Latest news with #StéphaneDujarric
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Haitian deportations from Dominican Republic rise 70%
May 30 (UPI) -- More than 200,000 undocumented migrants have left the Dominican Republic this year, including at least 145,000 Haitians deported by immigration authorities. The figure marks a 70% increase from the same period last year and is part of a plan by President Luis Abinader and the National Security and Defense Council to reduce the number of undocumented migrants in the country. The Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Migration has stepped up immigration operations and deportations of Haitians since October 2024, when a new immigration law took effect. International organizations have raised concerns about the impact deportations have had on the Haitian community in the Dominican Republic. Many people now live in fear of being detained and expelled, which has limited their access to basic services such as healthcare and education. The Caribbean nation has barred entry to pregnant Haitian women in their third trimester, saying its healthcare system cannot cover the cost of childbirth for undocumented foreigners. The United Nations condemned the deportation of 900 pregnant or breastfeeding Haitian women from the Dominican Republic in recent months. U.N. Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the International Organization for Migration provided assistance at the border to an average of 30 such women each month during their deportation, calling the practice a violation of international standards. Dujarric added that nearly 20,000 Haitians were repatriated from the Dominican Republic between April and May 2025, the highest number on record for that time period. The Dominican Republic has tightened its immigration policy by partially closing its border with Haiti and building a 160-kilometer border wall equipped with sensors, cameras and watchtowers. The government said the measures aim to curb irregular migration, smuggling and insecurity. The DGM defended the immigration operations, saying they comply with human rights standards. "Our actions are carried out with strict respect for the fundamental rights of those involved, ensuring dignified treatment, proper safety and hygiene conditions, and due process in accordance with national and international human rights standards," the agency said in a press release. Haiti is facing one of the worst crises in its recent history, marked by widespread violence from armed gangs that control more than 80% of Port-au-Prince. These groups have carried out attacks on public institutions, mass killings, and prison breaks, displacing more than 1 million people and leaving the transitional government, led by the Presidential Transitional Council under Fritz Alphonse Jean, in collapse. The insecurity has overwhelmed Haiti's health system, forcing hospital closures, driving medical professionals to flee the country, and triggering outbreaks of diseases such as cholera. The crisis is compounded by severe food insecurity, with more than 5 million people struggling to access adequate food and thousands living in famine conditions.
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Yemen: UN Warns Against Houthi-Israel Escalation, Calls For Dialogue
On Wednesday, Israel launched airstrikes on Yemen's main airport in the capital, Sana'a, destroying the last operational Yemenia Airways plane, according to media reports. The attack came a day after the Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, fired missiles at Israel. Fragile situation worsening In Yemen, the rebels have been fighting with Government troops, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, for over a decade. But since the start of the war in Gaza they have been targeting Israel as well as commercial ships in the Red Sea, as an act of solidarity with Palestinians. 'The ongoing military confrontation between the Houthis and Israel is exacerbating an already very fragile situation in Yemen and the broader region,' said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. 'Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including Sana'a airport in Yemen and Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, are unacceptable.' He said the strike on Sana'a airport and the destruction of the civilian aircraft 'deprives many Yemenis of a critical means to leave the country for medical, educational, family or religious regions, especially at a time when thousands of pilgrims are preparing for the Hajj.' De-escalation and dialogue The Spokesman called on all stakeholders, including the Houthis, to de-escalate and exercise restraint, uphold their obligations under international law, and protect civilian infrastructure. He also urged the warring parties to return to the intra-Yemeni dialogue, with the support of the region, as the only viable path toward lasting peace and security. In related developments, the UN Special Envoy for Yemen concluded a visit to Oman's capital Muscat on Wednesday, his office said in a statement. Hans Grundberg met senior Omani officials, members of Ansar Allah leadership and representatives of the diplomatic community, including senior Iranian officials. 'Discussions focused on the cessation of hostilities between the United States and Ansar Allah and the need to translate this into sustainable progress that benefits all Yemenis and includes guarantees for the region and international community,' the statement said. The ceasefire agreement was brokered by Oman and came into effect on 6 May following the resumption of deadly US airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Free detained personnel Mr. Grundberg further addressed regional dynamics and the shared responsibility of all to support de-escalation and a UN-led political process for a durable and comprehensive resolution to the conflict in Yemen. As the Houthis continue to arbitrarily detain scores of personnel from the UN, non-governmental organizations, civil society and diplomatic missions, the Special Envoy called for their immediate and unconditional release in all his engagements. 'He stressed that their prolonged detention is not only unjustifiable but undermines the UN's and international community's ability to provide humanitarian support to millions of Yemenis,' the statement said.
Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Chaos, bloodshed in Rafah as Gaza's humanitarian crisis worsens, global outcry intensifies
The humanitarian and security crisis in Rafah, southern Gaza, has escalated sharply following a deadly breakdown in a US- and Israeli-backed aid distribution initiative, further exposing the collapse of ceasefire efforts and deepening the territory's descent into famine and lawlessness. Eyewitnesses described scenes of desperation and violence on Tuesday as thousands of Palestinians gathered at an aid center in western Rafah. Israeli forces reportedly opened fire during the chaotic distribution process, killing and injuring civilians. Several young men were detained under what witnesses called humiliating conditions, including forced iris scans and strip searches. On Wednesday, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported 28 new deaths and 179 injuries in the preceding 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, to over 54,000, with more than 123,000 wounded. The Ministry also confirmed that at least 60 children have died from hunger-related causes in the past week alone. Of Gaza's 38 hospitals, only 16 remain partially functional, and medical supplies are nearing complete depletion. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric called the situation 'heartbreaking' and reiterated demands for all border crossings to be opened immediately to allow the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid and commercial goods. 'The United Nations and our partners are ready to scale up relief operations, but we are being blocked by restrictions that make that impossible,' he said. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, speaking from Japan, criticized the US-backed aid system currently operating in Gaza, describing it as a 'waste of resources and a distraction from ongoing atrocities.' He stressed that established humanitarian agencies have the expertise to manage distribution effectively and must be allowed to resume their life-saving operations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also condemned the shootings at the aid center, describing Tuesday's events as 'cruel and shocking.' According to the commission, 47 civilians were injured by Israeli gunfire while attempting to collect food from a facility operated by the US- and Israeli-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu provoked widespread international backlash after denying the existence of famine in Gaza. Speaking at the International Conference on Combating Antisemitism in West Jerusalem, he cited the physical condition of Palestinian detainees as evidence. 'Thousands of prisoners have removed their shirts, and not one of them appears emaciated—quite the opposite,' he claimed, suggesting this disproved reports of widespread starvation. Hamas condemned the remarks as 'criminal' and 'a confession of mass humiliation,' accusing Israel of war crimes and calling for Netanyahu's statements to be documented by international courts. 'These words reflect a detachment from humanity and a contempt for the suffering of two million displaced Palestinians, many of whom have died from hunger and disease,' the group said in a statement. Meanwhile, ceasefire talks remain deadlocked. According to Haaretz, indirect negotiations are ongoing but have made little progress. Israel's current proposal reportedly does not include a binding commitment to end the war—an impasse that has prevented a breakthrough. Hamas, via US envoy Steve Weitecov, has submitted a counter-proposal calling for a permanent ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the formation of a professional body to oversee post-war governance in Gaza. The group says it is awaiting a formal response from mediators. In a significant diplomatic development, Ireland on Wednesday became the first European Union country to pass legislation banning imports from companies operating in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. The measure is intended to signal disapproval of Israeli settlement policy and could encourage similar actions across the EU, raising fears in Israel of growing economic isolation. As the war enters its 600th day, international pressure on Israel is mounting. Humanitarian organizations continue to warn of a 'slow genocide' unfolding in Gaza, as aid remains blocked, hospitals collapse, and diplomatic channels fail to deliver relief. The situation, observers say, is becoming increasingly untenable with each passing day.
