A new House bill, the ‘No Funding Without Freedom Act’, aims to cut off U.S. aid to Afghanistan until American citizens detained by the Taliban are released. The bill is spearheaded by Rep. Dan Meuser, whose constituent Ryan Corbett has been held captive for over 500 days. The measure has garnered bipartisan support and highlights the ongoing struggle to secure the safe return of Americans unjustly imprisoned in the country.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has closed its operations in Russia after 32 years, citing its removal from a register of foreign non-governmental organizations by the Justice Ministry. The decision comes after the group provided aid to thousands of people affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Ukraine has formally requested the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to assist with humanitarian efforts in Russia’s Kursk region, following a cross-border incursion by Ukrainian forces. The move comes as Ukraine maintains control of territory in the region, more than a month after launching the offensive.
Myanmar’s junta has requested foreign aid to help cope with deadly floods that have displaced hundreds of thousands of people, compounding the suffering caused by three years of ongoing war. The floods, exacerbated by Typhoon Yagi, have killed almost 300 people across Southeast Asia, and the junta’s request for assistance comes amidst a history of blocking humanitarian aid.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Qatar has pledged $4.5 million to aid thousands of Palestinian workers and patients stranded in the West Bank. Meanwhile, a shooting at the Israeli-Jordanian border claimed the lives of three Israelis, highlighting the broader security concerns in the region. The situation continues to be volatile with escalating violence and a stalemate in the negotiations for a ceasefire and the return of hostages.
India has provided humanitarian aid to Malawi, sending 1,000 metric tonnes of rice to help alleviate the effects of a severe drought that has ravaged the Southeast African nation. The drought, exacerbated by the El Nino phenomenon, has caused widespread crop damage and food shortages, prompting Malawi to declare a state of disaster in March.
The United States has announced visa sanctions against South Sudanese individuals, including government officials, for hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid. The move highlights concerns over corruption and ongoing conflict in the country, despite a peace agreement.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) conducted an airstrike on a humanitarian aid convoy in Gaza, killing five people. The IDF claims the strike targeted armed assailants, while the aid organization Anera states that the victims were employees of their transport company. The incident raises concerns about the safety of humanitarian aid in Gaza and the effectiveness of deconfliction mechanisms.
A $230 million humanitarian pier built off the coast of Gaza, intended to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, was shut down after just 20 days due to damage from rough weather and looting attempts. The project, championed by the Biden administration, faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with Republicans accusing Biden of pandering to Muslim-American voters and others raising concerns about the pier’s effectiveness and safety.
Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) is hosting its 3rd Annual Day of Service, rallying volunteers across the country to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, Gaza, and Jordan. The event, themed ‘Own the Change’, will involve packing essential relief items, organizing donation drives, and raising awareness about the plight of refugees and marginalized groups. This initiative exemplifies HHRD’s commitment to global humanitarian aid.
