famine

Biden targets wealthy in Pennsylvania tour with a hometown visit

by
Biden targets wealthy in Pennsylvania tour with a hometown visit

Joe Biden is starting a tour in Pennsylvania, where he plans to push for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations. Pennsylvania is a crucial state with swing voters, and in the 2024 election, Biden is facing a rematch against Donald Trump. Despite economic concerns, Biden is focusing on his populist economic message to win over blue-collar voters in the state. The state’s primary contests are scheduled for April 23. Critics are accusing Biden of not doing enough to address the crisis in Gaza.

Gaza aid shipments to resume soon, Cyprus says, as 1,000 tons of food await delivery

by
Gaza aid shipments to resume soon, Cyprus says, as 1,000 tons of food await delivery

Aid shipments to Gaza from Cyprus are expected to resume soon following a pause in the project due to the killing of seven aid workers by Israel. The U.S. plans to set up a dock in Gaza for pre-screened aid deliveries with Israeli oversight. The devastated Palestinian enclave faces famine and disease after six months of conflict. The aid stored in Cyprus will be held until World Central Kitchen decides on next steps.

Chaos of Gaza war forces Christians to bury dead in Muslim cemeteries

by
Chaos of Gaza war forces Christians to bury dead in Muslim cemeteries

Palestinian Christians in Gaza are burying their loved ones in Muslim cemeteries due to the dangers of traveling to their own graveyards amid the war between Israel and Hamas. The Tal al-Sultan cemetery received the body of a Christian man named Hani Suheil Abu Dawood because it was too risky for his family to travel. Cooperation between Christians and Muslims is common in Gaza, with a worker at the cemetery emphasizing the importance of respecting and protecting all human beings regardless of religion. The war has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, with many lives lost and families devastated.

Israel says more aid is entering Gaza, but figures disputed

by
Israel says more aid is entering Gaza, but figures disputed

Israel is increasing aid flow into Gaza in response to international pressure, but the amount is still disputed. The United Nations states that the aid is much less than what is needed to meet humanitarian needs. Israel reported 419 trucks entering Gaza on Monday, while the Red Crescent and the United Nations reported lower figures due to Israeli inspection rules. The devastated Palestinian enclave is facing famine and disease, with most inhabitants homeless. Aid agencies criticize Israel for not ensuring enough access for humanitarian supplies. Israel denies hindering aid and blames the United Nations for delays. The international community, including the United States and France, is pressuring Israel to increase aid access. Israel has agreed to open crossings for aid supplies but distribution inside Gaza remains a challenge. UNRWA reports that only 223 trucks entered Gaza on Monday, less than half of what is required daily. Distribution problems persist inside Gaza, with food convoys to the north facing more restrictions than other humanitarian aid. Israel’s military has not responded to accusations of restricting aid convoys inside Gaza.

UK sends Royal Navy ship to boost aid for Gaza and set up a new maritime corridor

by
UK sends Royal Navy ship to boost aid for Gaza and set up a new maritime corridor

A British Royal Navy ship will supply aid to Gaza as part of an international effort to set up a new humanitarian maritime corridor in early May. The initiative, involving the United States, Cyprus, and other partners, aims to deliver aid directly to Gaza through a temporary pier off the coast. The British government has pledged 9.7 million pounds for aid equipment and logistical expertise. Military teams have been working on developing the safest and most effective maritime route. Last week, the killing of seven aid workers, including three British nationals, in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza led to global outrage.

Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

by
Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

Nancy Pelosi and other congressional Democrats signed a letter urging President Biden to stop weapons transfers to Israel amid criticism of Israel’s military assault on Gaza, which has led to thousands of deaths and widespread hunger. Pelosi’s support highlights a growing mainstream view in the Democratic Party. The letter also called for an investigation into an Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine in Gaza.

Israel approves reopening of Erez crossing into Gaza, use of Ashdod port for aid

by
Israel approves reopening of Erez crossing into Gaza, use of Ashdod port for aid

Israel approved the reopening of the Erez crossing into northern Gaza and the temporary use of Ashdod port in southern Israel following U.S. demands to increase humanitarian aid supplies into Gaza. The decision was made after U.S. President Joe Biden demanded specific steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warned of potential conditions on U.S. aid if Israel did not respond. Israel also faced pressure after the killing of seven aid workers in an Israeli strike triggered global outrage. The move was welcomed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized the need to see results on the ground in Gaza. UNRWA urged Israel to do more to prevent famine in Gaza, while a senior Hamas official expressed concerns about potential delays in the implementation of aid. Israel has faced international pressure to assist civilians in Gaza and has previously blamed distribution problems on international agencies inside Gaza.

Israeli airstrike kills 7 air workers in Gaza, Netanyahu says it was ‘unintentional’

by
Israeli airstrike kills 7 air workers in Gaza, Netanyahu says it was ‘unintentional’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his regret over an Israeli airstrike that unintentionally killed seven people working for Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza. The airstrike hit a WCK convoy, killing citizens of Australia, Britain, and Poland, as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. The Israeli military pledged an independent inquiry into the incident, which drew widespread condemnation and increased pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

by
Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

Ships carrying 332 tons of food for Gaza left Larnaca port in Cyprus in a convoy that will reach the besieged enclave early next week. This is the second shipment this month after Israel eased a 17-year naval blockade on Gaza to allow aid in from Cyprus. The aid is sourced by U.S. charity World Central Kitchen and will be delivered by a cargo ship and a barge towed by a salvage vessel. The aid mission was arranged with Spain’s Open Arms charity, financed mainly by the UAE, and supported by Cypriot authorities. The United States plans to construct a floating pier off Gaza to receive aid, with a target completion date of May 1. The United Nations has warned of imminent famine in the northern Gaza Strip, where 300,000 people are trapped by fighting. More than half of Gaza’s population could face famine by July.

Famine ‘quite possibly’ in some areas of north Gaza, US official says

by
Famine ‘quite possibly’ in some areas of north Gaza, US official says

Famine is possibly present in parts of the northern Gaza Strip, with a scarcity of trucks hindering aid distribution.