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Health
- Shafaq News
Heartbreaking images: Relief turns to chaos at Gaza site amid aid shortage
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, a crowd surge at a newly opened US-backed aid center in southern Gaza disrupted food distribution, according to Arab media outlets, raising concerns over humanitarian coordination and delivery. Thousands of Palestinians pushed through the gates of a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) site near Rafah, seeking access to limited supplies. GHF said it had distributed 8,000 food boxes so far, each designed to sustain 5.5 people for 3.5 days. Israeli forces reportedly fired warning shots outside the compound to control the crowd, claiming that the situation was "contained" and operations would resume as scheduled. The incident sparked criticism from other aid groups, including Jose Andrew, founder of the Emirati-backed World Central Kitchen (WCK), who accused GHF of mismanagement. 'The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has left Palestinians without food. The people that created it are selfish.' The United Nations also condemned the scenes. 'These images are heartbreaking,' said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres. Israel rejected UN criticism, blaming delays on logistical failures. 'The UN has avoided fulfilling its role and continues spreading false information,' asserted Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, head of COGAT, the Israeli agency managing civil affairs in the Palestinian territories. GHF stated that operations at the Rafah distribution center have since returned to normal. The holdup comes as Gaza's health system nears collapse. The Strip's Health Ministry warned that oxygen supplies have become critically strained, with 25 out of 34 oxygen stations destroyed during Israeli incursions into hospitals. Only nine stations remain partially operational, insufficient to meet patient needs in intensive care, neonatal units, operating rooms, and emergency wards. The Israeli war has killed 54,084 Palestinians, including 3,924 following the ceasefire breakdown in March, and injured 123,308 others since October 2023, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Israeli troops open fire as aid group loses control of distribution centre
Israeli troops have opened fire near thousands of hungry Palestinians as a logistics group chosen by Israel to ship food into Gaza lost control of its distribution centre on its second day of operations. An 11-week total siege and an ongoing tight Israel blockade means most people in Gaza are desperately hungry. Hundreds of thousands walked through Israeli military lines to reach the new distribution centre in Rafah on Tuesday. But the newly established Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was not prepared for them and staff at one point were forced to abandon their posts. 'At one moment in the late afternoon, the volume of people at the SDS [secure distribution centre] was such that the GHF team fell back to allow a small number of Palestinians in Gaza to take aid safely and dissipate,' the foundation said in a statement. The Israeli military said it fired 'warning shots' near the compound to restore control. It was not immediately clear if there had been any injuries among people trying to get food. Images shared on social media, which could not immediately be verified, appeared to show people waiting in queues between wire fences. These were later partially torn down as people rushed into an open field where boxes were waiting. On Sunday, Jake Wood, the founding director of the GHF, resigned, saying that it would not be possible for the group to deliver aid 'while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence'. The UN and major humanitarian organisations had already refused to work with the GHF on the grounds that doing so would compromise values that are key to reaching civilians in all conflict zones, and put both their teams and recipients of aid in Gaza at risk. They also warned that a newly formed group with no experience would not be able to handle the logistics of feeding over 2 million people in a devastated combat zone. Related: 'Our hearts ache': the fight for survival in Gaza amid Israel's new offensive and no aid The dangerous chaos on Tuesday appeared to confirm many of those fears. The GHF said its decision to abandon the distribution centre 'was done in accordance with GHF protocol to avoid casualties'. Scenes of desperate crowds rushing to get aid were 'heartbreaking', UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said, particularly when the UN and partners have a 'detailed, principled, operationally sound plan' to get aid in. The trickle of food currently reaching Gaza was not enough to feed its people, he added. 'We continue to stress that a meaningful scale-up of humanitarian operations is essential to stave off famine and meet the needs of all civilians, wherever they are.' Israel is trying to replace the humanitarian organisations that bring aid into Gaza. It has long claimed, without providing evidence, that Hamas disrupts their supply networks to profit from aid. The GHF uses armed security contractors to deliver food in compounds guarded by Israel's military. It previously acknowledged that this method excludes some of the most vulnerable people in Gaza because only those able to walk long distances and carry heavy boxes of food will be able to feed their families this way. And despite pushing for control of food and other supplies coming into Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces had not properly prepared to distribute aid and 'planned to direct the population using gunfire,' a security source told Haaretz newspaper. 'They treated it like a routine situation involving suspects entering a combat zone, but you can't direct a population of that scale with gunfire if you want them to feel safe reaching the areas you've opened,' he told the paper. The source said that the military's original idea to direct crowds using gunfire suggests 'they didn't think and didn't plan' to use other means, such as fencing off the area. The GHF said that by the end of Tuesday it had handed out 8,000 boxes of food: enough to feed 44,000 people for half a week according to its calculations. That is just 2% of Gaza's population. The foundation said deliveries would be increased during the week. Pictures shared on social media that appeared to show the content of the boxes, but could not immediately be verified, suggested they would be meagre meals, mostly rice, pasta and flour with some cans of beans and vegetables sourced from Israel. The GHF has not revealed who is funding its work, although initial pictures showed boxes with the logos of three small aid organisations with experience working in Gaza. None responded to questions about their work with the GHF, but even if they have agreed to partner with the organisation long term, they do not have the capacity to meet overall needs. 'Regardless of whether the GHF is operating or not, we know from decades of experience and the almost 600 days we have been responding to this catastrophe in Gaza that this shameful exercise in the militarisation of aid is not going to work,' said Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam policy lead in the occupied Palestinian territory. 'Even in the most optimal of conditions, there is no logistical company who can feed 2.1 million people overnight. Humanitarianism is not just about handing out food parcels to feed starving people; it is about ensuring that people have the means to survive.' Israeli forces have taken control of much of Gaza since the end of a ceasefire in March, launching heavy attacks that have killed nearly 4,000 Palestinians, health authorities there say. The total death toll from Israeli attacks inside Gaza has now passed 54,000, most of them civilians. Israel launched the war after cross-border attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023 killed about 1,200 people, the majority of them civilians, and saw 250 taken hostage.
