humanitarian aid

In a dramatic shift following weeks of international outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Saturday that Israel will allow a “basic amount of food” to enter the Gaza Strip. The decision signals a partial lifting of the total humanitarian aid blockade imposed in early March amid Israel’s ground and air campaign against Hamas. With United Nations agencies warning that Gaza teeters on the brink of famine, the limited resumption of food deliveries aims to avert mass starvation without undermining Israel’s broader military objectives.

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Istanbul on Wednesday during a national public holiday, shaking the city and prompting panic among residents. Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) reported that the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located in the Sea of Marmara, about 40 kilometres south-west of Istanbul.

A powerful earthquake registering 7.7 on the moment magnitude scale has struck central Myanmar early this morning, with tremors also affecting parts of Thailand, including the capital, Bangkok. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reports that the quake struck near Mandalay at 6:21am GMT, and experts warn that the shallow depth of only 10km (6 miles) could result in extensive damage and a rising death toll in the affected regions.

In a significant legal setback for President Donald Trump, the US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 on Wednesday to reject his efforts to maintain a freeze on US foreign aid. The ruling marked the first major legal blow of Trump’s second term, as the high court upheld a lower court's decision to order the immediate release of funds owed to contractors and recipients of grants from the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

In a hopeful yet cautious address to the United Nations Security Council, Hans Grundberg, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen, presented a roadmap to end the decade-long conflict in the country. His message emphasized that while the path to peace remains challenging, a political solution is still achievable with the right commitment, courage, and action from all parties involved.

The recent ban imposed by the Israeli government on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) raises significant humanitarian concerns for Palestinian refugees. This decision halts essential services, including healthcare and education, affecting millions reliant on UNRWA's support. Critics argue that the ban exacerbates an already dire humanitarian crisis while Israeli officials cite security accusations against the agency. The international community is urged to find alternative strategies to address the impending fallout. This blog post explores the immediate impact, reactions from various stakeholders, and future outlook for humanitarian aid in the region.

The ongoing crisis in Goma, DRC, escalated by the M23 rebels allegedly backed by Rwanda, presents a severe humanitarian disaster. With widespread violence leading to the displacement of over 400,000 individuals, and struggling health facilities, the situation requires urgent international intervention. Domestic unrest against foreign interference is rising, while global organizations call for diplomatic resolutions. This post explores the implications of the ongoing conflict for regional stability and the challenges of achieving peace amidst escalating tensions.

On January 7, 2025, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Tibet, affecting thousands and causing widespread destruction. This blog post explores the event's overview, immediate rescue efforts, historical context of tectonic activity in the region, and global reactions to the disaster. With an emphasis on the challenges faced by rescue teams and the resilience of local communities, it highlights the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness in high-risk areas. Join us in understanding this tragic event, its aftermath, and the human stories that emerge in times of crisis.