Intensified Israeli attacks on Gaza continue after more than two months since the October 7 attacks.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud from Rafah reported on increasing hunger in the Gaza strip as available resources are not enough to compensate for food requirements and other necessities for the locals who are now on “survival mode”.
A video from Sunday shows Palestinians jumping onto aid trucks to get their hands on food and other supplies in the Rafah area near the border with Egypt.
As the aid truck drove by, the locals tried to stop it, climbed up on it, pulling or pushing down containers of food and water, “carrying them off or passing them off to crowds below”.
Al Jazeera reports that some trucks were guarded by masked people with sticks.
“The humanitarian situation has become very desperate, not only for the residents of Rafah city but also for the one million displaced Palestinians here who are becoming hungry, thirsty and traumatised as the war pounds on,” said Hani Mahmoud.
“People are without anything – without a home, without access to food, without water and without medical supplies,” he said.
“So, the scenes at Rafah crossing are a natural response: When people starve to death, when they are hungry, this is what we will see happening.”
Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations said Monday that it needed $46.4 billion next year to bring life-saving help to around 180 million people in desperate circumstances around the world.
The UN said the global humanitarian outlook for 2024 was “bleak”, with conflicts, climate emergencies and collapsing economies “wreaking havoc” on the most vulnerable.
While global attention focuses on the conflict raging in the Gaza Strip, the UN said the wider Middle East, Sudan and Afghanistan were among the hotspots that also needed major international aid operations.
But the size of the annual appeal and the number of people it aims to reach were scaled back compared to 2023, following a decrease in donations.
“Humanitarians are saving lives, fighting hunger, protecting children, pushing back epidemics, and providing shelter and sanitation in many of the world’s most inhumane contexts,” UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said in a statement.
“But the necessary support from the international community is not keeping pace with the needs,” he said.
The 2023 appeal was for $56.7 billion but received just 35 percent of that amount, one of the worst funding shortfall in years. It allowed UN agencies to deliver assistance and protection to 128 million people.
With a few weeks left to go, 2023 is likely to be the first year since 2010 when humanitarian donations declined compared to the previous year.
The UN therefore scaled down its appeal to $46.4 billion this time around, and will focus on those in the gravest need.
72 countries
Launching the 2024 Global Humanitarian Overview, Griffiths said the sum was nonetheless a “massive ask” and would be tough to raise, with many donor countries facing their own cost of living crises.
“Without adequate funding, we cannot provide life-saving assistance. And if we cannot provide that assistance, people will pay with their lives,” he said.
The appeal covers aid for 72 countries: 26 states in crisis and 46 neighbouring nations dealing with the knock-on effects, such as an influx of refugees.
The five largest single-country appeals are for Syria ($4.4 billion), Ukraine ($3.1 billion), Afghanistan ($3 billion), Ethiopia ($2.9 billion) and Yemen ($2.8 billion).
Griffiths said there would be 300 million people in need around the world next year — a figure down from 363 million last year.
But the UN aims to reach only 180.5 million of those, with NGOs and aid agencies targeting the remainder — not to mention front-line countries and communities themselves who provide the first help.
Climate impact
The Middle East and North Africa require $13.9 billion, the largest total for any region in 2024.
Beyond Syria, the Palestinian territories and Yemen, Griffiths also pointed to Sudan and its neighbours, and to Ukraine, Afghanistan, Venezuela and Myanmar as hotspots that needed sustained global attention.
Ukraine is going through a “desperate winter” with the prospect of more warfare on the other side, he said.
With the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, plus Russia’s war in Ukraine, Griffiths said it was hard for the Sudan crisis to get the attention it deserved in foreign capitals.
More broadly, Griffiths said climate change would increasingly impact the work of humanitarian aid workers, who would have to learn how to better use climate data to focus aid resources.
“There is no doubt about the climate confronting and competing with conflict as the driver of need,” he said.
“Climate displaces more children now than conflict. It was never thus before,” he said.
The Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza has finally been opened for aid trucks into Gaza on Saturday.
Al Jazeera reports that Hamas’s media office confirmed that “The relief aid convoy that is supposed to enter today includes 20 trucks that carry medicine, medical supplies, and a limited amount of food supplies [canned goods],”
The World Health Organization took to X to highlight that its trucks consists of trauma supplies for 1,200 people, portable trauma bags for on-the-spot stabilisation for 235 people, medication for chronic diseases for 1,500 people, essential health supplies for 300,000 people for three months.
En route to Rafah border, 4 trucks from WHO bring vital aid to Gaza:
▪️Trauma supplies for 1200 ppl ▪️Portable trauma bags for on-the-spot stabilization for 235 ppl ▪️Meds for chronic diseases for 1500 ppl ▪️Essential health supplies for 300,000 ppl for 3 months pic.twitter.com/58Q6uATbEr
— WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (@WHOEMRO) October 21, 2023
It is, however, important to note that the besieged Gaza Strip has a population of 2.3 million people.
Humanitarian workers have been saying that 20 trucks are not enough for the catastrophe caused by Israeli attacks on the Gaza strip. So far, more than 4,000 people have been killed while more than 12,000 are injured.
The UN reported that there is a severe dearth of food and drinking water while sanitation facilities, water wells, reservoirs, and pumping stations have been destroyed due to air raids.
Hamas’s media office has also stated that this aid “will not change the catastrophic medical conditions in Gaza”.
Previously, US President Joe Biden visited Israel and announced the agreement to allow 20 trucks in Gaza through Egypt.
British prime minister Rishi Sunak landed in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Thursday morning to meet his counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu and President Herzog.
During his meeting with Herzog, he said that it is vital to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza, stating, “Palestinians are victims of what Hamas has done. It’s important that we continue to provide humanitarian access,”
He, nonetheless, stressed on his full support to Israel to “defend” itself, “to bring security back” in the country to its people, and “to ensure the safe return of the hostages that have been taken”.
The United Nations has reported that one million people have fled their homes in Gaza, including about 352,000 people who are currently residing in UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
The conditions of these shelters are described as “increasingly dire“.
121 people killed since yesterday
Al Jazeera spoke to a medical source who reported that 121 had been killed and 540 injured in the Gaza Strip since last night.
Additionally, WAFA has reported that a Palestinian man has been killed by Israeli forces while a child was killed in a refugee camp — both in the occupied West Bank .
The child was reportedly 14-year-old Ahmed Munis Sadouq who was shot in the head.
Others have been injured.
Gaza’s only cancer hospital closed
Al Jazeera reports that Dr Sukeyk, the director of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, has issued an alert that the fuel required to keep essential services running is extremely low and so are the medicines needed during chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients.
There are reportedly more than 9,000 cancer patients in the Gaza Strip with no other hospital to go to.
Doctors using vinegar to treat wound infections
Surgeon Ghassan Abu Sitta says he has resorted to using “vinegar from the corner shop to treat pseudomonas bacterial wound infections.”
“It’s come to that,” he said on X.
Vinegar from the corner shop to treat pseuodomonas bacterial wound infections. Its come to that. pic.twitter.com/mEE4haHMyj
The Israeli army has claimed to have targeted and destroyed hundreds of Hamas’s points in Gaza including anti-tank missile launch sites, tunnel shafts intelligence positions, and more.
They have reportedly also killed the fighters involved in October 7 attacks.
Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, confirmed the killings of three of its fighters on Wednesday.
US vetoes UNSC resolution calling for humanitarian halt
US President Biden has announced a pact with Egypt’s el-Sisi which will allow 20 trucks of humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Rafah border crossing.
Earlier, on Wednesday, US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that, while condemning Hamas’s attack on Israel, called for a pause in the Israel-Palestine escalation and allow aid into Gaza.
The US was the only opponent in the resolution amongst the 12 members who voted in favour whereas Russia and the UK abstained.
US reasoning was that the Brazil-drafted text did not assert enough on Israel’s right to self-defence.
Israel police boss threatens to send anti-war protesters to Gaza
While people across the globe protest against Israeli atrocities in Gaza, some Israelis too, have taken to streets of Haifa to hold pro-Palestine demonstration.
Israel’s police chief responded by saying that there will be “zero tolerance” for pro-Palestinian protests in Israel and threatened the protesters with sending them to Gaza.
Six people have been reportedly arrested
“Whoever wants to become an Israeli citizen, welcome,” Shabtai said. “Anyone who wants to identify with Gaza is welcome. I will put him on the buses heading there now.”
— NEW: Israeli Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai banned pro-Gaza demonstrations: “Whoever wants to be a citizen of Israel, is welcome. Anyone who wants to identify with Gaza, we will put him on the buses heading there now.”
A left-wing Israeli parliament member, Ofer Cassif has been suspended for 45 daya by the ethics panel of the Israeli parliament whose statements were deemed as anti-Israel.
