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Kelly Petillo

@kellyp90.bsky.social
264 followers 95 following 6 posts

MENA Programme Manager at ECFR, focusing on regional migration and humanitarian issues. London based.

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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR MENA @ecfrmena.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
🔴 NEW @ecfr.eu commentary by @kellyp90.bsky.social: With over a thousand dead and a million displaced, Lebanon is edging toward state collapse. Europe must go beyond humanitarian aid and throw its full weight behind France’s diplomatic push 👇️ ecfr.eu/article/leba...
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Lebanon on the brink: Europe must act now if it wants to prevent a refugee wave – European Council on Foreign Relations
With over a thousand dead and a million displaced, Lebanon is edging toward state collapse. Europe must go beyond humanitarian aid and throw its full weight beh
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR MENA @ecfrmena.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
📰 @kellyp90.bsky.social speaks to Deutsche Welle about the worsening humanitarian situation in Lebanon 👇️ www.dw.com/en/lebanon-h...
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Lebanese fear wider war as Hezbollah-Israel attacks escalate
The expanding Middle East war has triggered a new displacement crisis in Lebanon. Amid ongoing attacks, Beirut has postponed parliamentary elections. What is happening to people on the ground?
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR MENA @ecfrmena.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
🎙️ On the latest Arab Digest podcast episode, @kellyp90.bsky.social discusses the challenges facing refugees and IDPs in Syria, Sudan and Palestine 👇 podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...
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Migrants, IDPs and the Middle East
Podcast Episode · Arab Digest podcasts · 17/12/2025 · 27m
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR MENA @ecfrmena.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Today the EU is unveiling its new Pact for the Mediterranean, which aims at establishing comprehensive partnerships between the EU & its Southern Neighbourhood. Take a look at @ecfr.eu's new expert analysis to find out how exactly could this look: 👇
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Jason Davidson @profjwdavidson.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Incredibly thorough policy brief on Italy, the EU and the Wider Mediterranean. I recommend this one highly. Great work! @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @kellyp90.bsky.social The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean: ecfr.eu/publication/...
ecfr.eu
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean
Italy and the EU must work more closely together in the “Wider Mediterranean” on energy, migration and security. Here’s how they can do it.
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Umberto Profazio @profazio.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
If you get lost in the narrow streets between the Mattei Plan, the Global Gateway and the Rome Process, this policy brief by @kellyp90.bsky.social @arturovarvelli.bsky.social @ecfr.eu will guide you through, suggesting a more symbiotic relationship between the #EU and #Italy. ecfr.eu/publication/...
ecfr.eu
The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean
Italy and the EU must work more closely together in the “Wider Mediterranean” on energy, migration and security. Here’s how they can do it.
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR Rome @ecfrrome.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
Giorgia Meloni mira a ridefinire il rapporto 🇮🇹 con i Paesi del Sud del Mediterraneo attraverso la creazione di partenariati eguali. Ciò implica anche il rafforzamento del ruolo del settore privato. ✍️ @kellyp90.bsky.social & @arturovarvelli.bsky.social
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The turtle and the pilot fish: How the EU and Italy can help each other in the Mediterranean | ECFR
Italy and the EU must work more closely together in the “Wider Mediterranean” on energy, migration and security. Here’s how they can do it.
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Kelly Petillo @kellyp90.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Finally, it’s out! My new paper on Italy’s engagement in the Mediterranean:
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR @ecfr.eu · 01/10/2025
Italy can do more. It should immediately stop blocking EU action to suspend the trade clause of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, writes @kellyp90.bsky.social @ecfrmena.bsky.social in @dawnmenaorg.bsky.social bit.ly/4gHSAgG
dawnmena.org
Italy Should Lift its Block on EU Action to Stop the Genocide in Gaza
After almost two years of genocide, famine, ethnic cleansing and unspeakable war crimes, European Union Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen proposed a partial suspension of EU-Israel ties and sa...
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
DAWN @dawnmenaorg.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
"Leading EU countries like Italy must seize the moment to advance deeper moves that materially hold Israel accountable for its crimes in Gaza and across the Occupied Palestinian Territories," writes @kellyp90.bsky.social.
dawnmena.org
Italy Should Lift its Block on EU Action to Stop the Genocide in Gaza
After almost two years of genocide, famine, ethnic cleansing and unspeakable war crimes, European Union Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen proposed a partial suspension of EU-Israel ties and sa...
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Claudio Francavilla @claudiofrancavilla.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
It’s taken nearly 2 years of atrocities for the EU to finally propose suspending the #EU - #Israel deal. But without #Germany’s backing, it won’t go anywhere. Berlin should stop opposing EU action, uphold its duties under the #Genocide Convention: hrw.org/news/2025/09... @aussenminister.diplo.de
hrw.org
As Israel Escalates Assault, Germany Should Support EU Action on Gaza
The German government has so far claimed that only bilateral diplomacy, without concrete action by the European Union, is enough to press Israel to halt its atrocities. It hasn’t worked.
