Afghanistan earthquake kills 800, injures 2,800. Taliban asks world for help. The immediate reaction, and it’s hard to avoid, is just profound sadness. Eight hundred people dead. That’s a staggering number. And the scale of the injuries, 2,800, it paints a picture of absolute devastation. We’re talking about the loss of life, the destruction of homes, the disruption of everything these people knew. It’s impossible not to feel for the civilians, the ones who are bearing the brunt of this tragedy, particularly when you consider the poor quality of building construction which is often the case in areas like Afghanistan, compounded by the lack of adequate medical facilities to treat so many people.… Continue reading
A humanitarian flotilla, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, is scheduled to depart from Barcelona on Sunday to challenge the blockade of Gaza. The “Global Sumud Flotilla” aims to establish a humanitarian corridor and end what it calls the “ongoing genocide.” The mission, anticipating arrival in mid-September, is expected to be the largest solidarity mission in history, with additional vessels departing from other Mediterranean ports. Simultaneous demonstrations will occur in numerous countries, as this is not the first attempt, with previous attempts resulting in interception and detention by Israeli forces.
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The Trump administration halted all visitor visas from Gaza, including those for humanitarian and medical aid, after far-right provocateur Laura Loomer criticized the visas granted to several Palestinian children. The State Department announced it would review the visa process, prompting Loomer to claim credit for the policy change. These children, injured in attacks, were brought to the U.S. for medical care with the assistance of the nonprofit HEAL Palestine. This decision has been met with criticism, including accusations of prejudice and cruelty from various sources.
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On August 14th, Ukraine and Russia completed a prisoner of war exchange, resulting in the return of 84 individuals, including military personnel and civilians, some held captive since 2014. This 67th exchange involved individuals detained even before the full-scale invasion, facing lengthy prison sentences. Many of the released require significant medical attention and rehabilitation. Among those freed were defenders of Mariupol, Ukrainian Navy soldiers, State Border Guard, and three women from the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, highlighting the varied backgrounds of those impacted.
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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has authorized the allocation of $2 million from the presidential reserve fund to the Energy Ministry for the provision of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The funds will be used to procure and deliver Azerbaijani-made electrical equipment, a response to recent Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and Azerbaijani-linked facilities. Following these attacks, including strikes on a SOCAR depot and a gas distribution station, President Zelensky and Aliyev discussed energy cooperation. While maintaining a policy of not supplying lethal aid, Azerbaijan has previously offered substantial humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israeli reporters, denying accusations of genocide in Gaza and dismissing claims of a starvation policy. He stated that if Israel intended to commit genocide, it could have been accomplished swiftly. Netanyahu also falsely claimed that Israel never halted all humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite previously enacting such a policy. These comments were made in defense of the government’s planned offensive in Gaza City, which has faced significant international backlash due to reports of widespread starvation and malnutrition.
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Despite criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, the visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Lithuania was deemed necessary by the Lithuanian president’s chief advisor. The meeting between Herzog and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda focused on defense cooperation and economic ties. While acknowledging the ongoing conflict and the right of Israel to defend itself, Lithuania emphasized the importance of respecting international law and allowing humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Furthermore, Lithuania views Israel as a key economic and military partner, highlighting its investments in research and innovation as beneficial.
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As part of a multinational effort to address the escalating hunger crisis in Gaza, Canada deployed a CC-130J Hercules aircraft to airdrop approximately 9,800 kilograms of humanitarian aid on Monday, marking the first time the Canadian Armed Forces participated in such operations. The airdrop, part of a broader initiative involving several countries, aimed to alleviate the severely restricted access to essential aid within the Palestinian territory. While the aid was a symbolic gesture, humanitarian organizations acknowledge that airdrops are less effective than land-based deliveries. Canada’s move comes amid increasing international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis, and is working towards a two-state solution.
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Sweden has joined the growing European Union pressure on Israel, advocating for action due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Following the European Commission’s proposal to suspend parts of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which was ultimately blocked, the Netherlands previously called for the suspension of the agreement’s trade chapter. A Dutch Foreign Minister spokesperson welcomed Sweden’s support, emphasizing the need for increased pressure on Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid. The EU-Israel Association Agreement, established in 2000, governs EU-Israel relations, including preferential trade, with trade measures subject to a qualified majority vote among member states.
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Newly released footage from July 25, 2025, reveals armed Hamas terrorists violently looting humanitarian aid shipments intended for Gaza’s civilian population. This video directly contradicts weeks of accusations from Hamas, which blamed security forces for hijacking aid deliveries. The footage shows Hamas fighters seizing supplies by force, preventing them from reaching those in need. Israel’s Prime Minister’s office has announced continued efforts to facilitate aid, including daily pauses in operations and designated safety corridors for convoys, while significant aid is already being permitted into Gaza.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker