UN PALESTINIAN REFUGEE AGENCY
Harvard loses another $450 million in grants in escalating battle with Trump administration
The Trump administration is cutting $450 million in grants to Harvard University, alleging the school is a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism. This action follows Harvard's defiance of government demands to limit pro-Palestinian activism and end DEI practices. Harvard has filed a legal challenge to the sanctions, disputing the allegations and accusing the government of unlawful interference.
Netanyahu says there is 'no way' Israel halts the war in Gaza until Hamas is defeated
Benjamin Netanyahu states Israel will not stop its Gaza war, even with hostage deals. This complicates ceasefire talks after Hamas freed an American hostage. Israeli forces struck hospitals, claiming Hamas presence. Netanyahu plans to escalate force to destroy Hamas. He envisions temporary ceasefires only. Hamas demands prisoner release and withdrawal for hostage freedom. Talks are ongoing with US involvement.
Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says army entering Gaza 'with full force' in coming days
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared an imminent, forceful military operation in Gaza to eliminate Hamas, dismissing the possibility of a permanent ceasefire. Despite international condemnation, Israel plans to expand its offensive, potentially displacing many residents.
Donald Trump to open his Mideast trip by visiting Saudi crown prince
President Trump's Mideast trip commences in Saudi Arabia, engaging Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in discussions about Iran's nuclear ambitions, the Gaza conflict, and oil prices.
Egypt's Suez Canal mulls discounts on transit fees to bring back traffic
Osama Rabie of the Suez Canal Authority said discounts on transit fees are being considered. The discounts range from 12% to 15%. This is to restore traffic in the Suez Canal. Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping have caused revenue to plummet.
With Israel ties on the table, UAE offers Saudis an example
President Trump's Gulf tour in May 2025 focuses on persuading Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel, following the UAE's Abraham Accords experience. While the UAE gained economically and strategically from normalizing ties, its regional standing suffered due to the Gaza war. Saudi Arabia, mindful of reputational risks and public opinion, is hesitant to normalize relations without a resolution for the Palestinians.
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Who is Edan Alexander? American-Israeli hostage set to be freed by Hamas after more than 500 days in Gaza
Edan Alexander, kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023 from Israel, is set to be released after 583 days in captivity. His release is linked to US-mediated talks in Qatar and comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit.
US-Israeli hostage to be released 'most likely' Monday or Tuesday: Source close to Hamas
US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, held by Hamas in Gaza since October 2023, is expected to be released on Monday or Tuesday, according to a source close to Hamas. The release depends on ensuring safe field conditions, with Hamas demanding a halt to Israeli military operations to allow for a secure transfer to the Red Cross. No public ceremony is planned for the handover.
Columbia suspends over 65 students following pro-Palestinian protest in library
Columbia University has suspended over 65 students and barred 33 others, including alumni, following a pro-Palestinian demonstration inside Butler Library. The protesters, who hung Palestinian flags and scrawled phrases like "Columbia will burn," were arrested and face trespassing charges. The university denounced the disruption, while some face visa reviews and potential deportation.
Food security experts warn Gaza is at critical risk of famine if Israel doesn't end its blockade
Food security experts warn that the Gaza Strip is on the brink of famine due to Israel's ongoing blockade and military campaign, leaving nearly half a million Palestinians facing starvation. Critical food supplies are dwindling, and communal kitchens, the primary food source, are shutting down.
No ceasefire or prisoner release in exchange for US-Israeli hostage: Benjamin Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the recent release of a US-Israeli hostage by Hamas will not result in a ceasefire in Gaza or the release of Palestinian prisoners. He emphasized that negotiations for the release of all hostages would persist amid ongoing conflict, with preparations for intensified fighting continuing, according to a statement from his office.
Berlin says situation in Gaza 'unbearable', calls for ceasefire: minister
Germany's new top diplomat Johann Wadephul called on Saturday for "serious discussions for a ceasefire" in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation "is now unbearable". On Tuesday, new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced "considerable concern" about the Gaza conflict and demanded that Israel "respect its humanitarian obligations".
Trump seeks to bring first group of white South Africans to US next week amid controversy: 10 points
The Trump administration planned to resettle 54 white Afrikaner South Africans in the US as refugees, potentially arriving in Washington D.C. as early as Monday. This move followed Trump's concerns about land expropriation policies in South Africa, which he believed unfairly targeted Afrikaner farmers. South Africa's government refuted claims of discrimination and criticized the resettlement as politically motivated.
India sees improvement in maternal, child health indicators, says 2021 SRS report
India has made remarkable strides in maternal and child health between 2014 and 2021, with significant declines in MMR, IMR, NMR, and U5MR. The nation's progress has surpassed global averages, achieving substantial reductions in mortality rates compared to worldwide figures from 1990 to 2023. Several states have already met Sustainable Development Goals for maternal and child health.
