U.S. troops

US anchors aid pier to Gaza beach but distribution plans uncertain

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US anchors aid pier to Gaza beach but distribution plans uncertain

The United States has anchored a temporary floating pier to a beach in Gaza to boost aid deliveries, facing challenges in distributing assistance due to a dire shortage of fuel for aid trucks and security concerns. Trucks carrying humanitarian aid are expected to begin moving ashore soon, but there are still unresolved challenges. The pier project, costing 0 million, aims to combat the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by opening a sea route for aid delivery. Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a seven-month-long war, with the U.N. losing staff members in the conflict. Aid access in Gaza has dwindled, and a severe fuel shortage may impact aid operations. The U.S.-delivered aid will follow a complex path, involving inspections by Israel, third-party collection and distribution by the U.N. officials, and security concerns in the region. Discussions between the U.S. and the U.N. on aid delivery from the pier are ongoing.

US aid pier for Gaza floats into wartime reality

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US aid pier for Gaza floats into wartime reality

The United States is working on establishing a floating pier off the coast of the Gaza Strip to improve aid deliveries, facing challenges such as fuel shortages and security concerns. The project has been slow and expensive, with the U.N. emphasizing that land routes remain crucial for aid operations. Aid deliveries via the maritime corridor have begun, with plans for U.S.-delivered aid to be collected by third parties and distributed by the U.N. Israel has been accused of impeding aid deliveries, but denies any constraints on operations.

“Proud to work with the US and the UK” to deliver Gaza aid, Cyprus says

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“Proud to work with the US and the UK” to deliver Gaza aid, Cyprus says

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus is collaborating with the US and the UK to increase humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza in line with the 2720 UN Mechanism. The aid is being sent via the Cyprus maritime corridor to the JLOTS pier off the coast of Gaza. US Central Command personnel established a temporary landing site on Gaza beach to deliver additional aid, with trucks expected to start moving overland soon. The United Nations will receive and coordinate the distribution of the aid in Gaza.

Iraq’s PMF force says base was attacked, army investigates

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Iraq’s PMF force says base was attacked, army investigates

A huge blast at a military base in Iraq killed a member of an Iraqi security force that includes Iran-backed groups. The Iraqi military is investigating the cause of the explosion, which killed one person and wounded eight others. The incident occurred in Babil province amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including recent attacks between Iran and Israel. The PMF, which includes Iran-backed groups, has previously targeted U.S. troops and Israel, claiming support for Palestinians. The U.S. military denied reports of carrying out airstrikes in Iraq.

Middle East on alert for Iranian attack as Lufthansa suspends Tehran flights

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Middle East on alert for Iranian attack as Lufthansa suspends Tehran flights

Lufthansa extended the suspension of its flights to Tehran due to the situation in the Middle East, which is on alert for Iranian retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran’s embassy in Syria. The region and the United States have been on alert for a retaliatory attack by Iran since April 1, when Israeli warplanes were suspected of bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria.

Cyprus , ‘paved the way’ for Gaza aid corridor

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Cyprus , ‘paved the way’ for Gaza aid corridor

The Cypriot ‘Amalthia’ initiative aims to establish a maritime humanitarian aid corridor to Gaza, with a meeting attended by officials from 36 countries and international organizations discussing this effort. The initiative has received approximately EUR 80 million in pledges and has already dispatched one shipment from Larnaca port. U.S. army engineers plan to build a jetty in Gaza for receiving aid cargoes. Curtis Ried, Chief of Staff for the U.S. National Security Council, commended Cyprus for leveraging its strategic position for humanitarian purposes. The meeting focused on addressing the food crisis in Gaza amid ongoing conflict. The United States and other participants committed to addressing material and financial gaps, with plans for continued dialogue and collaboration. A secretariat is to be established in Cyprus to coordinate donor efforts effectively. The European Union is expected to contribute EUR 70 million, with the Netherlands pledging EUR 10 million. World Central Kitchen has shipped and distributed around 200 tonnes of food and aid to northern Gaza, with plans for more shipments. Preparations for a second vessel, the ‘Jennifer’, carrying about 500 tonnes of aid, are underway. U.S. troops are set to build a temporary port off the coast of Gaza to facilitate the delivery of supplies, with the mission expected to arrive around April 15. The temporary pier, part of a U.S. commitment to aid Gaza, will enable the transfer of humanitarian aid from larger to smaller ships for onshore distribution and is expected to be operational within sixty days, capable of offloading up to two million meals or bottles of water daily. Israel will assist in anchoring the pier, and security plans for the temporary port have been established.

US Congress averts government shutdown, passing $1.2 trillion bill

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US Congress averts government shutdown, passing $1.2 trillion bill

The U.S. Congress passed a .2 trillion budget bill early on Saturday, which keeps the government funded through the fiscal year that began six months ago, avoiding a partial shutdown. The bill was sent to President Joe Biden for his signature. The vote for passage was 74-24. The bill ensures funding for key federal agencies including the departments of Homeland Security, Justice, State, and Treasury through September 30. However, it did not include funding for military aid to Ukraine, Taiwan, or Israel. Senate leaders negotiated amendments to the budget bill, which were ultimately defeated. The White House Office of Management and Budget was confident the Senate would pass the bill. The bill provides 6 billion in funding for the Defense Department, including a raise for U.S. troops. The bill passed the House with a vote of 286-134, showing more Democratic support than Republican. The government had been funded with four short-term measures for most of the past six months. The bill is seen as a national security bill, with 70% of the funding for defense, including investments in military readiness and support for allies. Opponents criticized the bill as too expensive and inflationary. The last partial federal government shutdown occurred from Dec. 22, 2018, until Jan. 25, 2019.

EXPLAINER-Why did ISIS-K attack a Moscow theater?

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EXPLAINER-Why did ISIS-K attack a Moscow theater?

The U.S. has intelligence confirming Islamic State’s responsibility for a deadly shooting attack at a concert near Moscow. Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K) emerged in eastern Afghanistan in late 2014, known for extreme brutality and being one of the most active Islamic State affiliates. Its membership has declined since 2018 due to losses inflicted by the Taliban and U.S. forces. The U.S. stated that intelligence capabilities against groups like ISIS-K in Afghanistan have decreased after the 2021 troop withdrawal. ISIS-K has conducted various attacks, including twin bombings in Iran and a suicide bombing at the Russian embassy in Kabul. The group opposes Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticizing him in propaganda and viewing Russia as oppressive towards Muslims.

Putin warns the West: Russia is ready for nuclear war

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Putin warns the West: Russia is ready for nuclear war

President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is technically prepared for nuclear war but sees no immediate need for nuclear weapons in Ukraine. He warned that U.S. troop deployment in Ukraine would be seen as a significant escalation. Putin expressed confidence in Russia’s military readiness for a nuclear confrontation but highlighted the lack of necessity for such measures in the current context. He also mentioned that Russia has annexed four regions of Ukraine, considering them fully part of Russia. The Biden administration has no plans to send troops to Ukraine but aims to support Ukrainian forces with a security aid bill. Putin’s nuclear rhetoric was described by a Ukrainian official as propaganda and intimidation, while the UN nuclear watchdog’s chief downplayed the likelihood of nuclear war. Putin reiterated that the use of nuclear weapons is outlined in Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which includes conditions such as a response to an attack with weapons of mass destruction or a conventional attack threatening Russia’s existence. Additionally, Putin offered talks on Ukraine and emphasized the need for written security guarantees in any settlement.