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World

Israel-Gaza War: Trump, Putin, and Humanitarian Crisis

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 29, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Trump Questions Netanyahu’s Claims on Gaza Hunger,putin Engages Israeli Premier

Table of Contents

Trump Questions Netanyahu’s Claims on Gaza Hunger,putin Engages Israeli Premier
- understanding the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Gaza Situation

Former U.S. president Donald Trump has expressed skepticism regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion that there is no hunger in Gaza. Trump, speaking from Scotland, stated, “I don’t know. I mean, based on TV I would say no because those children seem very hungry.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer concurred, describing the situation as “an humanitarian crisis, an absolute catastrophe.”

Trump pledged additional aid to Gaza, supplementing ongoing airlifts from Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. He outlined plans for U.S.-backed food centers, envisioning distribution sites accessible to Gazans without restrictions. The former president acknowledged Israel’s role in limiting aid but cited concerns over the estimated 20 hostages still held by Hamas,suggesting the group uses them as a “shield.” Trump indicated ongoing discussions with Netanyahu to explore strategies for their release,while deeming a ceasefire in the strip “possible.”

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin conferred with Prime Minister Netanyahu, discussing regional dynamics, including unrest in Syria and Iran’s nuclear program. Concurrently, two Israeli NGOs, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights, have labeled the situation in Gaza as “genocide.” their report alleges that Israel has systematically targeted Gaza’s civilian population based on their Palestinian identity, inflicting severe and perhaps irreversible damage on Palestinian society. The analysis highlights the systematic degradation of Gaza’s essential services, including electricity, clean water, and food access.

Amidst continued Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which have resulted in numerous casualties, including a pregnant woman and her child, violence has also erupted in the West Bank, with settlers reportedly attacking a city.

understanding the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation.International organizations have consistently raised concerns about access to essential resources like food, water, and medical supplies. The complexities of the conflict, including blockades and military operations, significantly impact civilian populations and hinder aid delivery. Historical trends in the region underscore the cyclical nature of conflict and its devastating consequences on infrastructure and human well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gaza Situation

What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza?: The humanitarian situation in Gaza is described as a crisis, with reports of widespread hunger and a critical lack of essential resources like food, water, and medical supplies.
What role is the United States playing in providing aid to Gaza?: The United States is providing aid to Gaza, including airlifts of supplies, and is planning to establish U.S.-backed food centers for distribution.
What are the concerns regarding hostages in Gaza?: There are concerns about approximately 20 hostages believed to be held by Hamas, with discussions ongoing about strategies for their liberation.
What have Israeli ngos reported about the situation in Gaza?: Israeli NGOs B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights have accused Israel of “genocide” in Gaza, citing the targeting of civilians and the dismantling of essential services.
What is the importance of the meeting between Putin and Netanyahu?: The meeting between President Putin and Prime minister Netanyahu addressed regional issues, including the situation in Syria and Iran’s nuclear program.
What is the impact of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza?: Israeli airstrikes in gaza have resulted in casualties, including civilians, and contribute to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Disclaimer: This article discusses sensitive geopolitical and humanitarian issues. It does not constitute financial, health, or legal advice.Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for expert guidance.

July 29, 2025 0 comments

World

Malaysia-brokered Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire a step toward peace but more work needed to ensure it lasts: experts

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 29, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Thai-Cambodian Ceasefire Holds, but Experts Urge Deeper Peace Efforts

Malaysia’s Mediation Role Praised Amidst Regional Tensions

A recent ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia marks a positive stride towards peace, though geopolitical analysts emphasize the need for sustained efforts to ensure its longevity. Experts highlight Malaysia’s crucial role in brokering the initial agreement.

Malaysia’s Diplomatic Leverage

Political analyst Azmi Hassan described Malaysia’s offer to mediate as “very much needed” given the escalating political tensions between the two neighboring nations. He noted that neither Thailand nor Cambodia would likely have initiated a ceasefire independently.

The choice of Malaysia as the venue for peace talks was seen as a favorable development, indicating trust in its diplomatic capabilities.

