‘Race against time’: Palestinians suffer from hunger in Gaza despite truce

Israeli forces are set to transfer a coffin, which Hamas claims contains the body of a hostage from Gaza, to the National Centre of Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv for identification.

In a significant development, Hamas has handed over the remains of a deceased hostage to the Red Cross in Gaza, as reported by Israel's military. This transfer marks another step following the ceasefire that took effect last month.

The UN has warned that the world is very likely to exceed the 1.5C climate goal within the next decade, despite the commitments made under the Paris Agreement. Countries have repeatedly missed their climate targets, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current efforts.

Israel's recent military actions in Gaza mirror its ongoing strategy in Lebanon, where a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah has led to daily attacks. This 'no war, no peace' approach raises concerns about escalating violence and instability in the region, highlighting the complexities of Israel's security strategy and its implications for both Palestinian and Lebanese civilians.

The Australian National University (ANU) has come under scrutiny after purchasing shares in Elbit Systems, an Israeli weapons manufacturer known for its drones used in Gaza. This move raises concerns as ANU had previously pledged to avoid controversial arms investments. The university claims that Elbit was not on any controversial weapons list at the time of the transaction, but the decision has sparked debate about ethical investment practices in educational institutions. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between academic values and financial decisions, making it a significant topic for discussion.

The ongoing discussions about Gaza's future are crucial as they revolve around whether it will be integrated into a larger framework or remain semi-autonomous. This question is pivotal for understanding the region's political landscape and the potential for peace and stability.

The UN chief highlighted the Doha declaration as a crucial step towards addressing global challenges, particularly as 700 million people continue to live in extreme poverty. This declaration is seen as a 'booster shot for development,' emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to uplift those in dire circumstances. It matters because it not only sheds light on the pressing issue of poverty but also calls for renewed commitment and action from nations worldwide to foster social development.

In a heartwarming turn of events, five Palestinian prisoners were released by Israel and reunited with their families in Gaza. This emotional reunion highlights the human side of the ongoing conflict and brings a moment of joy to those affected by years of separation. Such gestures can foster hope for future peace and understanding in the region.

Canada's Prime Minister is unveiling a federal budget aimed at attracting business investment and safeguarding sectors affected by the ongoing trade tensions with the Trump administration. This new spending plan is a proactive response to the challenges posed by US tariff shocks.

Ottawa is set to allocate $73 billion for defence in its 2025 budget. While the plan lacks detailed specifics, it showcases significant financial commitment and hints at the government's upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.

Bayern Munich continued their impressive season with a 2-1 win against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The match was marked by a red card for Luis Díaz, who scored both goals for Bayern, and an injury to Achraf Hakimi.

In Tanzania, there are serious concerns about the aftermath of the recent elections, with reports of over 1,000 people killed during a crackdown on protests. The opposition alleges that security forces are secretly disposing of bodies. Meanwhile, the U.S. is actively involved in ceasefire discussions in Sudan amid fears of a humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Additionally, a group of artists in Kenya is working to empower youth through the Wajukuu Art Project.

In the lead-up to the 2025 US elections, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani stands firm against President Trump's derogatory remarks, asserting that he won't be intimidated. As voters in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, and California head to the polls, Mamdani's resilience highlights the ongoing political tensions.

The situation in Gaza remains dire as Palestinians face severe hunger despite a truce. The UN is urging for all crossings to be opened to facilitate the delivery of essential food and humanitarian aid, highlighting the urgent need for support in the region.