The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that its staff residence and main warehouse in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, were attacked by the Israeli military, causing extensive damage and endangering staff. These attacks, coupled with tank shelling and airstrikes, led to numerous Palestinian casualties and the detention of WHO staff members. The WHO warehouse was damaged on Sunday by an attack, while the health sector is already struggling with limited supplies. Despite the attacks, the WHO has stated it will remain in Deir al-Balah and expand its operations.
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Since the conflict’s start, nearly all of Gaza’s two million-plus residents have been displaced, facing severe shortages of essential supplies and witnessing frequent fatalities during aid distribution attempts. The humanitarian crisis has intensified, with reports of 21 children dying from malnutrition and starvation and over 1,000 Palestinians killed while trying to obtain food aid. The UN and other international bodies have condemned the situation, citing the killing of civilians by Israeli forces. Additionally, recent Israeli military actions, including expanded ground operations and strikes on humanitarian facilities, have further exacerbated the suffering and led to a significant reduction in safe areas within Gaza.
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A coalition of 25 Western countries, including key allies of Israel, issued a joint statement demanding Israel immediately cease its war in Gaza and condemning the “inhumane killing” of Palestinians, particularly near food distribution sites. These nations criticized the “drip feeding of aid” and the dangerous aid delivery model, highlighting the dire suffering of Gazan civilians. The statement calls for Israel to lift restrictions on aid, allow humanitarian organizations to operate, and take action for an immediate ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel responded by calling the statement “disconnected from reality,” blaming Hamas for the situation.
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In a speech on the eve of Belgium’s National Day, King Philippe called for stronger European leadership in the face of threats to international law and condemned the situation in Gaza as a “disgrace to humanity.” He highlighted the importance of upholding human rights and safeguarding human dignity, urging Europe to remain true to its core values of democracy, justice, and the rule of law. Furthermore, the King expressed support for an immediate end to the crisis in Gaza and emphasized the need for continued support for Ukraine. Finally, he underscored the urgency of forming a new regional government in Brussels to address domestic concerns that directly impact citizens.
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On Sunday, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that at least 93 Palestinians were killed when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd seeking humanitarian aid. The incident occurred near Gaza City, marking yet another instance of casualties among civilians attempting to access food supplies. Pope Leo XIV condemned the “barbarity” of the war in his Angelus prayer, following an Israeli strike on a Catholic church sheltering displaced people, and urged for an end to the conflict. The pope also called on the international community to uphold humanitarian law, protect civilians, and respect the prohibition of collective punishment.
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Israeli troops opened fire on Gazans seeking food aid, resulting in the deaths of at least 32 people near Rafah. Witnesses reported the shooting occurring kilometers from an aid distribution point, while the Israeli military stated troops identified suspects near the aid site, and was investigating the reports of casualties. Despite this, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation denied any incidents “at or near” its distribution sites. Tragically, a doctor at Nasser hospital stated that many of the victims had “severe” gunshot wounds, and a UNRWA official described the aid distribution system as a “death trap.”
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On Saturday, at least 32 Palestinians were killed near aid distribution hubs in southern Gaza, as Israeli troops opened fire on crowds seeking food from the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The shooting occurred near sites operated by the GHF, which aims to replace the U.N.-led aid system, where local witnesses reported indiscriminate fire, while Israel’s army claimed only to fire warning shots. Witnesses described the chaos, with victims being shot in the head and chest, and local hospitals reported a significant number of casualties. Additionally, further airstrikes throughout the region resulted in even more casualties, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Or Levy, a 34-year-old Israeli man, emerged from Hamas captivity after 491 days, bearing the physical and emotional scars of his ordeal, which included being held underground and surviving on minimal food. Upon his release, he learned that his wife had been killed in the October 7th attacks, adding to the complex emotions of reuniting with his son, Almog. Levy found solace and strength in a mantra, “He who has a ‘why’ can bear any ‘how’,” that he shared with his fellow hostage, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, and now dedicates his life to Almog. Despite the joy of being with his son, Levy remains haunted by the hostages still held in Gaza and hopes for a deal that will bring them home.
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Israel says deadly Gaza church strike was mistake after Trump call. The news that Israel has expressed deep regret over a strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Church, calling it a “stray ammunition” incident and a tragic loss of innocent life, immediately feels like a carefully crafted statement. The response, including the sharing of grief with the families and the faithful, seems almost too polished, too quick, especially considering the context. The fact that this statement followed a call from Donald Trump only adds another layer of complexity. It’s hard not to interpret this as a reaction to external pressure, a damage control exercise rather than a genuine expression of remorse.… Continue reading
Donald Trump has criticized his supporters for being gullible, accusing them of believing a “radical left” hoax regarding the Epstein case. Meanwhile, a Guardian investigation revealed that European missile manufacturer MBDA is selling components for bombs used in attacks that have killed Palestinian civilians in Gaza. In US politics, the Senate approved Trump’s plan to cut billions from foreign aid and public broadcasting budgets. Syria’s president condemned Israel for its strikes, while a study showed Neanderthals had unique food preparation preferences.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood