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Lammy Urges Immediate Ceasefire During Israel Visit
David Lammy, the newly appointed Foreign Secretary, has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza during his first visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. “I’m here to push for a ceasefire,” he stated. “The loss of life over the last few months… is horrendous. It has to stop.”
In addition to advocating for a ceasefire, Mr. Lammy urged the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an increase in the flow of aid to the territory. On Sunday, he held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Mustafa. He also met with family members of hostages who have links to the UK.
Sharon Sharabi, whose two brothers Elie and Yossi were taken hostage on October 7, remarked after their meeting, “Mr. Lammy promised to do everything to bring the hostages home. The UK government has committed to be involved in a process with all the relevant sides.” The Israeli military reported in February that Yossi Sharabi was killed, likely by an IDF air strike, and his body remains in Gaza.
During his meeting with Mr. Mustafa, Mr. Lammy expressed the UK’s commitment to peace and stability, as stated by the British Consulate in Jerusalem. They discussed the importance of an effective Palestinian Authority in achieving peace, and Mr. Lammy reaffirmed support for Mr. Mustafa’s government and its reform programme.
On Monday morning, Mr. Lammy met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Ahead of their meeting, he emphasized the importance of conducting war according to international humanitarian law and stated his intention to press Israeli leaders on this issue.
Expressing frustration over the lack of British aid trucks entering Gaza, Mr. Lammy echoed complaints from aid agencies about deliveries being blocked or delayed by complex inspections imposed by the Israeli military. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “appalling” and announced an additional £5.5 million in UK aid to medical charity UK-Med for its work in the territory.
Mr. Herzog introduced Mr. Lammy to the family of Tamir Adar, who was killed on October 7, and whose body was taken into Gaza, and to Yaffa, Tamir’s grandmother, who was taken hostage and later released.
Mr. Lammy also addressed the sales of arms, stating he would “look at the assessment and the legal considerations,” and promised to report to Parliament as soon as possible. Additionally, he indicated that he would make a statement about the future of UK funding to the UNRWA, the UN’s main agency providing aid in Gaza, in the coming days. The UK was among the countries that suspended funding to the agency in January over allegations of staff involvement in the October 7 attack.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 38,584 people have been killed in Gaza during Israel’s offensive. A UN-backed assessment last month highlighted a “high risk” of famine in the territory, with almost half a million people facing “catastrophic levels” of hunger. The ministry also reported at least 141 deaths in Israeli strikes since Saturday, with Israel claiming one of those strikes targeted senior Hamas leader Mohammed Deif.
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Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel
More than 60 people have been injured following a drone strike in northern Israel’s Binyamina region, according to emergency response organization United Hatzalah. The attack, claimed by Hezbollah, targeted a training camp of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The victims, whose conditions range from critical to mild, were evacuated to five regional hospitals via ambulances and helicopters. Israeli media reported that 67 people were injured in total, with four in critical condition and five others seriously wounded.
Hezbollah’s media office said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group used a “swarm of drones” in the attack, and reports suggest the low-level drones launched from Lebanon did not trigger Israel’s early warning alarms.
Footage showed wounded individuals being rushed into emergency vehicles, including helicopters, as medical teams worked swiftly to provide care. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hadera, Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya, where medical teams are working to stabilize those in critical condition.
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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: ‘Don’t Go Sightseeing’
Although Hurricane Milton has passed, officials are warning residents across Florida to remain cautious as the storm’s lingering effects, including severe flooding, continue to pose risks. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, rescue teams have been hard at work after the river overflowed, causing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) of flooding. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, traveling by boat, has been ensuring the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.
While multiple Florida ports have reopened, including Key West, Port Everglades, and Miami, several remain closed, such as those in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. Georgia and South Carolina have also seen some port reopenings, but many areas still face closures and flooding risks.
President Biden provided an update on the storm’s damage, estimating the total cost to be around $50 billion. He emphasized that more financial aid would be necessary and called on Congress to approve additional funds as the true extent of the damage is assessed.
Officials are also urging people to stay off the roads and avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas to prevent further accidents or fatalities. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” Biden said, stressing the long recovery ahead after Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just weeks earlier.
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Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake
At least six people have died after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As emergency responders navigate floodwaters and clear debris from fallen trees and power lines, the full extent of the storm’s toll remains unclear.
In St. Lucie County, four people lost their lives after multiple tornadoes struck the region. In central Florida’s St. Petersburg, police chief Anthony Halloway confirmed two more deaths.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, acknowledging the uncertain scope of the damage and the dangers that remain. He emphasized that while the storm has passed, the aftermath can often bring additional fatalities. “There’s still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden warned.
He also stressed the need for substantial financial aid to support the state’s recovery. Biden called on Congress, currently in recess, to return and address the urgent emergency funding needs, underscoring that Florida’s recovery will be a “long haul” requiring billions of dollars in aid.
The president assured that immediate relief efforts are underway, ensuring that residents affected by the storm receive the support they need.
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