Right to reside is only for Indian citizens, not for Rohingyas, rules Supreme Court
The Supreme Court declined to halt the deportation of illegal Rohingya Muslim migrants from Delhi, emphasizing that the right to reside in India is exclusive to citizens. The court acknowledged security concerns raised by the government, referencing a prior ruling on deportations from Assam and Jammu & Kashmir.
New German government plans to boost border controls to curb migration
Germany is set to tighten its border controls. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to deploy more police. The goal is to curb illegal migration. Some asylum-seekers may face rejection. Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed a tougher migration policy. This follows concerns about filling shelters. Previous government efforts included border checks and agreements for returns.
UNAIDS 50 percent workforce cuts is a major threat to global HIV response amid funding crisis: Key points
UNAIDS faces a major funding crisis. The agency will cut its workforce by more than half. It plans to scale back its presence in many countries. This is due to funding cuts from the US and other donors. The agency warns this could reverse gains in the global fight against HIV. UNAIDS considers moving posts to cheaper locations.
Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 59 as Israel prepares to ramp up its offensive
Israeli strikes in Gaza resulted in numerous fatalities, including women and children. A school sheltering displaced Palestinians was hit, causing significant casualties. Another school in Gaza City, also serving as a shelter, faced a similar attack. Tensions escalate as Israel prepares to intensify operations in Gaza. The conflict's impact on hostages and humanitarian aid remains a critical concern.
Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy University of Washington building, arrested
On May 5, 2025, approximately 30 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at the University of Washington after occupying the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building. Organized by SUPER-UW, the demonstration aimed to pressure the university to sever ties with Boeing due to its military contracts with Israel. Protesters barricaded the building, renamed it, and blocked streets, leading to charges including trespassing and property destruction.
Israel plans to capture all of Gaza under new plan, officials say
Israel has approved a plan to capture the entire Gaza Strip. The decision came after an early morning vote by Israeli cabinet ministers. The plan involves the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza. This move has raised concerns about a humanitarian crisis. Israel aims to defeat Hamas and free hostages. The plan's implementation will be gradual.
Israel cabinet approves plan for Gaza 'conquest'
Israel's security cabinet approved expanding military operations in Gaza. This includes conquering the territory. The army called up reservists for the offensive. The UN warned of a humanitarian crisis. The plan involves moving Gaza's population south. The EU voiced concern. Israel resumed operations on March 18. The cabinet aims to defeat Hamas and secure hostages' return.
Gaza civil defence says 19 killed in Israeli strikes
Early Monday, Israeli air strikes in northern Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people, including women and children, according to Gaza's civil defense agency. The strikes targeted apartments northwest of Gaza City and a house in Beit Lahiya.
Hamas executes looters in Gaza as food crisis worsens under Israeli blockade
Hamas executed alleged looters in Gaza following attacks on food stores. Hamas accused some looters of collaborating with Israel, which denies the allegation. A Hamas official reported executions against criminals involved in looting. Gaza faces a dire humanitarian situation due to the ongoing conflict. Armed gangs have terrorized people, stealing food and money.
Funding woes force UN to weigh massive overhaul
The United Nations is contemplating a significant restructuring, potentially merging numerous agencies into four main departments amid funding challenges exacerbated by US aid cuts. This overhaul could consolidate humanitarian operations, integrating entities like the World Food Programme and WHO.
Lebanon warns Hamas not to carry out any attacks from its territories
Lebanese authorities have issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening severe repercussions if the group launches attacks from Lebanese territory, emphasizing the nation's priority to maintain stability and sovereignty. This declaration follows recent detentions related to rocket fire into northern Israel and amidst ongoing tensions, including Israeli airstrikes within Lebanon despite a ceasefire.
What is the International Court of Justice and why is it weighing in on humanitarian aid in Gaza?
The International Court of Justice will soon hear arguments from 40 nations. The topic is Israel's duty to provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. This follows a U.N. request for the court's opinion. The U.N. General Assembly wants clarity on Israel's legal responsibilities. This is regarding aid, especially after restrictions on the U.N. refugee agency.
Carney demands Israel lift Gaza blockade as hunger crisis deepens ahead of Canadian election
Liberal Leader Mark Carney urged Israel to allow aid into Gaza, where the WFP reports dwindling food supplies due to a prolonged blockade. His intervention, just before Canada's election, highlights the growing humanitarian crisis and international pressure on Israel amidst the ongoing conflict
Israeli airstrike kills 10 people, half of them children, as mediators try to restart ceasefire
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed 10 people, including five children, as mediators sought to revive a ceasefire. The strike, which flattened a home, is under review by the Israeli military, who claimed to have targeted a Hamas militant.
49 killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza over 24 hours as mediators scramble to restart ceasefire
Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 49 people in the last 24 hours, as Arab mediators attempt to revive ceasefire negotiations. Airstrikes, including one that flattened a house in Gaza City, resulted in multiple fatalities.
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