Conflict and lawlessness hamper food aid delivery in Gaza: WFP
“Driving through Gaza City to Jabalia, the destruction is unbelievable. In the North of Gaza, I didn’t see one single building intact and there was constant shelling with drones buzzing overhead,” he said. “The people here are traumatised and exhausted….
‘Better late than never’: Gazans react to Security Council ceasefire resolution
The US-led resolution calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of some hostages together with Palestinian prisoners, followed by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas and the return of Palestinians to their homes throughout Gaza while humanitarian aid…
Russia, Ukraine exchange drone, missile attacks
Kyiv, Ukraine — Kyiv and Moscow staged dozens of drone and missile attacks overnight, officials said Friday, leaving several wounded in Ukraine and damaging a fuel reservoir site in a Russian border region. The two sides have stepped up cross-border…
At G7 Italy, Biden galvanizes support for Ukraine
US President Joe Biden and leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies are meeting in Italy, underscoring support for Ukraine’s fight against Russia’s invasion and the need for a cease-fire in Gaza. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara is…
US Supreme Court rejects bid to restrict access to abortion pill mifepristone
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against restricting access to the abortion pill mifepristone on Thursday, turning back a challenge from anti-abortion advocates. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the pill in 2000, and it’s currently used in more than…
Google AI Gemini parrots China’s propaganda
Washington — VOA’s Mandarin Service recently took Google’s artificial intelligence assistant Gemini for a test drive by asking it dozens of questions in Mandarin, but when it was asked about topics including China’s human rights abuses in Xinjiang or street…
South African authorities warn of mpox after 2 deaths
Two people have died after contracting mpox, or monkeypox, South African health authorities said Thursday. Six recent mpox cases have been confirmed in South Africa, all among men in their 30s. Officials say the two deaths are among the six…
G7 agrees to Biden’s plan to loan $50B to Ukraine, using Russian frozen assets
BORGO EGNAZIA, ITALY — The Group of Seven wealthy democracies announced Thursday that it would provide Kyiv with tens of billions of dollars in loans that will be paid back to Western allies using interest income from Russian assets frozen…
No confirmation of another US Patriot system to Ukraine
Brussels — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin would not confirm or deny reports that the U.S. is sending another Patriot surface-to-air missile defense system to Ukraine, after allies and partners from about 50 nations met to coordinate support for Kyiv…
Biden, G7 leaders focus on Ukraine, Gaza, global infrastructure, Africa
BORGO EGNAZIA, ITALY — U.S. President Joe Biden is in Apuglia, Italy, meeting with leaders of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies Thursday, aiming to address global economic security amid wars in Europe and the Middle East and U.S. rivalry…