Latest news with #UN
Al Arabiya
31 minutes ago
- General
- Al Arabiya
Israel and UN clash over aid to Gaza
Israel accused the United Nations on Wednesday of seeking to 'block' Gaza aid distribution, as the global body said it was doing its utmost to gather the limited assistance greenlighted by Israel's authorities. The humanitarian situation in Gaza, where Israel has imposed a two-month aid blockade, is dire, with food security experts saying starvation is looming for one in five people. 'While the UN spreads panic and makes declarations detached from reality, the state of Israel is steadily facilitating the entry of aid into Gaza,' Israel's United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon told the Security Council. He said the assistance was entering by trucks — under limited authorization by Israel at the Kerem Shalom crossing since last week following the blockade — and via a 'new distribution mechanism developed in coordination with the US and key international partners.' Danon was referring to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a private, US-backed aid group that has established its own distribution system, one the United Nations considers contrary to its humanitarian principles. A chaotic distribution of aid at a GHF center Tuesday left 47 people wounded. Israel's ambassador blamed Hamas for the tumult, saying the Palestinian group set up roadblocks and checkpoints to block access to the distribution center. He accused the UN of 'trying to block' the aid. The United Nations 'is using threats, intimidation and retaliation against NGOs that choose to participate in the new humanitarian mechanism,' Danon added. Danon specifically accused the United Nations of having removed these nongovernmental organizations from a database listing groups working in Gaza, an accusation rejected by the UN. 'There are no differences between the current list and the one from before the launch of the GHF,' Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told AFP. But the UN reiterated its opposition to coordinating with GHF. 'We will not participate in operations that do not meet our humanitarian principles,' insisted Dujarric. He also said the UN was doing all it could to gather the aid arriving through Kerem Shalom. Since last week 800 truckloads were approved by Israel but fewer than 500 made it into Gaza, according to Dujarric. 'We and our partners could collect just over 200 of them, limited by insecurity and restricted access,' he said. 'If we're not able to pick up those goods, I can tell you one thing, it is not for lack of trying.' Danon had said 'more than 400 trucks' full of aid were already on the Gaza side of the crossing and that Israel had provided 'safe routes' for the distribution. 'But the UN did not show up,' the Israeli envoy said. 'Put your ego aside, pick up the aid and do your job.' Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed at least 54,804 people, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry there. The UN considers the figures reliable. The punishing offensive has reduced much of the Palestinian territory to rubble — including hospitals, schools and other basic infrastructure — and resulted in the displacement of almost all of its roughly two million people. Israel launched its operations in response to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which killed 1,218 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
CNN
an hour ago
- Health
- CNN
Palestinian UN envoy breaks down talking about Gaza's children
Palestinian UN envoy breaks down talking about Gaza's children The Palestinian ambassador to the UN made an emotional address, saying more than 1,300 children have been killed in Gaza since Israel ended the ceasefire in March. 01:19 - Source: CNN Vertical World News 16 videos Palestinian UN envoy breaks down talking about Gaza's children The Palestinian ambassador to the UN made an emotional address, saying more than 1,300 children have been killed in Gaza since Israel ended the ceasefire in March. 01:19 - Source: CNN Palestinians desperate for food rush US-backed aid site Scores of people rushed over fencing and through barricades in southern Gaza on the first day a US-Israeli-backed aid site was opened. CNN's Jeremy Diamond explains the desperate humanitarian situation that remains in the region. 01:22 - Source: CNN Journalists spit on at Jerusalem Day flag march Ultra-nationalist Israeli Jews chanted anti-Arab slogans as they marched through Jerusalem's Old City to mark Jerusalem Day. CNN's Oren Liebermann describes heavy police presence on the ground. Members of the crowd were seen spitting on journalists, including a CNN producer. 01:50 - Source: CNN Finland's president responds to Russian military activity along border CNN's Erin Burnett speaks with Finland's President Alexander Stubb about his country ramping up its military to deter potential Russian aggression. 