Diseases spread among displaced Gazans amid pollution, soaring temperatures
The UN is highlighting how temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in Gaza and the accumulation of waste and sewage among tents where displaced Palestinians have to live are only adding to the many challenges faced by the residents of the enclave.
“Sewer pollution has led to the emergence of diseases such as hepatitis A and other viral diseases,” said Abdul Rahman Abu Amra, a nurse in a clinic run by UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, adding that food contamination and lack of water are other challenges.
Salama Abdel-al, a displaced Palestinian, said the rising temperatures are turning tents into “the burning fire of God”.
“It’s like we’re sitting among heaters,” he said.
#Gaza: the accumulation of waste and sewage among the tents housing displaced people has become an added challenge. As temperatures soar, diseases spread among the displaced, who struggle to live in hot tents. Urgent help is needed. pic.twitter.com/tOXrbyLTAn
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) May 2, 2024
Bribes and threats....
US senators meet ICC over potential Israel arrest warrants: Report
A group of both Democratic and Republican US senators reportedly held a virtual meeting with senior officials from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over potential arrest warrants being considered for top Israeli officials.
The meeting took place on Wednesday shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to multiple senators, reports the US news site Axios, citing three unnamed sources.
Republican lawmakers have reportedly threatened to pass legislation against the ICC if it moves forward with the warrants.
Axios earlier reported that Biden administration officials have also privately warned the ICC against the move after a warning by Israel that it could cut off tax funds it collects for the Palestinian Authority, which could cause it to collapse.
Turkey halts all trade with Israel citing Gaza war
Turkey stopped all exports and imports to and from Israel because of the “worsening humanitarian tragedy” in the war-battered Gaza Strip.
“Export and import transactions related to Israel have been stopped, covering all products,” Turkey’s Ministry of Trade said in a statement. “Turkey will strictly and decisively implement these new measures until the Israeli government allows an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
The two countries had a trade volume of $6.8bn in 2023. Turkey last month imposed trade restrictions on Israel over what it said was Israel’s refusal to allow Ankara to take part in air-dropped aid operations for Gaza.
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