All articles tagged with #humanitarian efforts
U.S. Central Command has recommended permanently dismantling a temporary pier used to deliver aid to Gaza due to weather and mechanical issues. The pier, operational for only 20 days since May, has delivered nearly 20 million pounds of aid. Despite its challenges, the pier was part of President Biden's plan to aid Gaza without U.S. troops entering the region. The Pentagon has not yet made a final decision, but the recommendation is to cease operations.
Ukraine's SBU released a video showing the return of 75 prisoners of war from Russian captivity as part of a May 31 exchange. This marks the first exchange since February, following President Zelensky's instructions. Among the freed are soldiers, civilians, and police officers, many with injuries or disabilities. The Coordination Center for the Treatment of Prisoners of War facilitated the exchange, with significant help from the UAE. Despite this, nearly 2,000 Ukrainian POWs remain in Russian prisons.
The Weeknd, a United Nations World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador, has donated $2.5 million through his XO Humanitarian Fund to support humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The donation will provide 4 million emergency meals, benefiting the WFP's response efforts to feed over one million Gazans. Since becoming a Goodwill Ambassador, The Weeknd has personally donated $1.8 million to the WFP's global hunger-relief mission. WFP's Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe Region expressed gratitude for the contribution and hopes others will follow The Weeknd's example.
Humanitarian efforts in Israel are providing food, support, and necessities to lone soldiers who are serving in the Israeli Army without any family in the country. Noa Feigenbaum, an editor and social media coordinator, is volunteering her time to assist in collecting donations and supplies for these soldiers. The Michael Levin Base is coordinating the efforts, gathering volunteers and donations to provide assistance to lone soldiers stationed in various locations across Israel. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to an increase in the need for support for these soldiers.
As the deadly fighting between Israel and Hamas escalates, a dire humanitarian crisis has unfolded in the region, with hundreds killed and thousands injured. The conflict has overwhelmed local hospitals and displaced over 100,000 people in densely populated Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders are calling for the protection of humanitarian workers, civilians, and critical infrastructure. Impact Your World has compiled a list of vetted organizations on the ground providing assistance, and you can support their work through their website.
Three Republican members of Congress, including Rep. French Hill of Arkansas, made a rare visit to opposition-held northwest Syria, becoming the first American lawmakers to visit the war-torn country in six years. The lawmakers urged the Biden administration and regional partners to maintain pressure on Syrian President Bashar Assad and support a political resolution to the conflict. The visit highlights the significant support on Capitol Hill for the Syrian opposition. The lawmakers met with opposition and humanitarian leaders, including the head of the White Helmets, and discussed the political status of the conflict and ongoing humanitarian efforts.