Azmi Hassan recommended that Malaysia solidify its mediating position by involving key international players like the United States and China, alongside other ASEAN partners, in subsequent peace negotiations. This broader participation, he believes, could foster a more durable peace agreement and diminish the risk of renewed conflict.

ASEAN’s Peacekeeping Potential

Professor Dr. Salawati Mat Basir, an international law expert from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, commended the swift ceasefire, showcasing Malaysia’s pivotal role as an ASEAN chair in promoting regional stability.

However, she cautioned that Malaysia must maintain a central role in ongoing negotiations to prevent global superpowers from potentially complicating the peace process through their influence.

“By acting as the primary mediator, we can help prevent superpowers from intervening and influencing peace talks in a regional conflict,” she stated, adding that Malaysia should remain vigilant against any external influences that could derail the talks.

—Dr. Salawati Mat Basir, International Law Expert

Addressing Root Causes and Future Mechanisms

Associate Professor Dr. Khoo Ying Hooi from the International and Strategic Studies Department at Universiti Malaya suggested that the current ceasefire provides an opportunity to establish clear conditions for preventing future disputes.

“The root cause of this conflict has not been resolved and will likely take a long time (to address), so the focus for now must be on setting up effective mechanisms to prevent the tensions from flaring up again,” she explained. She proposed demilitarizing flashpoints and establishing a joint border committee overseen by a neutral third party, such as Malaysia.

The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement president, Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin, called for the creation of an independent and neutral ASEAN monitoring team to ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire. He stressed the urgent need for ASEAN to deliver humanitarian aid to all affected populations, particularly displaced communities and those who suffered casualties.

Ahmad Fahmi Mohd Samsudin also urged citizens in both Thailand and Cambodia to avoid spreading provocative or unfounded accusations online, which could undermine the pursuit of lasting peace.

The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has been a recurring issue, with tensions often flaring over resource-rich areas. For instance, the dispute near the Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has seen intermittent clashes over the past decade, highlighting the sensitive nature of border demarcation. According to the International Crisis Group, border disputes in Southeast Asia can often be exacerbated by historical grievances and competition for natural resources, making robust mediation and clear agreements crucial for long-term stability.

July 29, 2025 0 comments

World

Commission announces finalists of REGIOSTARS 2025

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 22, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Europe Champions Innovation: 25 Projects Vie for REGIOSTARS Awards

From green tech to social inclusion, visionary initiatives showcase EU’s regional development excellence

Europe’s commitment to impactful regional development is on full display as 25 groundbreaking projects have been selected as finalists for the prestigious REGIOSTARS Awards. These initiatives, spanning five diverse categories, highlight innovative solutions to pressing challenges across the continent.

Recognizing Regional Prowess

The REGIOSTARS Awards, established in 2008, have become a hallmark of excellence for EU-funded projects demonstrating significant regional development impact and inclusivity. This year’s finalists represent the forefront of European ingenuity, driving forward policy and inspiring new regional strategies.

Spotlight on Innovation Categories

The competition is fierce across five key areas. In “A Competitive and Smart Europe,” projects range from digital television collaboration (DigiTVC) involving Spain, France, and Portugal, to advanced satellite radar-based fertilisation maps from Poland.

Category 1: A Competitive and Smart Europe

DigiTVC (Spain, France, Portugal)
PlantaSYST – Centre for plant systems biology and biotechnology (Bulgaria)
Satellite radar-based fertilisation maps (Poland)
Smart Marine – Contemporary harbours with soft energy technology (Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden)
TYPICALP – Typicity, Innovation, Competitiveness in Alpine dairy products (Italy, Switzerland)

The “A Green Europe” category features initiatives like AGEo – Atlantic Geohazard Risk Management, a multi-country effort including Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. CARE Peat from Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK, focuses on peatland restoration.

Category 2: A Green Europe

AGEO – Atlantic Geohazard Risk Management (Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland, United Kingdom)
CARE Peat (Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom)
EcoX – Recycling of Food Oil Used through Green Chemistry (Portugal)
NAWAMED – Nature based solutions for domestic water reuse in Mediterranean countries (Italy)
Re-water (Italy, Greece)

Connectivity and digital transformation are central to “A Connected Europe.” Lithuanian efforts in creating an effective digital community (Connected Lithuania) and Poland’s project to improve island connections via a tunnel under Swina highlight this category.

Category 3: A Connected Europe

Connected Lithuania – Effective, Safe and Responsible Lithuanian Digital Community (Lithuania)
Construction of a tunnel under Swina – Improving the communication connection between the islands of Uznam and Wolin in Swinoujscie (Poland)
MONOCAB OWL – New mobility on old tracks (Germany)
SIS Santé – Emergency services connected (France)
Zheleznitsa Modern Tunnel Systems (Bulgaria)

Promoting social equity and inclusivity, “A Social and Inclusive Europe” includes projects like Early support for families at risk in Czechia and the Social Inclusion Incubator from Poland. The sharing factory in Belgium aims to create urban hubs for social inclusion and circular economy principles.

Category 4: A Social and Inclusive Europe

Early support for families at risk (Czechia)
Oyapock Health Cooperation Phase 1 (French Guiana, Brazil)
I.U. Su.Pr.Eme — Individualised exit routes from exploitation (Italy)
Social Inclusion Incubator (Poland)
The sharing factory: new urban hotspot for social inclusion & circular economy (Belgium)

Bringing Europe closer to its citizens, the final category, “A Europe Closer to Citizens,” features initiatives like Metropolitan Heritage Days in Portugal and MoBiLait, expanding reading access via Lithuanian Libraries for people with print disabilities.

Category 5: A Europe Closer to Citizens

Metropolitan Heritage Days (Portugal)
MoBiLait – Expanding Reading Access via Lithuanian Libraries for People with Print Disabilities (Lithuania)
Preserving and showcasing the cultural and natural heritage of North Courland (Latvia)
Shankill Shared Women’s Centre (Ireland, United Kingdom)
Toldi Reborn – A Story of Unity & Culture (Romania, Hungary)

The REGIOSTARS Awards are a testament to the transformative power of regional development funding. In 2022, EU cohesion policy supported over 1.5 million jobs across the bloc, demonstrating its tangible impact on citizens’ lives (European Commission Funding & Tenders Portal).

Next Steps for Finalists

The public will soon have a chance to cast their votes for the Public Choice Award, with voting opening on September 2nd on the REGIOSTARS website. Finalists will present their projects to a jury during the 23rd European Week of Regions and Cities, with the winners set to be unveiled at an award ceremony on October 15th.

July 22, 2025 0 comments

World

Kiev, from massive Russia attack with drones and missiles – world

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor July 21, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Kyiv and Moscow Report Drone and Missile Attacks Amidst Ongoing Conflict

UkraineS capital,Kyiv,experienced a series of powerful explosions early this morning following a missile attack attributed to Russian strategic aircraft. Air raid sirens were activated multiple times, first for repeated mig-31K fighter jet takeoffs, and then at 3:50 AM as missiles entered Ukrainian airspace. The missiles traversed the Kharkiv, Poltava, and Chernihiv regions before reaching the Kyiv region. By 4:18 AM, Ukraine’s Air Force reported targets heading towards Kyiv, with explosions heard in the capital at 4:20 AM. Minutes later, at 4:23 AM, the Air Force confirmed the presence of ballistic missiles aimed at Kyiv. early reports from Ukrainska Pravda indicated one fatality and one injury in Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Moscow reported its fifth consecutive night of Ukrainian drone attacks. The governor of Rostov Oblast, Yuri Slyusar, stated that drone debris caused a fire at the roof of a railway station in the village of Kamenolomni. Three individuals were evacuated from the control point, and preliminary reports suggest no injuries. The village of Kamenolomni is situated approximately 38 kilometers from the Ukrainian border and about 200 kilometers from Ukrainian-controlled territory. A flower shop also caught fire in Kamenolomni, and drones were reportedly downed over the cities of Novoshakhinsk, Shakhty, and Novocherkassk. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed that five drones targeting the Russian capital were intercepted by air defense systems, with two downed over Moscow and two more outside the city. Following the drone activity, Moscow’s Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports temporarily restricted flights, according to a spokesperson for the Russian state aviation agency, Rosaviatia.

