April 29, 2024

Daily News Brief

*) Israel kills over a dozen Palestinians in Rafah — medics Israeli air strikes have targeted three houses in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, killing at least 13 people and wounding numerous others, according to medics. Additionally, Israeli planes struck two houses in Gaza City in the north of the enclave, which health officials say resulted in several casualties. These strikes occurred amid ongoing Israeli violence and tension, with over a million people in Rafah seeking shelter from previous bombardments. *) World Central Kitchen to resume Gaza ops after Israel killings World Central Kitchen has resumed operations in Gaza after seven of its aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike earlier this month. In a statement, the charity's chief executive officer emphasised the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and their commitment to providing food assistance with renewed energy and focus. The organisation plans to deliver food to as many Palestinians as possible, including in the northern region, by utilising various transport methods: land, air, or sea routes. *) Heat wave kills two Palestinian children in Gaza The UN refugee agency UNRWA has reported that at least two Palestinian children have lost their lives due to a severe heat wave in Gaza. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed deep concern, highlighting the challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza: death, hunger, disease, displacement, and now extreme heat conditions. This situation compounds the ongoing difficulties caused by a deadly Israeli offensive that killed more than 34,400 people and injured thousands. *) Ukraine signals worsening front amidst Russia's new gains Ukraine's army leader has acknowledged a deteriorating situation on the battlefield as Russian forces seized another village in eastern Ukraine. In a Facebook post, Oleksandr Syrsky admitted that Ukrainian troops had retreated westwards to establish new defensive lines along the front near Donetsk. He noted that Russia holds a significant advantage in manpower and ammunition, allowing them to make advances despite heavy fighting. *) Palestinian writer wins Arabic Fiction Prize after 20 years in Israeli jail Palestinian writer Basim Khandaqji, who was imprisoned in Israel 20 years ago, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 International Prize for Arabic Fiction. He won for his novel "A Mask, the Colour of the Sky” at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi. Khandaqji was born in Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in 1983 and began writing short stories until his arrest at the age of 21.