Egyptian TV reports rare fuel shipment to enter Gaza as hospitals face critical shortages; UN says far more aid needed to stop starvation
Six more Palestinians die of starvation or malnutrition in past 24 hours, raising toll to 175, Gaza health ministry says
Israel has eased access for food aid to Gaza; UN agencies say far more deliveries needed to alleviate hunger
CAIRO, Aug 3 — Egypt's state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV said today that two fuel trucks carrying 107 tons of diesel were set to enter Gaza, months after Israel severely restricted aid access to the enclave before easing it somewhat as starvation began to spread.
Gaza's health ministry has said fuel shortages have severely impaired hospital services, forcing doctors to focus on treating only critically ill or injured patients. There was no immediate confirmation whether the fuel trucks had indeed entered Gaza.
Fuel shipments have been rare since March, when Israel restricted the flow of aid and goods into the enclave in what it said was pressure on Hamas militants to free the remaining hostages they took in their October 2023 attack on Israel.
The Gaza health ministry said today that six more people had died of starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the toll of those dying of such causes to 175, including 93 children, since the war began.
Israel blames Hamas for the suffering in Gaza but, in response to a rising international outcry, it announced steps last week to let more aid reach the population, including pausing fighting for part of the day in some areas, approving air drops and announcing protected routes for aid convoys.
United Nations agencies have said that airdrops of food are insufficient and that Israel must let in far more aid by land and open up access to the war-devastated territory where starvation has been spreading.
Cogat, the Israeli military agency that coordinates aid, said 35 trucks have entered Gaza since June, nearly all of them in July.
The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said on Sunday that nearly 1,600 aid trucks had arrived since Israel eased restrictions late in July. However, witnesses and Hamas sources said many of those trucks have been looted by desperate displaced people and armed gangs.
More than 700 trucks of fuel entered the Gaza Strip in January and February during a ceasefire before Israel broke it in March in a dispute over terms for extending it and resumed its major offensive.
Palestinian local health authorities said at least 18 people had been killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across the coastal enclave on Sunday. Deaths included persons trying to make their way to aid distribution points in southern and central areas of Gaza, Palestinian medics said.
Among those killed was a staff member of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, which said an Israeli strike at their headquarters in Khan Younis in southern Gaza ignited a fire on the first floor of the building.
The Gaza war began when Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in a cross-border attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli figures. Israel's air and ground war in densely populated Gaza has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to enclave health officials.
According to Israeli officials, 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive. — Reuters
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
UN pushes for global plastics treaty amid pollution crisis in Geneva
GENEVA: Negotiators from 180 countries convened in Geneva on Tuesday for a fresh round of UN-led talks aimed at finalising a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution, described as a 'global crisis' by diplomats. The urgency of the issue was underscored as microplastics continue to infiltrate ecosystems, oceans, and even human bodies. Ecuadoran diplomat Luis Vayas Valdivieso, chairing the discussions, warned that plastic pollution is 'damaging ecosystems, polluting our oceans and rivers, threatening biodiversity, harming human health, and unfairly impacting the most vulnerable.' He stressed that the responsibility to act lies with the international community. Previous negotiations in Busan, South Korea, collapsed in December after oil-producing nations blocked consensus on production limits. Despite the challenges, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) chief Inger Andersen expressed cautious optimism, stating, 'Most countries have said: 'We're coming to Geneva to strike the deal'.' Plastic waste has reached alarming levels, with over 400 million tonnes produced annually—half for single-use items. Only 9% is recycled, while 46% ends up in landfills and 22% becomes litter. A Lancet report highlighted plastic pollution as a 'grave, growing and under-recognised danger,' costing $1.5 trillion yearly in health-related losses. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, demand a treaty that cuts production and bans toxic chemicals. Graham Forbes, Greenpeace's delegation head, warned against letting 'a few countries determine humanity's future.' Meanwhile, industry representatives argue plastics are vital for healthcare and infrastructure. As talks proceed, an art installation outside the UN—a plastic-submerged replica of Rodin's 'The Thinker'—symbolises the growing burden of pollution. Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong, behind the piece, urged action: 'If you want to protect health, we need to think about toxic chemicals in our environment.' - AFP
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Egyptian TV reports rare arrival of fuel trucks for Gaza
