack on Israeli territory. Hamas attacked military targets and took control of several Israeli-controlled settlements. Israel subsequently declared war on the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by Hamas. Even though Hamas forces are located in the Gaza Strip, Palestinian civilians are also there and, due to the Gaza fence, cannot flee the area. The conflict between Palestinians and Israelis is more than 75 years old, when the British facilitated the mass migration of Jews to Palestine. According to yesterday’s figures, more than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel and more than 1,055 in the Gaza Strip.

Fentanyl Crisis. Minister of National Defense Luis Cresencio Sandoval reported that 7,772.95kg of fentanyl have been seized during López Obrador's administration.

Fentanyl represents one of the most critical healthcare issues for Mexico and the US, becoming a key discussion topic for both countries. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), fentanyl is a synthetic opioid considered to be 30 to 50 times stronger than heroin and 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. In 2021, there were approximately 70,000 deaths in the US related to fentanyl and in 2022, fentanyl deaths accounted for 66% percent of drug-related deaths in that country. With the price of fentanyl being at its lowest, consumption is increasing in Mexico and the US, according to authorities. 

Judicial Power. President López Obrador criticized the protests of Judicial Branch workers over the termination of benefits. "Do not be fooled, we are only taking away their very high salaries to make them fairer."

Last week, the proposal for the disappearance of 13 trusts linked to the Judicial Branch was approved, which seeks to cut more than MX$15 billion (US$836.6 million) to the branch. Following the announcement, the National Renewal Union called for a work stoppage, arguing that the proposal affects their labor rights.

In May, Mexicans marched in favor of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN). The march comes in response to the constant attacks by the federal government, led by President López Obrador and figures from MORENA. Accusations of privileges and conflicts of interest have escalated following the annulment of the first part of the 'Plan B' of the Electoral Reform.