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Kelly Petillo @kellyp90.bsky.social · 30/09/2025
My intervention for @france24.com’s The Debate programme on EU dynamics surrounding the Gaza war, including the Meloni government’s response: m.youtube.com/watch?v=MjM3...
m.youtube.com
Netanyahu under pressure to accept Trump plan for Gaza • FRANCE 24 English
YouTube video by FRANCE 24 English
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Kelly Petillo @kellyp90.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
New piece where I argue that shifts in the Italian position towards Israel are not enough. Italy also needs to vote in favour of a partial suspension of the EU Association Agreement with Israel. With VdL & right-wing EU countries voicing support for this, now the time is ripe for Italy to follow.
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR MENA @ecfrmena.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
📰 US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on #Syria could stabilize Syria on many levels. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions. Read @jbdacey.bsky.social & @kellyp90.bsky.social 's comments in @news.dw.com
p.dw.com
No more US sanctions: What does Syria's future look like? – DW – 05/15/2025
US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria could stabilize Syria on many levels. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Mai El-Sadany @maitelsadany.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Beautiful to see the footage of Syrians celebrating following Trump's sanctions announcement. Friends in Syria say scenes are reminiscent of celebrations after the regime's fall. Certainly much to do, but let's take a moment to share the relief millions of are feeling tonight.
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Fared Al Mahlool | فريد المحلول @faredalmahlool.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
A journalist asks President Donald Trump: “Will there be a meeting with the Syrian President?” Trump: “Yes, I think so.”
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ECFR MENA @ecfrmena.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
📰 "Regional actors, (most) of all Egypt and Jordan, have been very clear in their total rejection of any displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, and of the possibility of them receiving these refugees " comments @kellyp90.bsky.social for Arab News
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Why Israel’s Gaza reoccupation threat is fueling fears of regional spillover
LONDON: For the people of Gaza, the threat of destruction, displacement and death at the hands of the Israeli military is nothing new. But for the next week they will living with a countdown to a…
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Tarek Megrisi @tmegrisi.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
My long read for @ecfr.eu and probably the publication im most proud of in all my years doing this. A deep dive into how Russia retrenched in Libya, uses it to project power from Ukraine to the Sahel, and the many lessons Europe or other frontline states can learn from it ecfr.eu/publication/...
ecfr.eu
The bear who came to tea: Russia, Libya and the Kremlin’s playbook for fragile states
Russia’s re-entrenchment in Libya, Europe’s soft underbelly, offers profound lessons on how it exploits geopolitical instability—and how Europeans can push back…
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The New Arab @thenewarab.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Tens of thousands of Egyptians took part in a rare pro-Palestine demonstration on Monday (Eid al-Fitr). This rare sight was most likely prompted by the ongoing pressures Cairo faces to accept Donald Trump's 'Gaza plan'⬇️
newarab.com
Egypt sees rare pro-Palestine protests on Eid al-Fitr
Egyptians went out after Eid prayers waving flags and raising photos of President Sisi, as the country remains under pressure from Trump’s proposal
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR @ecfr.eu · 26/02/2025
CDU’s victory puts Merz on track as Germany’s next chancellor, pushing a hard-line migration plan. But @kellyp90.bsky.social doubts that the plan presented in Jan. will be implemented "because it violates EU law and European countries have said they will not cooperate." via MEE:
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What does the German election mean for refugees?
Newly elected leader vows dramatic tightening of the immigration law, including return to hard borders
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ECFR @ecfr.eu · 29/01/2025
📺 For DW, @kellyp90.bsky.social warns about the impact of Israel passing two laws banning @UNRWA in Gaza and in the West Bank. @ecfrmena.bsky.social
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What Israel's UNRWA ban would mean for Palestinians | DW News
Israel is cutting all contact with the United Nations Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA. The government says the organization is a security threat and has pre...
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ECFR @ecfr.eu · 27/01/2025
Speaking with DW about the political transition in Syria, @kellyp90.bsky.social reminded that "I don't think there is any example I know of in the region of a political transition that has occurred within six months to a year. These things last a long time."
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European Union mulls easing Syria sanctions — with a catch – DW – 01/24/2025
For the first time since the fall of Bashar Assad's regime in Syria, the EU is considering lifting sanctions in a variety of sectors. But the bloc wants to keep leverage over the Islamist group now…
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
LEBANON: Critical days ahead • Session tom. to vote for President • Gen. Joseph Aoun leading name • Backed by US, Saudi, others • Still would need amendment • If elected, would end > 2 yr void
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ECFR @ecfr.eu · 30/12/2024
What steps can Europe take to ensure sustainable refugee returns in Syria? Find out in @kellyp90.bsky.social's latest commentary 👇 ecfr.eu/article/how-...
ecfr.eu
How European leaders can support sustainable refugee returns in a post-Assad Syria
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support Syria’s transit...
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ECFR @ecfr.eu · 16/12/2024
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to ensure voluntary, sustainable returns, writes @kellyp90.bsky.social👇 ecfr.eu/article/how-...
ecfr.eu
How European leaders can support sustainable refugee returns in a post-Assad Syria
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support Syria’s transit...