In an interview, he compared Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza to the Nazis’ ‘Final Solution’ against Jews in Europe.
Referring to the Hamas attack he claimed that “Israel wanted this violence”.
Cassif called the suspension “another nail in the coffin of freedom of political expression”.
1> החלטת ועדת האתיקה היא עוד מסמר בארון הקבורה של חופש הביטוי הפוליטי.
בכל אחד מראיונותיי הדגשתי את הגינוי המלא וסלידתי העמוקה ממעשי הטבח הנפשעים של חמאס. אמירותי הפוליטיות נגד הכיבוש והמלחמה אינן אמירות נגד ישראל, שכן שלום וצדק משרתות גם אותה ואת תושביה. pic.twitter.com/ilsKBSbwG3
The total number of people who died in Friday’s deadly earthquake in Morocco has risen to 2,122 with the number set to rise further as recovery operations proceed.
On Friday night, around 11:11 pm local time, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the area around the ancient city of Marrakech, with tremors spreading deep into rural communities on Atlas Mountains.
The country has announced a three-day mourning period as local and foreign rescuers mount frantic searches for survivors buried beneath rubble.
The earthquake, originating from the High Atlas Mountains located southwest of Marrakesh, was felt across the country, including in the provinces of Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant; travelling all the way to southern Spain.
As of now, 2,421 people have been injured while the United Nations has estimated that about 300,000 people have been affected.
Since the catastrophe, locals have been sleeping on the streets in towns and cities. Rural areas have taken a huge blow, while a historically significant 12th century mosque has also collapsed along with parts of Marrakech old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Al-Jazeera spoke with Lanchen Haddad, a Moroccan senator and former minister, who said that the area was “not known for being active in terms of earthquakes”.
“There’s not been very many earthquakes in that part of Morocco, most occur in the area much farther north on the Mediterranean coast near the tectonic plate,”
World offers aid
The rescue operation in remote mountain areas was mainly undertaken by local teams and no broad demand for international aid had been issued by the capital, Rabat, up till Sunday.
Many countries have offered aid to Morocco including Spain, Tunisia, Qatar, Italy, Israel. Turkey, US and Taiwan have rescue teams and specialist search ready and are ready to dispatch their aid as soon as Morocco send a green signal.
Its neighbour, Algeria, has a frictional relationship with Morocco, but after the tragedy, it opened its airspace that was closed for two years, to ease the flights carrying humanitarian aid and the injured.
At the G20 Summit in New Delhi, President Emmanuel Macron said, “France is ready to offer aid to Morocco if Morocco decides it is useful,”
“The second they request this aid, it will be deployed,” he added.
On August 16, a large mob of Muslims attacked the Christian community residing in Jaranwala. The violence erupted after two Christians were accused of committing blasphemy, alleging that the holy Quran had been desecrated.
The mob, armed with batons and sticks, congregated after clerics in mosques incited violence. According to Christian leader Akmal Bhatti, at least five churches were set ablaze including the Salvation Army Church and the Saint Paul Catholic Church. Copies of Bible were also descrated. The crowd also attacked and looted private homes which residents had escaped from to protect their lives.
So far, the police have arrested two men who have been accused of inciting violence on August 16. Moreover, the Punjab interim government has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident. Resultantly, over 100 people have been arrested.
But while the Christian community awaits justice, they are left out in the open without food and shelter. Following the incident, they have spent nights sleeping in fields and roadsides.
Here is how you can help:
An instagram page, Reformistan, has shared sources that are collecting funds in order to provide the people of Jaranwala with emergency aid.
You can directly donate to the Christian community members working to rehabilitate those in need:
Raja Sharoon Lewis — Jazz Cash Account: 03084269400
Zonobia Bhatti — Askari Bank Account Number: 00630210143074
Raja Sharoon Lewis — Muslim Commercial Bank Account Number: 1228017681000588
Actavia Farhat (Owner of Actavia Orphan Foundation) — Meezan Bank Account Number: 02930104441837
For donations from outside of Paksitan:
Zonobia Bhatti — Askari Bank Account Number: 0630210143074 IBAN: PK34ASCM0000630210143074 Swift Code: ASCMPkKA
Raja Sharoon Lewis — Western Union Account Number: 35404-2962653-7
Be The Change (Pakistan) is raising money for the Jaranwala Christian community to help them rebuild their homes and churches:
Bano Number: +923004004952
Aalia Number: +923174319994
You can also donate to The Cecil & Iris Chaudhry Foundation — MCB
Senior journalist Shahid Masood has apologised for the disinformation that he passed on his show.
