logo
Aid groups have collected some supplies from Gaza crossing, says UN

Aid groups have collected some supplies from Gaza crossing, says UN

Irish Examiner22-05-2025
Aid groups have collected humanitarian aid carried by about 90 trucks, out of a total of nearly 200 that have entered Gaza since Israel began allowing limited goods in earlier this week, the United Nations said.
Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Humanitarian agency OCHA, said the trucks that entered carried medicine, wheat flour and nutrition supplies.
Aid groups faced significant challenges distributing the aid because of insecurity, the risk of looting and coordination issues with Israeli authorities, Mr Laerke added.
Workers unload cargo from a truck carrying humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip at the offload area of the Kerem Shalom border crossing between Israel and Gaza (Leo Correa/AP)
Under international pressure, Israel has allowed dozens of aid trucks into Gaza after blocking all food, medicine, fuel and other material for nearly three months.
But the supplies have been sitting on the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel.
Also on Thursday, international leaders were reacting to the shooting of two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC the previous day.
The attack was seen by officials in Israel and the US as the latest in a growing wave of antisemitism as Israel ramps up its offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Japan's Foreign Ministry says it has made 'a severe protest' to Israel over its military's firing of warning shots at a diplomatic delegation including Japanese diplomats that was visiting a refugee camp in the Israel-occupied West Bank on Wednesday.
Palestinians inspect a house destroyed by an Israeli airstrikes in Deir al-Balah, Gaza (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)
Vice-minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi summoned the Israeli Ambassador to Japan, Gilad Cohen, to request a full explanation and preventive measures.
Mr Fukakoshi told Mr Gilad the incident was 'deeply regrettable and should not have happened'.
Mr Funakoshi also reiterated Japan's strong concern over Israel's attempted reoccupation of the Gaza Strip and the expansion of military operations, urging it to allow a full and immediate resumption of aid into Gaza, the foreign ministry said.
Mr Funakoshi also offered his condolences on the killing of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC, stating that 'terrorism is not tolerated anywhere in the world'.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Israeli military approves plan for new Gaza offensive
Israeli military approves plan for new Gaza offensive

The Journal

time6 hours ago

  • The Journal

Israeli military approves plan for new Gaza offensive

THE ISRAELI MILITARY said on Wednesday that it had approved the framework for a new offensive in the Gaza Strip, as Hamas condemned what it called 'aggressive' Israeli ground incursions in Gaza City. The approved plan for the expanded offensive comes days after Israel's security cabinet called for the capture of the Palestinian territory's largest city following 22 months of war that have created dire humanitarian conditions. Israeli armed forces chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir 'approved the main framework for the IDF's operational plan in the Gaza Strip', a statement released by the army said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has not provided a precise timetable for when Israeli troops will enter Gaza City, where thousands have taken refuge after fleeing previous offensives. Ismail Al-Thawabta, director general of the Hamas government media office in Gaza, told AFP on Wednesday that 'the Israeli occupation forces continue to carry out aggressive incursions in Gaza City'. Gaza's civil defence agency also reported intensified Israeli air strikes on residential neighbourhoods of Gaza City in recent days. Israel's plans to expand its offensive into Gaza City come as diplomacy aimed at securing an elusive ceasefire and hostage release deal has been stalled for weeks, with the latest round of negotiations breaking down in July. Egypt said Tuesday it was still working with fellow Gaza mediators Qatar and the United States to broker a 60-day truce 'with the release of some hostages and some Palestinian detainees, and the flow of humanitarian and medical assistance to Gaza without restrictions'. Hamas said early Wednesday that a senior delegation had arrived in Cairo for 'preliminary talks' with Egyptian officials. Advertisement Israel's plans to expand the fighting have sparked international outcry as well as domestic opposition. Reserve and retired pilots who served in the Israeli air force rallied on Tuesday in Tel Aviv to demand an end to the conflict. 'This war and expansion will only cause the death of the hostages, death of more Israeli soldiers, and death of many more innocent Palestinians in Gaza,' said Guy Poran, a former air force pilot. Humanitarian aid UN-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in the territory, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says at least 235 people including 106 children have died of hunger since the war began in October 2023, with many of the cases recorded in recent weeks. Netanyahu on Tuesday revived calls to 'allow' Palestinians to leave Gaza, telling Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS that 'we are not pushing them out, but we are allowing them to leave'. Past calls to resettle Gazans outside of the war-battered territory, including from US President Donald Trump, have sparked fears of displacement among Palestinians and condemnation from the international community. Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Of the 251 hostages taken during the attack, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's offensive has killed at least 61,722 Palestinians, according to figures from the health ministry in Gaza which the United Nations considers reliable.