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR MENA @ecfrmena.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
📑 NEW @ecfr.eu commentary by @kellyp90.bsky.social: European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support #Syria’s transition in a constructive way & ensure voluntary, sustainable returns. Read it here 👇 ecfr.eu/article/how-...
ecfr.eu
How European leaders can support sustainable refugee returns in a post-Assad Syria
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support Syria’s transit...
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
ECFR Rome @ecfrrome.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
L'ascesa di agende politiche di destra nella politica europea si scontra con i dilemmi del dopo-Assad per i rifugiati #siriani. I leader 🇪🇺​ devono superare le pressioni interne per assicurare rimpatri volontari e sostenibili, scrive @kellyp90.bsky.social👇 ecfr.eu/article/how-...
ecfr.eu
How European leaders can support sustainable refugee returns in a post-Assad Syria
A rise in right-wing agendas in European politics is colliding with post-Assad refugee dilemmas for Syrians and the region. European leaders must navigate domestic pressures to support Syria’s transit...
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Reposted by Kelly Petillo
Hafsa Halawa @hafsahalawa.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
The Arabs at Doha Forum are just walking around embracing each other, congratulating each other, celebrating. “كل عام و كل ثورة بخير" Feels like all of us are Syrian today.
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Al Jazeera English @al-jazeera-english.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
youtu.be/5IUO-LleTyM?...
youtu.be
Syrians gathering at Lebanon-Syria border, seeking to return home
YouTube video by Al Jazeera English
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Financial Times @financialtimes.com · 08/12/2024
Breaking news: Syrian rebels have seized Damascus and toppled the Assad dynasty www.ft.com/content/a953...
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Kelly Petillo @kellyp90.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
Syrian army quits Homs, cutting Assad off from coast - www.reuters.com/world/middle...
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Kelly Petillo @kellyp90.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
Meanwhile death toll in Gaza and number of wounded people continue to rise with 20 killed just today
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Fared Al Mahlool | فريد المحلول @faredalmahlool.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
BREAKING NEWS - Syrian opposition factions continue to advance towards the capital Damascus
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 05/12/2024
Israel’s war in Gaza amounts to genocide, Amnesty International report finds
theguardian.com
Israel’s war in Gaza amounts to genocide, Amnesty International report finds
Human rights group says Israel ‘brazenly, continuously and with total impunity … unleashed hell’ on strip’s 2.3m population A report from Amnesty International alleges that Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip constitutes the crime of genocide…
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Liz Sly @lizsly.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
The Syrian rebels have taken Hama. The Syrian army announced its withdrawal. This is momentous. The next city is Homs. After that, Damascus. www.reuters.com/world/middle...
reuters.com
Syrian rebels enter Hama as army announces departure from key city
Syrian rebels ousted pro-government forces from Hama on Thursday, bringing the insurgents a major new victory after a lightning advance across northern Syria and dealing a new blow to President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.
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Aron Lund @aronlund.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Incredible: “Syrian rebels ousted pro-government forces from Hama on Thursday … The Syrian army said it was redeploying outside the city ‘to preserve civilians lives and prevent urban combat’ after what it called intense clashes.” Suleiman al-Khalidi, @reuters.com: www.reuters.com/world/middle...
reuters.com
Syrian rebels enter Hama as army announces departure from key city
Syrian rebels ousted pro-government forces from Hama on Thursday, bringing the insurgents a major new victory after a lightning advance across northern Syria and dealing a new blow to President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.
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Martin Konečný @martinkonecny.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
🧵A few more points on the French position on the ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Bottomline: there's very likely no immunity for Netanyahu in France, despite the MFA announcement last Wednesday. There have been two developments since then:
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Fared Al Mahlool | فريد المحلول @faredalmahlool.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
BREAKING - Russian airstrikes target a group of health centers including Idlib University Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital, National Hospital, and the Health Directorate in Idlib Governorate, Syria.
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Joyce Karam @joycekaram.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
🧵 Lebanon Ceasefire • Israel achieved: “mowing the lawn”, decoupling Lebanon from Gaza, reaching Litani, room to strike later • Hezbollah achieved: continue to fight, pol/financial operation ongoing •🇱🇧as country, society bears heaviest price. Much of South, Beirut in rubble
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ECFR MENA @ecfrmena.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
📰 "Egypt wants ownership of the asylum issue, especially in the case of Palestinian refugees, as it's a very politically salient issue and one the Egyptian public is very receptive to," @kellyp90.bsky.social argues in @dwnewstoday.bsky.social. Read the full article here👇 www.dw.com/en/egypt-new...
dw.com
Egypt: New asylum law could badly impact refugee rights – DW – 11/22/2024
Refugees from Sudan, Syria and Gaza are about to face a new set of conditions for staying in Egypt. Will Cairo's new asylum law streamline legislation at the expense of human rights?
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Kelly Petillo @kellyp90.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
And just to be clear, anyone i.e. Russia trying to use this to advance double standard narrative, Russia just vetoed a Sudan ceasefire & has years of experience vetoing cross border aid in Syria. Each member is complicit in politicising and perpetrating human suffering.
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