On the morning of October 7, 2023, I found myself reading the Economist when suddenly a message appeared on my phone. The Hamas terror attack in Israel was all over the news and I could hardly believe how such massive and despicable crime could have happened in our times, especially given Israel’s superior army, intelligence … Read more
Stacy Gilbert, a U.S. State Department official, resigned in protest after a report to Congress falsely claimed that Israel was not blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza. Gilbert, who worked in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, stated that the report’s conclusions were incorrect. The report was submitted in accordance with a new National Security Memorandum issued by President Joe Biden. Gilbert’s resignation came after she disagreed with the final version of the report, which she believed did not accurately reflect the situation in Gaza.
Three bodies were found in the aftermath of a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea, with the death toll expected to rise. Over 300 people were buried in the landslide, impacting multiple villages. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in the mountainous area, with many still missing. The terrain remains unstable, posing a risk for more homes if the landslide continues.
More than 300 people and over 1,100 houses were buried by a massive landslide that hit Kaokalam village in Enga Province, Papua New Guinea.
![Hundreds feared dead after landslide in Papua New Guinea [VIDEO]](https://ch.jfdi.cc/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/hundreds-feared-dead-after-landslide-in-papua-new-guinea-video.jpg)
A massive landslide in northern Papua New Guinea buried more than 50 homes in Kaokalam village, resulting in nearly 300 deaths, including the brother and cousin of a villager named Ninga Role. The Australian Broadcasting Corp and local media reported over 100 casualties. Prime Minister James Marape stated that disaster officials and the PNG Defence Force were being sent to assist with relief efforts and reconstruction. The landslide hit a section of highway near the Porgera gold mine, operated by Barrick Gold, but the impact on the mine’s operations was still being assessed.
Howler monkeys in Mexico’s southeastern tropical forests are dying from dehydration due to a nationwide drought and heat waves.
Ireland will recognize a Palestinian state before the end of the month, as part of a joint effort with other European Union members. The decision is based on the belief that a two-state solution is crucial for lasting peace in the region. This move comes amid escalating violence in Gaza, with calls for a ceasefire and a lasting peace solution. Israel has criticized the recognition plan, calling it a “prize for terrorism.”
Israel’s ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 35,000 people, mostly civilians, and driven most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people from their homes. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a death toll of 34,844, with 21,058 counted from bodies arriving at morgues and 3,715 reported online by family members. The ministry estimates that around 10,000 bodies are uncounted. The credibility of the death toll is supported by public health experts and the World Health Organization, although there are specific questions about certain casualties. Hamas does not control the figures, as the Health Ministry also answers to the Palestinian Authority ministry in the West Bank. Israeli officials have questioned the figures, but the military has acknowledged their reliability. Israel estimates that 14,000 Hamas fighters and 16,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed in the war. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 70% of the dead are women and children under 18, with children representing slightly over 40% of all those killed.
Israeli forces have re-entered the northern edge of Gaza to prevent fighters from returning, resulting in intense fighting on both the northern and southern edges of the enclave. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled, and aid groups warn of a looming humanitarian crisis. The death toll has surpassed 35,000, with many more feared buried under rubble. Israel’s assault on Rafah has strained its relationship with the United States, leading to a temporary hold on weapon shipments. Hamas fighters are engaged in battles with Israeli forces in various areas of Gaza.
Israeli tanks advanced into Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, while airstrikes targeted Rafah in the south. Tanks were trying to reach the heart of the camp, with tank shells and air strikes destroying houses. Israeli troops forced Palestinians in shelters to evacuate. In Rafah, heavy bombardments killed people, and the city remained a “ghost town”. Hamas fighters engaged in gun battles with Israeli forces in both areas. The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 35,000, causing a humanitarian crisis. The conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, resulting in casualties on both sides.