President Higgins backs Mary Robinson's comments warning governments of ‘complicity' in genocide
President Higgins backs Mary Robinson's comments warning governments of ‘complicity' in genocide

The Journal

time7 hours ago

  • The Journal

President Higgins backs Mary Robinson's comments warning governments of ‘complicity' in genocide

PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has backed comments by former president Mary Robinson about governments being 'increasingly complicit' in the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Robinson, along with other members of The Elders, visited the Rafah border crossing in Egypt this week, where she said they witnessed firsthand the devastating conditions in Gaza. The Elders is an independent group of global leaders and advocates, founded by Nelson Mandela. It has called for immediate ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, with the release of all Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners held arbitrarily by Israel. 'Governments that are not using all the tools at their disposal to halt the unfolding genocide in Gaza are increasingly complicit,' Robinson said. Advertisement She added: 'Political leaders have the power and the legal obligation to apply measures to pressure this Israeli government to end its atrocity crimes.' During the visit to the Rafah crossing with Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Robinson said they witnessed aid supplies being blocked from entering Gaza. 'A significant proportion of manifested trucks are turned away with vital supplies. The world needs to know... This has to stop.' Mary Robinson and @HelenClarkNZ witness the devastating reality at the closed Rafah border with Gaza. — The Elders (@TheElders) August 12, 2025 She also recalled accounts of Palestinian civilians, including children, being killed while trying to access desperately needed food and medical help. She stressed the urgent need for all border crossings — including the critical Rafah crossing — to be opened immediately to allow aid to reach those trapped inside Gaza. In a statement this evening, President Higgins remarked that the 'world will thank the Elders for the valuable comments they have made following a visit to the Rafah border crossing'. President Higgins added that Robinson and Clark are 'authoritative figures on famine, hunger and the role of the United Nations'. Related Reads An Gorta Mór: How the horror of forced starvation in Gaza echoes our own cruel past World watches in horror and the IDF is sceptical, so will Netanyahu order full occupation? Gaza famine 'reminiscent of Ethiopia' and 'unlike anything seen this century', says UN's WFP 'Their statements draw attention to the 325,000 children malnourished in Gaza and at risk of death before the end of September,' said President Higgins. Mary Robinson during her visit to the Rafah crossing on Monday. Alamy Alamy 'President Robinson is also right to draw attention to the special treatment needed for malnutrition, drawing on her experience in Somalia in 1992.' In 1992, Robinson visited Somalia as president to raise awareness of the famine in the country. President Higgins added that the statements made by Robinson during her visit to Rafah 'deserve the widest possible circulation'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal

US and Russia fire off veiled nuclear threats ahead of Alaska showdown talks between Trump and Putin
US and Russia fire off veiled nuclear threats ahead of Alaska showdown talks between Trump and Putin

The Irish Sun

time8 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

US and Russia fire off veiled nuclear threats ahead of Alaska showdown talks between Trump and Putin

