At least 50 killed in Gaza as Israel resumes offensive
Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 50 people have been killed, after Israeli forces resumed their offensive despite a joint warning from several Western nations to stop bombardment and increase the flow of aid. Qatar said the attacks have eroded any hope for peace, with ceasefire negotiations in Doha this week hitting an impasse. Meanwhile, the United Nations said Israel has allowed 100 trucks carrying essential supplies into Gaza — the first time aid has trickled in in more than two months. Trent Murray reports from Tel Aviv.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Serbia's leader in Ukraine for first time since Russia invasion
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) welcoming Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Odesa, for the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit, on June 11. PHOTO: REUTERS Serbia's leader in Ukraine for first time since Russia invasion ODESA, Ukraine - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who maintains strong ties with Moscow, made his first visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022 on June 11 and said he supported the country's 'territorial integrity'. The Balkan nation with close historical links to Russia has maintained an official policy of neutrality throughout Moscow's three-year war in Ukraine and has denied arming either side. But in recent days, Russia accused Serbian arms companies of 'trying to stab Russia in the back' by selling munitions to Ukraine. Mr Vucic took part in a summit hosted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Black Sea port of Odesa that gathered leaders from several countries across southeastern Europe. 'What I can say on behalf of my country is that Serbia will remain very firm and steadfast on observing the UN Charter, international public law, which includes protection of territorial integrity of UN-recognised countries as the most important principle,' Mr Vucic said. Moscow occupies large swathes of eastern and southern Ukraine. Just weeks earlier, Mr Vucic joined the 80th anniversary celebrations on Moscow's Red Square for Russia's victory over Nazi Germany. Serbia and Ukraine have neither confirmed nor denied that Kyiv uses Serbian munitions. Mr Vucic has attempted to walk a tightrope between traditional ally Russia and Serbia's desire to join the European Union, which is one of Ukraine's main backers in the war against invading Russian forces. Both Serbia and Russia share a dislike and distrust of Nato, particularly since the defence organisation carried out bombardments on Serbian troops in 1999 during the Kosovo War. Despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Serbia refuses to cut ties with Moscow, despite voting against its long-standing ally at the United Nations. Belgrade is highly dependent on cheap gas it buys from Russia. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
Maritime agency warns shipping industry over rising Middle East tensions
LONDON - Increased tensions in the Middle East may lead to an escalation in military activity that could impact shipping in critical waterways, Britain's maritime agency said on Wednesday. Much of the world's oil and key commodities including grains pass through the region's busy sealanes. The United States and Iran are expected to hold talks this week on Iran's nuclear programme. Washington has threatened to take military action if the talks fail, and Iran said on Wednesday it could strike U.S. bases in the region if conflict arises. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said in an advisory note on Wednesday that it was aware of increased tensions in the Middle East which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners. The UKMTO advised vessels to use caution when passing through the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz. The UKMTO, which gathers reports on threats to shipping, did not specify the nature of the increase in tensions that prompted its alert. "Israel-affiliated merchant shipping is assessed to be at heightened risk of reciprocal military action," British maritime security company Ambrey said separately on Wednesday. "Substantial U.S. support to Israeli offensive action would raise the risk to U.S. shipping and vessels carrying U.S. cargo." Shipping industry and insurance sources said there was growing concern over a spillover from any action by Israel and its arch foe Iran, especially in waters around the Gulf and nearby waters. Last year, Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, and Israel launched airstrikes on targets inside Iran. "Any attack will have a certain potential to escalate and impact shipping as well as implicate military forces of other countries operating in the area, including the United States," said Jakob Larsen, chief safety & security officer with shipping association BIMCO. "A full-blown armed conflict between Israel/U.S. and Iran would most certainly effectively close the Straits of Hormuz at least for a period of time and drive up oil prices." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
5 hours ago
- Straits Times
UN rights chief warns of $70m funding shortfall
Funding cuts from donor states mean that people will suffer, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. PHOTO: REUTERS GENEVA - The United Nations Human Rights Office faces a dire financial crisis with a shortfall of at least US$60 million (S$77 million) this year due to funding cuts from donor states, its head said on June 11. 'I will not be able to staff 11 countries with a human rights presence... It will mean that people will suffer as a result,' UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva. OHCHR has received US$179 million of its US$246 million annual regular budget so far for this year, a shortfall of US$67 million, it said. Its extra-budgetary budget projects stand at US$209 million, which is US$60 million less than 2024. Mr Turk pointed to efforts to relocate some staff members to regional offices such as Vienna, Beirut and Panama City to both save costs and bring personnel closer to the countries in their brief. 'I hope that political leadership around the world, including in Europe, wakes up to that reality, and my call on them is to support the human rights course, strategically, politically, but also financially,' Mr Turk said. UNHCR and multiple United Nations agencies are grappling with major funding cuts due to significant donors slashing contributions, particulary the United States which has annually provided nearly a quarter of the UN budget. The upcoming 59th session of the Human Rights Council had to make 250,000 Swiss francs' (S$390,000) worth of savings, according to its president, and reduce the duration of the meeting by 2.5 days to save money. "I am concerned... Diplomacy is about listening to each other... it happens when people meet in Geneva in the corridors," the president of the UN Human Rights Council, Ambassador Jurg Lauber, told reporters in Geneva. "We have now reached a level where we need to take different approaches. We may have to do further cuts," he added. The Council's gathering begins on June 16 in Geneva. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