The anchor had claimed on the aid sent by Pakistan to his show, ‘Live with Dr.Shahid Masood’ on GNN that the aid Islamabad had sent to Ankara after this month’s devastating earthquake, had infact been sent by Turkey when floods hit Pakistan in 2022.
Soon after, the story went viral on social media, eventually landing on Indian news channels and websites, running propaganda against Pakistan.
Masood has now tendered an apology for stating incorrect facts on his show.
Masood said that as his show is live, he received a text from a Turkish number and said the words on-air. However, he apologised for the incorrect news he said on-air.
Pakistan has send aid along with rescue and relief teams to it’s close ally Turkey after powerful earthquakes devastated the southern region of the country early on Monday morning.
“On the instructions of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan Army has dispatched two contingents; Urban Search and Rescue Team comprising rescue experts, sniffer dogs, search equipment and a Medical team comprising Army doctors, nursing staff and technicians along with 30 bedded mobile hospital, tentage, blankets and other relief items,” Radio Pakistan has reported.
The aid contingents have been flown to Adana, Turkiye via special PAF aircraft, to undertake relief efforts for Turkish people while working in close coordination with the Turkish Government, AFs and their Embassy in Islamabad.
“The contingents will stay there till the completion of relief and rescue operations.” The National Disaster Management Authority in a tweet wrote, “NDMA dispatched humanitarian assistance to the earthquake hit Turkiye through PAF C-130 aircraft from Nur Khan Air Base.”
On special directions of PM,
NDMA dispatched humanitarian assistance to earthquake hit Turkiye through PAF C-130 aircraft from Nur Khan Air Base (1/4). pic.twitter.com/e3lxjIQXTO
Pakistan has secured over $10.5 billion in pledges from international creditors at the one-day International Conference on Climate Resilient Pakistan in Geneva, which will help the cash-strapped country recover from last year’s devastating floods.
By the end of the first plenary session, Pakistan had received pledges totaling $8.57 billion, and in the second session, it had secured more than $2 billion.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to help Pakistan build climate-resilient infrastructure and to grant access to the knowledge and resources needed to survive future catastrophes.
The delegations recalled their support for the emergency relief operations during the conference and reaffirmed their commitment to Pakistan’s people in support of a strong recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
All donations pledged at the Geneva conference
Islamic Development Bank: $4.2 billion
World Bank: $2 billion
Asian Development Bank: $1.5 billion
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank: $1 billion
Saudi Arabia: $1 billion
France: $384 million
China: $100 million
United States: $100 million
EU: $93 million
Germany: $88 million
Japan: $77 million
United Kingdom: $10 million
Azerbaijan: $2 million
The attendees voiced their solidarity and pledged financial support for the ongoing humanitarian activities as well as the achievement of the goals and key areas. The meeting was co-hosted by Pakistan and the UN.
The World Bank has pledged $2 billion, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank has pledged $1 billion, and the Islamic Development Bank Group has pledged $4.2 billion over three years.
Furthermore, Asian Development Bank has pledged $1.5 billion, while the European Union has offered $93 million, Germany has pledged $88 million, China has pledged $100 million, Japan has pledged $77 million, and so on. The French government has committed $345 million, and the United States Agency for International Development has offered $100 million.
Saudi Arabia has also committed $1 billion to assist Pakistan in reconstruction efforts.
Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister of Finance, has said that Pakistan’s two closest friends, China and Saudi Arabia, will contribute a multibillion-dollar financial package to assist Pakistan with its shaky economy.
According to the Finance Minister, both countries will grant Pakistan a $13 billion package.
According to The News, Dar went on to say that China intends to contribute $8.8 billion in assistance, including loan rollovers, during the current fiscal year, and that it will also roll over $4 billion in deposit returns.
In addition, Ishaq Dar indicated that it will provide $3.3 billion in commercial loans and $1.45 billion in additional financing.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is expected to contribute an extra $4.2 billion in aid, including $3 billion in new reserves and a delayed payment oil facility, according to the Finance Minister. He declared that the Kingdom would construct a petrochemical facility in Gwadar.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that both countries have guaranteed Pakistan’s Prime Minister (PM), Shehbaz Sharif, of their support and will continue to do so till June 2023.
Furthermore, China has promised that construction on CPEC’s key railway projects, Main Line 1 (ML-1) and Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), will begin shortly.
