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UNRWA defunding

Global concerns are growing over a decision by the US and its allies to cut funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Dozens of non-governmental aid organizations have warned of complete collapse of an already restricted humanitarian response in the besieged Gaza Strip. In a joint statement, 28 aid NGOs have expressed deep concern and outrage over such a reckless decision by those countries that had previously called for increased humanitarian aid in Gaza. The NGOs warned that the decision will severely impact the life-saving assistance for over two million civilians, more than half of whom are children. They called on donor countries to help Palestinians survive one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes ever seen. The warning came after several countries paused donations to UNRWA over Israeli accusations that some of its employees were involved in Operation al-Aqsa Flood. UNRWA has denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that its role is only to provide relief aid to the people of Gaza.

Israeli atrocities

Gazans released from Israeli detention after being kidnapped by the regime’s forces are sharing harrowing accounts of torture and abuse they were exposed to. Many of those released have signs of torture on their bodies. The kidnapped Gazans say they were beaten on the head by the regime’s forces, with some having broken arms or wrists. Palestinians kidnapped by Israel say they were denied food and water, and were prevented from going to the toilet for the first three days of their detention. They were also handcuffed and blindfolded for seven days. The regime has recently released more than 100 Gazans, including four women. Last month, the United Nations human rights representative in the Palestinian territories told reporters of the "horrific" conditions faced by kidnapped Gazans. According to Ajith Sunghay, thousands of Gazans have been kidnapped by Israeli forces since October 7.

Yemen anti-Israel operations

The Yemeni army says it has targeted a British vessel that was on its way to ports in the occupied Palestinian territories. Yemen’s army spokesman Yahya Saree said the British commercial ship was targeted with appropriate naval missiles. He reaffirmed that operations against Israel-related ships will continue until the regime’s aggression on Gaza and the siege of the territory end. The latest operation followed a string of similar attacks over the past months. On Wednesday, Yemen's army targeted an American commercial vessel in waters near the country. It came just hours after Yemeni naval forces targeted the American destroyer USS Gravely in the Red Sea with several naval missiles.

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