Beijing Criticizes EU Sanctions on China

China’s Ministry of Commerce has voiced strong disapproval of new European Union sanctions targeting Chinese entities, which are intended to curb Russia’s armed forces. A statement released by the ministry described the EU’s actions as “incorrect” and contrary to agreements made between Chinese and EU leaders. Beijing asserts that these measures have negatively impacted economic, commercial, and financial cooperation between China and the European Union.

July 21, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Daegu & Gyeongbuk Coupon: 180,000 Won Payment Details

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor July 20, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Here’s a rewritten version of the article, aiming for 100% uniqueness while retaining all the key details:

Government Rolls Out Public Welfare Consumption Vouchers to Stimulate Economy

SEOUL, South Korea – August 21, 2024 – Citizens across South korea are set to receive their first installment of public welfare consumption vouchers starting today, August 21st, at 9 AM. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, aims to inject vital funds into the economy and support citizens during a period of recovery.

The program offers varying amounts based on residency and socioeconomic status. The general public will receive a base payment of 150,000 won. Residents in non-capital regions, excluding seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi Province, will benefit from an additional 30,000 won, bringing their total to 180,000 won. This regional bonus specifically includes areas like Daegu and 15 cities and counties within Gyeongbuk Province.

More vulnerable populations will receive enhanced support. Next-level class individuals and single-parent families are eligible for 300,000 won each, while recipients of basic living support will receive a considerable 400,000 won. Furthermore, residents in rural and fishing communities, encompassing 84 cities and counties, will receive an extra 50,000 won.

for Daegu residents specifically, the breakdown is as follows: general public members will receive 180,000 won (150,000 won base + 30,000 won non-capital bonus). Next-level class and single-parent families in Daegu will receive 330,000 won, and those receiving basic living support will get 430,000 won. Daegu citizens residing in military areas and Gyeongbuk citizens in military areas will receive 230,000 won, with additional support for other vulnerable groups.

To manage the influx of applications and prevent system strain, a staggered application schedule based on birthdates will be in effect during the first week (August 21st to 25th). Monday, August 21st, is for those whose birthdays end in 1 or 6; Tuesday, August 22nd, for 2 or 7; Wednesday, August 23rd, for 3 or 8; Thursday, August 24th, for 4 or 9; and Friday, August 25th, for 5 or 0.

Applications can be submitted online 24 hours a day. Offline applications are available from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, with bank branches accepting applications until 4 PM.

Beneficiaries have a choice of how they receive their vouchers, including credit and check cards, prepaid cards, and local love vouchers. Daegu City is facilitating all these options,including credit/check cards (online and offline),local love gift certificates (card,mobile,and offline),and prepaid cards (offline).

Applications for credit and check cards can be made through card company websites,apps,call centers,or ARS systems,as well as in person at linked bank branches.For local love gift certificates, applications are available online via the Daegu Regional Love Gift Certificate App or Nuri house.

The consumption vouchers are valid for use until November 30th,offering a spending window of over four months. Daegu citizens are restricted to using their vouchers within Daegu. Local love gift certificates can be used at affiliated businesses within Daegu City. Credit, check, or prepaid cards can be used at small businesses with annual sales under 3 billion won, with some industry exceptions.

For any inquiries, citizens can contact the Government Complaint Guide Call Center (Kookmin Call 110), the Civil Reservoir consumption Coupon call Center (1670-2525), or their local government call centers.

Deputy Minister of Public Administration and Security, Kim Min-jae, emphasized the program’s role in economic recovery, stating, “The consumption voucher is a vital tool for the swift recovery of our economy. We will work closely with local governments to ensure that every eligible citizen receives their payment.”

July 20, 2025 0 comments

News

Heavy rain floods New York and New Jersey: See photos

by David Harrison – Chief Editor July 16, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

Westchester County experienced meaningful flash flooding on July 15, 2025, following heavy overnight rainfall. The Bronx River Parkway in white Plains saw sections closed due to the inundation, with Department of Public Works workers seen clearing clogged drains on the parkway.

The flooding impacted various areas within Westchester County, including Elmsford, where streets were submerged. Images from the scene show vehicles navigating flooded roadways, with one car partially submerged.The severe weather conditions led to disruptions and required emergency response efforts to manage the aftermath.

July 16, 2025 0 comments

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