02:16 - Source: CNN King Charles stresses Canada's 'self determination' amid pressure from US King Charles III delivered the ceremonial Speech from the Throne in the Canadian Senate. The address marks only the second time in Canadian history that the reigning sovereign has opened parliament, and the third time that the British monarch has delivered the address. 00:42 - Source: CNN Huge ship refloated after nearly crashing into house A larger container ship has been refloated after nearly crashing into a house in Norway. According to local police, the navigator had fallen asleep at the helm. 00:42 - Source: CNN Vehicle plows into crowd in Liverpool Police in the United Kingdom say a man has been arrested after a car plowed into Liverpool fans celebrating during the soccer club's Premier League trophy parade. 01:14 - Source: CNN Iran's Foreign Ministry on progress of Iran-US talks Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei gave an exclusive interview to CNN's Fred Pleitgen on the progress of continuing nuclear talks with the US. Baqaei told CNN that any attempt by the Trump administration to 'deprive' Iranians of their right to nuclear energy would be 'very problematic'. But he also said that there were many ways to come to a compromise. Iran and the United States concluded a fifth round of talks in Rome on Friday. 01:16 - Source: CNN Video of President Macron's wife 'pushing' him goes viral A video of French President Macron's wife pushing him as they disembarked a flight has caught the attention of Russian trolls after going viral. While Macron himself tried to downplay the video saying it merely showed a couple 'bickering,' it's not the first time Russian troll accounts and state media outlets have tried to use videos of the French president to spread disinformation. CNN's Saskya Vandoorne has more. 01:35 - Source: CNN Israeli strikes were one of this hostage's biggest fears in captivity An Israeli soldier released by Hamas during a ceasefire-hostage deal has said one of her biggest fears during captivity were strikes carried out by Israel. It's 'what endangered me more than anything,' Na'ama Levy said. The former hostage's comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this month that defeating Israel's enemies is the 'supreme objective' and more important than securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza. 00:57 - Source: CNN Nine of this doctor's children killed in Gaza Dr. Alaa al-Najjar left her ten children at home when she went to work in the emergency room at the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza. Hours later, the bodies of seven children - most of them badly burned - arrived at the hospital, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza. They were Dr. Najjar's own children, killed in an Israeli strike on her home. The bodies of two more of her children – a 7-month-old and a 12-year-old who authorities presume to be dead – remain missing. 02:03 - Source: CNN Harvard foreign student describes atmosphere of 'pure panic' CNN spoke to 20-year-old Abdullah Shahid Sial, a rising junior and student body co-president at Harvard University, about his reaction to the Trump administration's decision to revoke the university's ability to enroll international students. A federal judge temporarily halted the Trump administration's ban on Friday, after the nation's oldest and wealthiest college filed a suit in federal court. 01:29 - Source: CNN This Indian YouTuber is accused of spying An Indian travel vlogger has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Pakistan just days after tensions soared between the two longtime rival nations following an attack last month that left 26 tourists dead in India-administered Kashmir. Police say that 'in the pursuit of views, followers, and viral content, she fell into a trap.' 01:46 - Source: CNN See what Gaza's hotels looked like before the war When Donald Trump announced his plans to turn war-torn Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East," many Palestinians were angered. CNN spoke to two hoteliers, who explained what life was like before the war and their hopes for the future. 01:51 - Source: CNN Mountaineers scaled Mt. Everest in less than a week Mountaineers usually spend weeks or months acclimating to high altitudes before ascending Mt. Everest. But one group accomplished the feat in less than a week after using an anesthetic gas that critics warn could be dangerous. 01:40 - Source: CNN See moment OceanGate team noticed something wrong Newly released video shows OceanGate founder and CEO Stockton Rush's wife, Wendy Rush, who was working on the communications and tracking team, notice the sound of a 'bang' while monitoring the submersible. The Titan submersible imploded on June 18, 2023, killing all five passengers on board. 00:49 - Source: CNN
Japan Times
an hour ago
- Health
- Japan Times
Israel says it killed Hamas' presumed leader in Gaza