Trump warned there would be 'very severe consequences' if Putin doesn't agree to a ceasefire as he spoke out after a video call with European leaders TALKS GO NUCLEAR US and Russia fire off veiled nuclear threats ahead of Alaska showdown talks between Trump and Putin RUSSIA and America swapped veiled nuclear threats yesterday ahead of showdown talks between their two presidents over the war in Ukraine. At a British air base used by US nuclear bombers Vice ­President JD Vance warned that peace was only possible if the 'bad guys' were afraid of America. Advertisement 5 Russia and the US have exchanged veiled nuclear threats, pictured Mr Zelensky is met in Berlin by Germany's Chancellor Merz Credit: AFP 5 The diplomatic war games came as President Donald Trump prepares to meet Russia's President Putin in Alaska tomorrow Credit: Getty 5 Mr Trump warned there would be 'very severe consequences' if Putin doesn't agree to a ceasefire Credit: AP Meanwhile it was announced that joint exercises to be held by Russian and Belarusian troops will include nuclear weapons drills. The diplomatic war games came as President Donald Trump prepares to meet Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Alaska tomorrow. Mr Trump yesterday warned there would be 'very severe consequences' if Putin doesn't agree to a ceasefire. He spoke out after a video call with European leaders including Ukraine's President ­Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Advertisement Europe's political chiefs also vowed to hit tyrant Putin with more sanctions if talks fail. Mr Vance, in Britain on holiday, yesterday addressed US airmen at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire. The base is routinely used as a staging post by US nuclear bombers. He said: 'It is impossible to bring peace anywhere unless the bad guys are worried that we have got a hell of a fine air force and a hell of a fine military to back up the peace to begin with. Advertisement 'You make it possible for us to accomplish the President's goals through negotiation. 'You make it possible for us to go into a room and say, 'yes, we want peace, yes we want to work together, yes we want to bring an end to this terrible conflict but we have also got some great airmen'. Trump & Putin's 1-on-1 meeting is a 'listening exercise', WH says as 'Vlad wants Ukraine to withdraw for ceasefire' 'The fact that people are afraid of you is why we are able to do what we do as an administration.' A British defence source said last night: 'It's the big stick theory. It is deterrence — don't f*** with me because I will f*** you more. Advertisement 'If we can't get that message over then we fail.' Peace isn't possible unless the bad guys fear you've got hell of a military JD Vance Mr Vance's warnings came as Belarus announced it will hold joint nuclear drills with Russia. Defence minister Viktor Khrenin said its troops would train for the deployment of nuclear weapons. Kremlin said the drills were 'predominantly strategic deterrence' abut added: 'We should be ready for everything.' Advertisement President Trump has downplayed expectations of a breakthrough, saying his meeting with Putin was to get the lie of the land. He also touted the possibility of a second meeting to include Mr Zelensky, who has been frozen out of the peace talks. 5 Prime Minister Keir Starmer on a video conference Credit: EPA Mr Zelensky, who was in Berlin for the video conference yesterday, warned that Putin was bluffing over peace after Russian military advances in eastern Ukraine. Advertisement Mr Zelensky insisted America, Ukraine and allies all want 'peace in Ukraine, peace in Europe'. Putin doesn't want peace — he wants to occupy our country Zelensky But he declared: 'Putin is bluffing, he is trying to push forward along the whole front. 'Putin doesn't want peace — he wants to occupy our country.' And he repeated calls for more economic pressure on Moscow, saying: 'In reality, the sanctions are very effective, and they're hurting the Russian military economy.' Advertisement But Moscow's foreign ministry warned 'any attempts on our property will result in a painful response'. Europe's 'coalition of the willing' has demanded a ceasefire, stronger sanctions and 'robust and credible security guarantees' that Ukraine will not lose any territory. Russia wants a land swap to end the three-year conflict. In a statement PM Sir Keir later insisted the UK's support for Ukraine is 'unwavering'. Advertisement He has previously vowed to send British peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. His spokesman said Europe's leaders thanked President Trump for his 'efforts in bringing Putin to the table in pursuit of a ceasefire to end to the ongoing bloodshed'. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe and America must 'increase the pressure' on Russia if peace talks fail. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said 'the ball is now in Putin's court'. Advertisement But Mr Trump's former National Security Advisor John Bolton reckoned inviting Putin to the US was 'a great victory' for the tyrant. He said: 'He's a rogue leader of a pariah state and he's going to be welcomed into the United States.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store