Gaza's health ministry has said fuel shortages have severely impaired hospital services. (AP pic) CAIRO : Egypt's state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV said today that two fuel trucks carrying 107 tonnes of diesel were set to enter Gaza, months after Israel severely restricted aid access to the enclave before easing it somewhat as starvation began to spread. Gaza's health ministry has said fuel shortages have severely impaired hospital services, forcing doctors to focus on treating only critically ill or injured patients. There was no immediate confirmation whether the fuel trucks had indeed entered Gaza. Fuel shipments have been rare since March, when Israel restricted the flow of aid and goods into the enclave in what it said was pressure on Hamas rebels to free the remaining hostages they took in their October 2023 attack on Israel. The Gaza health ministry said today that six more people had died of starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the toll of those dying of such causes to 175, including 93 children, since the war began. Israel blames Hamas for the suffering in Gaza but, in response to a rising international outcry, it announced steps last week to let more aid reach the population, including pausing fighting for part of the day in some areas, approving air drops and announcing protected routes for aid convoys. United Nations agencies have said that airdrops of food are insufficient and that Israel must let in far more aid by land and open up access to the war-devastated territory where starvation has been spreading. Cogat, the Israeli military agency that coordinates aid, said 35 trucks have entered Gaza since June, nearly all of them in July. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said today that nearly 1,600 aid trucks had arrived since Israel eased restrictions late in July. However, witnesses and Hamas sources said many of those trucks have been looted by desperate displaced people and armed gangs. More than 700 trucks of fuel entered the Gaza Strip in January and February during a ceasefire before Israel broke it in March in a dispute over terms for extending it and resumed its major offensive. Palestinian local health authorities said at least 18 people had been killed by Israeli gunfire and airstrikes across the coastal enclave today. Deaths included persons trying to make their way to aid distribution points in southern and central areas of Gaza, Palestinian medics said. Among those killed was a staff member of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, which said an Israeli strike at their headquarters in Khan Younis in southern Gaza ignited a fire on the first floor of the building. The Gaza war began when Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in a cross-border attack on southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, according to Israeli figures. Israel's air and ground war in densely populated Gaza has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to enclave health officials. According to Israeli officials, 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Malay Mail
Men in the UAE quicker to address tech troubles than a mental health concern, new AXA Global Healthcare study finds
Virtual Care Services, providing unlimited access to qualified doctors via phone or video. Members can speak to a healthcare professional quickly and confidentially about physical or mental health concerns, without needing to visit a clinic - making it easier to act early, from anywhere in the world. For the Mind Health service, members can speak with a team of locally Dubai Health Authority licensed Psychologists for up to six sessions per medical condition. The Mind Health self-check, an online tool open to everyone (not just customers) that allows users to assess their emotional wellbeing through a short series of questions such as "Have you been feeling low lately?" or "Are you finding it hard to stay motivated?" Based on their responses, users receive guidance on whether further support could be helpful -encouraging action before symptoms worsen. DUBAI, UAE - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 August 2025 - Men in the UAE are more likely to take immediate action over a broken laptop, a social media hack, or a car warning light than seek support for ongoing low mood or mental health concerns, according to new research from AXA Global Healthcare The study , which explores how men approach preventative health, paints a concerning picture of low urgency around mental wellbeing. While 89% of UAE men said they would act within a week if they lost their bank card, just 56% would seek advice in the same timeframe if they experienced persistent low mood or a lack of motivation - known as early indicators of a deeper mental health data suggests a pattern in how men prioritise their responsibilities, with external and practical issues often outweighing personal health. Most men said they would take swift action if they noticed an unexpected dip in their bank balance or discovered a leak at home, with both scenarios prompting urgency from almost 90% of respondents. Conversely, fewer than six in ten would act as quickly on a potential physical or emotional health issues also ranked ahead of wellbeing. Eighty-four percent said they would respond to a vehicle warning light within a week, while 80% would act quickly to care for a sick pet. A broken laptop would prompt action from 79% of men, and 86% would respond quickly if their social media account were Idilby, Chief Growth Officer for AXA Global Healthcare, says:"It's clear that for many men in the UAE, technology, finances and practical matters seem to be prioritised before their physical and emotional health. We urgently need to normalise a more proactive approach to wellbeing - not just wait for something to go wrong."The study echoes global findings that men tend to under-prioritise their own health, particularly when symptoms are unclear or linked to emotional stress. Yet there are signs that digital tools may help shift this behaviour. Over two thirds (70%) of men in UAE said they would feel more confident taking action if a wearable device, health app or tracker flagged something unusual suggesting a clear opportunity for earlier intervention through support this shift, AXA Global Healthcare, in partnership with its local partner Daman, offers two preventative tools for its UAE based members that can be used anytime, anywhere:Idilby continues: "Preventative health shouldn't feel like an afterthought. Just as you'd regularly check your car or technology to keep things running smoothly, building habits around your health can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind. For UAE residents who travel frequently for business or may relocate internationally, having quick, easy access to trusted healthcare - wherever you are in the world - can make all the difference."Hashtag: #AXA The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