Israel said Wednesday its military killed Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas' presumed Gaza leader and the brother of Yahya, the slain mastermind of the October 2023 attacks that sparked the Gaza war. On the war's 600th day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Israel's Gaza offensive, saying it had killed tens of thousands of militants including Mohammed Sinwar — nicknamed "the shadow." Israeli media said Sinwar was targeted by strikes in southern Gaza earlier this month. His brother was killed in October 2024. Wednesday's announcement came as the U.N. condemned a U.S.— and Israeli-backed aid system in Gaza after dozens were hurt the day before in chaotic scenes at a food distribution site. Also Wednesday, AFP footage showed crowds of Palestinians breaking into a U.N. World Food Program warehouse at Deir el-Balah in central Gaza and taking food as gunshots rang out. The WFP posted on X that "hungry people" raided the warehouse "in search of food supplies that were pre-positioned for distribution." The aid issue has worsened amid a hunger crisis and criticism of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which bypasses the longstanding U.N.-led system. The U.N. said 47 people were injured Tuesday when thousands of Palestinians rushed a GHF site. A Palestinian medical source reported at least one death. Ajith Sunghay, head of the U.N. Human Rights Office in the Palestinian territories, said most injuries came from Israeli gunfire. The military rejected this. A spokesman said soldiers "fired warning shots into the air," not toward people. GHF also denied crowds were shot while waiting for aid and said operations continue, with a new site opened "without incident" and more planned. With two of its four sites fully operational, GHF said it distributed eight trucks of aid and more than 840,000 meals on Wednesday. Gazans accused the U.S.-backed system of causing confusion and unfair access. "All the aid boxes were torn apart and people just took whatever they wanted. This is all I could find: five bags of chickpeas and five kilos of rice," said Qasim Shalouf in Khan Yunis. U.N. Middle East envoy Sigrid Kaag said Gazans "deserve more than survival." "Since the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, the already horrific existence of civilians has only sunk further into the abyss," she told the Security Council. Netanyahu marked the 600-day milestone in parliament, saying the offensive had "changed the face of the Middle East." "We drove the terrorists out of our territory, entered the Gaza Strip with force, eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists, eliminated ... Mohammed Sinwar," he said. In Washington, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about a possible ceasefire, saying he expected to propose a plan soon. "I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution, temporary cease fire, and a long-term resolution, a peaceful resolution of that conflict," he said. Gazans remained pessimistic. "Six hundred days have passed and nothing has changed. Death continues, and Israeli bombing does not stop," said Bassam Daloul, 40. "Even hoping for a ceasefire feels like a dream and a nightmare." Displaced mother-of-three Aya Shamlakh, 35, said: "There is no food, no water, not even clothes. The clothes we wear are torn and my children cannot find food to eat, where do we go?" In Israel, relatives of hostages held since the Oct. 7 attack gathered in Tel Aviv. "I want you to know that when Israel blows up deals, it does so on the heads of the hostages," said Arbel Yehud, who was freed from Gaza captivity in January. "Their conditions immediately worsen, food diminishes, pressure increases, and bombings and military actions do not save them, they endanger their lives." The U.N. has criticized the GHF, which faces accusations of failing humanitarian principles. "I believe it is a waste of resources and a distraction from atrocities," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees. Gaza's civil defense said Israeli strikes killed 16 people Wednesday. Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza for more than two months, before easing it slightly last week. It stepped up its military offensive earlier this month, while mediators push for a still elusive ceasefire. In Tel Aviv, hundreds of people called for a ceasefire, lining roads and the main highway at 6:29 am — the exact time the unprecedented October 7 attack began. Most Israeli media focused on the 600-day milestone and the hostage families' struggle. Some 1,218 people were killed in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Wednesday at least 3,924 people had been killed in the territory since Israel ended the ceasefire on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 54,084, mostly civilians.
CNN
an hour ago
- General
- CNN
‘Unbearable': Palestinian envoy breaks down at UN discussing children in Gaza
The Palestinian ambassador to the UN made an emotional address, saying more than 1,300 children have been killed in Gaza since Israel ended the ceasefire in March.
