Why a US-backed Gaza plan is sparking accusations of weaponizing aid Humanitarian experts say an obscure paramilitary contractor led by a former CIA official may be aiding Israel’s military in using food as a weapon of war in Gaza. Palestine
US-backed Gaza aid body launches as Witkoff pans Hamas truce proposal: What to know Hamas said it accepted a US proposal on a ceasefire deal in Gaza, which both Israel and the US denied, as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is quickly deteriorating. Palestine
US-backed aid group begins controversial relief operation in Gaza The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has faced controversy since its establishment over its plan to deliver aid to Gazans through a limited number of distribution points, without the involvement of UN agencies. Palestine
29 in Gaza die from starvation says PA; UNICEF warns 9,000 children malnourished Under international pressure, Israeli has allowed dozens of aid trucks into Gaza as Palestinian officials report starvation-related deaths. Palestine
Analysis Amid US rift and Saudi rivalry, UAE offers Zelenskyy economic lifeline By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Interview WFP chief McCain urges funding to alleviate Syria's hunger crisis Cindy McCain WFP Executive Director
Analysis From war to governance: Hamas challenged by security vacuum in Gaza The Hamas government struggles to maintain its authority over Gaza amid death, destruction, severe food shortages and decimated administrative and security forces. By Abeer Ayyoub In Istanbul, reporting on Palestine
Opposition wins election in Somaliland, signals dialogue with Somalia: What we know Somaliland's opposition leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has won the presidential election, unseating the incumbent president who held office for seven years. Somalia
WFP to send aid ship to feed displaced in Lebanon The UN food agency is raising the alarm over food insecurity and a harsh winter in the Levant as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon continue. Israel
Interview WFP’s McCain: 'No difference' in Gaza aid flow despite Israel’s tactical pause Al-Monitor interviews World Food Program chief Cindy McCain about the hunger crisis gripping the Gaza Strip after more than eight months of war. Cindy McCain World Food Programme Executive Director
Pentagon pauses humanitarian airdrops in Gaza, citing Israel's Rafah operation The Biden administration's plan to surge humanitarian aid into Gaza is falling apart. Palestine
Poverty in Lebanon tripled to 44%, as high as 62% in rural areas: World Bank In a recent report, the World Bank revealed a three-fold increase in poverty rates in Lebanon, which is hard hit by an economic crisis and financial meltdown, with nine out of every 10 Syrians displaced in the country living under the poverty line. Lebanon
How climate change could make Egypt's coffee cultivation a reality One Egyptian experiment has successfully cultivated coffee beans, but analysts believe environmental factors are still unfavorable for localizing this crop. Egypt
US installs Gaza floating pier despite aid groups' security fears A senior USAID official said the United States is “not at all satisfied” with the progress of discussions with the IDF over steps to prevent Israeli soldiers from killing aid workers in Gaza. Palestine
US military halts Gaza humanitarian aid pier, citing weather A US defense official told Al-Monitor the pier remains on schedule, but an agreement to have workers with the UN World Food Programme distribute aid from the pier remains under intensive negotiation amid significant security concerns. Israel
Dangers for Palestinian aid workers stall deal on US-built Gaza pier Israel’s role in providing security for the maritime endeavor has raised questions over the safety and neutrality of the Palestinian aid workers involved. Palestine
Algeria signs $3.5B deal with Qatari firm to develop world's largest dairy farm A Qatari food giant announced a $3.5 billion agreement with the Algerian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to develop the world’s largest integrated dairy farming and production project in the south of the African country. Algeria
US says Israel boosted Gaza aid flow after convoy strike, but more is needed US envoy David Satterfield said the volume of assistance reaching Gaza is "significantly greater" than it was, but issues remain with aid distribution. Palestine
