Former US Secretary of State John Kerry discusses the unpredictability of President-elect Donald Trump, citing inflation and immigration as key issues in the recent US election. He also comments on the evolving situation in the Middle East, particularly the challenges faced by Israel and the dire conditions in Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called on Israel to implement ‘real and extended pauses’ in the fighting in Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The call comes as a 30-day deadline set by the US to improve conditions in the region has passed. While acknowledging Israel’s efforts to address the humanitarian crisis, Blinken insists that more needs to be done, particularly regarding extended pauses in fighting and allowing commercial trucks and residents to return to their homes after Israeli operations. The Biden administration has also confirmed that it will not limit arms transfers to Israel, despite earlier threats, due to what it considers ‘good but limited progress’ on aid delivery. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The US has defended Israel’s handling of humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating that Israel has not violated US laws and met a deadline to increase shipments. The UN, however, has expressed deep concern over the low levels of aid reaching Gaza, particularly in the north, which is vulnerable to famine. This article explores the differing perspectives and actions taken by both the US and the UN regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Despite a US ultimatum threatening sanctions, aid reaching Gaza has fallen to its lowest level in 11 months, raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn enclave. Israel has disregarded most of the US demands for increased aid, prompting questions about potential repercussions. While Israel extended the designated humanitarian zone, aid officials describe the situation as ‘apocalyptic’ with widespread displacement and shortages.
Leaders from across the Arab and Muslim world are converging in Saudi Arabia for a crucial summit focused on the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Gaza, as well as Lebanon. The meeting, which follows a previous summit in Riyadh last year, aims to address Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories and Lebanon and discuss broader regional developments. The summit is expected to generate significant discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on the region.
Mia Shem, a former hostage of Hamas, has publicly criticized the lack of international support during her 50-day captivity in Gaza. Shem, a dual Israeli-French national, specifically questioned the absence of aid from the Red Cross and the United Nations, recounting a harrowing experience of physical pain, abuse, and psychological trauma. Shem’s statements highlight the ongoing plight of hostages held in Gaza and demand action from the international community.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including women and children. These attacks come as Israel allowed the first delivery of aid to northern Gaza in weeks. The strikes have raised concerns about the safety of civilians caught in the conflict, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
A UN-backed assessment warns of an imminent famine in the northern Gaza Strip, fueled by Israel’s military operation, the collapse of food systems, and a near-halt in humanitarian aid. The report details the worsening conditions and the alarming increase in food insecurity, with essential prices skyrocketing and access to food drastically limited.
Qatar, under pressure from the US, has asked Hamas leaders to leave the country, marking a significant shift in its policy. The move comes after Washington deemed Hamas’s rejection of a hostage release deal as unacceptable, rendering their presence in Qatar untenable. This development highlights the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the evolving dynamics between key players in the region.
In a rare humanitarian move, over 100 patients suffering from trauma injuries and chronic diseases will be evacuated from Gaza on Wednesday. The evacuation, which includes children, comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The WHO calls for sustained medical evacuations, citing thousands awaiting transfer.