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Israel says killed Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar, as Netanyahu marks 600th days of Gaza war amid chaos over aid
JERUSALEM, May 29 — Israel said yesterday its military killed Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas's presumed Gaza leader and the brother of Yahya, slain mastermind of the October 2023 attacks that sparked the Gaza war. On the war's 600th day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Israel's Gaza offensive, saying it had killed tens of thousands of militants including Mohammed Sinwar — nicknamed 'the shadow'. Israeli media said Sinwar was targeted by strikes in southern Gaza earlier this month. His brother was killed in October 2024. Wednesday's announcement came as the UN condemned a US- and Israeli-backed aid system in Gaza after dozens were hurt the day before in chaotic scenes at a food distribution site. Also Wednesday, AFP footage showed crowds of Palestinians breaking into a UN World Food Programme warehouse at Deir el-Balah in central Gaza and taking food as gunshots rang out. The WFP posted on X that 'hungry people' raided the warehouse 'in search of food supplies that were pre-positioned for distribution'. The aid issue has worsened amid a hunger crisis and criticism of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which bypasses the longstanding UN-led system. The UN said 47 people were injured Tuesday when thousands of Palestinians rushed a GHF site. A Palestinian medical source reported at least one death. Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office in the Palestinian territories, said most injuries came from Israeli gunfire. The military rejected this. A spokesman said soldiers 'fired warning shots into the air', not towards people. GHF also denied crowds were shot while waiting for aid and said operations continue, with a new site opened 'without incident' and more planned. With two of its four sites fully operational, GHF said it distributed eight trucks of aid and more than 840,000 meals on Wednesday. Gazans accused the US-backed system of causing confusion and unfair access. 'All the aid boxes were torn apart and people just took whatever they wanted. This is all I could find: five bags of chickpeas and five kilos of rice,' said Qasim Shalouf in Khan Yunis. UN Middle East envoy Sigrid Kaag said Gazans 'deserve more than survival'. 'Since the resumption of hostilities in Gaza, the already horrific existence of civilians has only sunk further into the abyss,' she told the Security Council. 'War of Revival' Netanyahu marked the 600-day milestone in parliament, saying the offensive had 'changed the face of the Middle East'. 'We drove the terrorists out of our territory, entered the Gaza Strip with force, eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists, eliminated... Mohammed Sinwar,' he said. In Washington, US envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about a possible ceasefire, saying he expected to propose a plan soon. 'I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution, temporary cease fire, and a long-term resolution, a peaceful resolution of that conflict,' he said. Gazans remained pessimistic. 'Six hundred days have passed and nothing has changed. Death continues, and Israeli bombing does not stop,' said Bassam Daloul, 40. 'Even hoping for a ceasefire feels like a dream and a nightmare.' Displaced mother-of-three Aya Shamlakh, 35, said: 'There is no food, no water, not even clothes. The clothes we wear are torn and my children cannot find food to eat, where do we go?' In Israel, relatives of hostages held since the October 7 attack gathered in Tel Aviv. 'I want you to know that when Israel blows up deals, it does so on the heads of the hostages,' said Arbel Yehud, who was freed from Gaza captivity in January. 'Their conditions immediately worsen, food diminishes, pressure increases, and bombings and military actions do not save them, they endanger their lives.' 'Waste of resources' The UN has criticised the GHF, which faces accusations of failing humanitarian principles. 'I believe it is a waste of resources and a distraction from atrocities,' said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Gaza's civil defence said Israeli strikes killed 16 people Wednesday. Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza for more than two months, before easing it slightly last week. It stepped up its military offensive earlier this month, while mediators push for a still elusive ceasefire. In Tel Aviv, hundreds of people called for a ceasefire, lining roads and the main highway at 6:29 am — the exact time the unprecedented October 7 attack began. Most Israeli media focused on the 600-day milestone and the hostage families' struggle. Some 1,218 people were killed in Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Wednesday at least 3,924 people had been killed in the territory since Israel ended the ceasefire on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 54,084, mostly civilians. — AFP
