humanitarian needs

‘There will be no new wave of illegal migrants’

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‘There will be no new wave of illegal migrants’

A new influx of arrivals will not be allowed by the government in response to mounting criticism over the handling of 27 migrants stranded in the buffer zone. The migrants, including women, children, and unaccompanied minors, are from Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Cameroon. The government’s handling of the matter has been criticized for violating international law. The UNHCR has warned that the asylum seekers are living in tents and exposed to extreme weather without access to decent living conditions.

Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

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Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

Recognizing the State of Palestine is fully in line with international law and UN resolutions, serving as an opportunity to revive the peace process between the two sides, according to Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. This recognition empowers the Palestinian government to fulfill its duties and address the daily needs of its citizens.

President in talks with UN over migrants in buffer zone

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President in talks with UN over migrants in buffer zone

President Nikos Christodoulides is in contact with the UN peacekeeping force regarding 13 migrants reported to be living in the buffer zone near the university grounds. The migrants are from Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Cameroon and had come from the north after being denied entrance to the state-controlled areas. The UN peacekeeping force is working with UNCHR to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable migrants.

House passes $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid package, sends to Senate

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House passes $95 billion Ukraine, Israel aid package, sends to Senate

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a billion legislative package providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan with bipartisan support. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to be considered next week. The legislation includes funding for conflict in Ukraine, humanitarian needs in Israel, and support for Taiwan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the aid, stating it will prevent the war from expanding and save lives. President Biden urged Congress to approve the aid, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Despite some opposition, the bill passed with strong support.

Israel says more aid is entering Gaza, but figures disputed

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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.

Situation in Gaza , ‘desperate’, as WCK suspends relief

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Situation in Gaza , ‘desperate’, as WCK suspends relief

World Central Kitchen suspended its operations in Gaza after seven of its aid workers were killed in an IDF strike. President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the maritime aid corridor will remain open despite the suspension.

Only effective way to ramp up Gaza aid is by road, Guterres says

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Only effective way to ramp up Gaza aid is by road, Guterres says

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that the only effective and efficient method to deliver heavy goods to meet Gaza’s humanitarian needs is by road, which requires a significant increase in commercial deliveries. Guterres highlighted the global impact of the war in Gaza and criticized the international community for failing to uphold Palestinian human dignity. During his visit to Egypt and Jordan, part of an annual Ramadan solidarity tour, he expressed outrage at the backlog of aid for Gaza at Egypt’s border. Despite over five months of conflict between Israel and Hamas, with aid accumulating in Egypt’s Sinai, efforts to deliver aid through air drops and ships have been proposed, but U.N. officials insist on scaling up deliveries by land. Guterres emphasized the need for Israel to facilitate relief by removing obstacles and increasing crossing points. He also mentioned the U.N.’s efforts to maintain funding for UNRWA, the main humanitarian aid agency in Gaza, despite funding pauses from countries like the United States and Britain due to accusations against UNRWA staff. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini expressed regret over the continued U.S. funding ban until at least March 2025.