A report warns that 41% of Gaza’s population will face “catastrophic” hunger, with nine in 10 experiencing “acute food insecurity” unless more aid is allowed. Israel faces pressure, including from the U.S., to permit more humanitarian aid. Israel has halted food import requests, blocking a key supply route. Israeli PM Netanyahu held an emergency meeting amid U.S. pressure to increase aid. The situation in Gaza is dire, with limited fresh produce available. Noah Prescott 18/10/2024 12:30 am
A landmark report by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water warns that human activities have disrupted the global water cycle, causing unprecedented stress. This imbalance threatens economies, food production, and lives, with nearly 3 billion people already facing water scarcity. The crisis could reduce global food production by over 50% and cut GDPs by 8% by 2050, with higher losses in low-income countries. The report highlights the importance of both “blue” and “green” water, emphasizing their roles in the water cycle and climate change mitigation. Urgent action is needed to prevent catastrophic consequences. Noah Prescott 18/10/2024 12:30 am
Israeli forces killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, a key figure in last year’s attack on Israel. His death is seen as a turning point in the campaign against Hamas, with Israeli leaders urging the group to surrender and release hostages. Despite hopes for a cease-fire, the war continues, with significant casualties in Gaza. Sinwar’s death is a blow to Hamas, but the group remains resilient. Israel plans to maintain control over Gaza to prevent Hamas from rearming, potentially prolonging the conflict. Meanwhile, Israel has also intensified its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Noah Prescott 18/10/2024 12:30 am
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine’s survival depends on joining NATO or acquiring nuclear weapons. He highlighted Ukraine’s past decision to relinquish Soviet nuclear arms under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which promised security assurances from Russia, the US, and the UK. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is currently fighting alone and argued for NATO membership as the only effective alliance for protection, noting that NATO countries are not at war. Penelope Kingsley 18/10/2024 12:30 am
Israeli authorities confirmed the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in a Gaza mission, marking a significant victory for Israel, the U.S., and global security. Sinwar, responsible for the October 7th massacres and numerous terrorist acts, orchestrated attacks that killed over 1,200 people, including 46 Americans, and led to over 250 hostages. U.S. Special Operations and intelligence aided Israel in tracking Sinwar, highlighting a relentless pursuit of justice akin to the 2011 operation against Osama Bin Laden. Noah Prescott 17/10/2024 9:00 pm
The US has pressured Israel to improve humanitarian access to Gaza, threatening to cut military aid if conditions don’t improve. A leaked letter from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin criticizes Israel’s blockade and its impact on 1.7 million Palestinians. The letter challenges Israel’s stance on UNRWA and warns against proposed laws that could harm humanitarian efforts. It emphasizes US concerns over Gaza’s deteriorating situation and reminds Israel of potential restrictions on arms transfers if aid is blocked. Ava Sinclair 17/10/2024 9:00 pm
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested the EU could learn from Italy’s policy of processing migrants offshore in Albania. Ahead of an EU summit on migration, she emphasized the need to increase deportations, noting only 20% of irregular migrants are currently returned. Italy’s scheme, criticized by some as “cruel” and “expensive,” involves sending migrants to Albania for asylum processing. The initiative, costing €650m, excludes vulnerable groups and is closely watched by EU states amid rising far-right support. Von der Leyen’s comments reflect pressure to address migration challenges. Penelope Kingsley 17/10/2024 9:00 pm
U.S. B-2 bombers targeted Houthi weapons caches in Yemen, marking the first use of the stealth bomber against the militia. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated the operation, ordered by President Biden, aimed to degrade the Houthis’ ability to attack ships in the Red Sea. The strikes also serve as a potential warning to Iran amid rising tensions. Austin highlighted the B-2’s capability to target deeply buried facilities, showcasing U.S. military reach. Meanwhile, Israel claimed to have killed a top Hamas leader, as conflicts involving Iran-backed groups intensified. Penelope Kingsley 17/10/2024 9:00 pm
Italy’s new law bans couples from traveling abroad for surrogacy, extending domestic prohibitions. Proposed by PM Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing party, it imposes up to two years in prison and €1 million fines. Critics, including rights groups and opposition parties, label it “inhumane,” arguing it targets LGBTQ+ rights and diverse families. Meloni defends it as protecting against exploitation. Opponents claim it fuels discrimination and is unconstitutional, punishing legal actions abroad. Supporters argue surrogacy exploits women and denies children natural parentage. Penelope Kingsley 17/10/2024 9:00 pm
The NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts a weak, short-lived La Niña for winter 2024-25, influencing U.S. weather. Typically, La Niña brings cooler, wetter conditions to the northern U.S. and warmer, drier weather to the south. The outlook predicts above-average temperatures for most of the U.S., from the Southwest to the central and eastern regions. Noah Prescott 17/10/2024 9:00 pm
