News
UK to Resume Funding UNRWA, Reaffirming Commitment to Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
The UK has announced the resumption of funding to UNRWA, the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees, marking a positive step towards addressing the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza. This decision follows the suspension of donations in January after Israel alleged that 12 UNRWA staff were involved in the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
Countries such as Japan, Sweden, Finland, and Canada have already reinstated their funding, with the UK now joining them. However, the agency’s largest donor, the United States, has yet to resume its contributions.
Speaking in the Commons, Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that “no other agency” could provide aid on the scale needed to alleviate the “desperate” humanitarian situation in Gaza. He acknowledged the vital role of UNRWA, which currently feeds over half of Gaza’s population and is essential for future reconstruction efforts.
Mr. Lammy noted that he had received assurances about UNRWA’s neutrality following a thorough review of alleged links between its staff and terror groups. An internal UN investigation into the specific allegations is ongoing, but a separate UN review published in April found no evidence to support claims that large numbers of UNRWA staff were members of terror groups.
Expressing his dismay at the allegations, Mr. Lammy stated that the UN had taken the claims seriously and had implemented measures to ensure the highest standards of neutrality within the agency. This includes strengthening vetting procedures as recommended by the April review.
The UK’s renewed £21m annual funding will support these management reforms, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to humanitarian aid and stability in the region. This decision highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing the pressing needs of Palestinian refugees and contributing to the broader goal of peace and development in Gaza.
News
Tragedy Strikes Hindu Festival in India: Nearly 40 Children Drown During Ritual Bathing
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
News
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
News
Strong Winds Cause Further Ferry Cancellations Between Isle of Man and Lancashire
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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