#gaza-humanitarian-aid

#gaza-humanitarian-aid

The International Court of Justice ruled Wednesday that Israel, as an occupying power, must allow United Nations humanitarian aid into Gaza and may not use starvation as a method of warfare. In its advisory opinion, the World Court also found that Israel had failed to provide evidence for its claims that UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, lacks neutrality or that a significant number of its staff are affiliated with Hamas. Israel denounced the ruling and said it would not comply with the court's instructions. The Trump administration also condemned the opinion.

Live updatesLive updates, UN says aid entering Gaza is still falling short of requirements as Israel continues to block aid, close border crossings.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip -- Hamas released seven hostages into the custody of the Red Cross on Monday, the first to be released as part of a breakthrough ceasefire after two years of war between Israel and Hamas in the devastated Gaza Strip. There was no immediate information on their condition. Hamas has said 20 living hostages will be exchanged for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The ceasefire is to take effect within 24 hours of the vote, Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said. During that window, Israeli forces are to withdraw from parts of Gaza - including most urban population centers - while retaining control of about half of the enclave. Humanitarian aid is to be surged to a population that has suffered hunger and deprivation.

"After Israeli occupation naval forces illegally intercepted vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla - a peaceful, non-violent convoy carrying food, baby formula, medicine, and volunteers from 47 countries to Gaza - hundreds of participants have been abducted and reportedly taken aboard the large naval vessel, the MSC Johannesburg," flotilla officials said Thursday in a press release. "This was after they were assaulted with water cannons, doused with skunk water, and had their communications systematically jammed in yet more acts of aggression against unarmed civilians."

Dozens of celebrities came together across the pond to raise money for Palestine during a sold-out charity concert at London's OVO Arena Wembley on September 18. The star-studded Together for Palestine event included appearances from Florence Pugh, Benedict Cumberbatch, Riz Ahmed, Guy Pearce, Richard Gere, Bridgerton stars Nicola Coughlan and Charithra Chandran, and many more. Paloma Faith performed in a dress made from a keffiyeh, and other musicians in attendance included PinkPantheress, Bastille's Dan Smith, Gorillaz, James Blake, Rachel Chinouriri, Neneh Cherry, and Cat Burns.