The existence of hunger is a political choice

A recent drone strike in the besieged city of El-Fasher, Sudan, has resulted in the deaths of dozens, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis as the city has been surrounded by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for 17 months. This situation is critical as residents are already facing severe hunger and starvation, making the need for international attention and aid more urgent than ever.

The recent Nobel Prize in Economics has been awarded to three researchers for their groundbreaking work on technology and innovation-driven growth, highlighting the importance of these factors in today's economy. This news is significant as it underscores the role of innovation in driving economic progress, which is particularly relevant in the current climate of global trade tensions. Additionally, the merger between Allwyn and OPAP to form a €16 billion gaming giant reflects the ongoing consolidation in the industry, promising to reshape the market landscape.

Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, has announced that the party is stepping back from its firm commitment to £90 billion in tax cuts for its 2024 manifesto, now labeling these plans as mere aspirations. This shift raises concerns about the party's financial strategy and its potential impact on voters who prioritize tax relief. Meanwhile, Downing Street has dismissed claims that the government influenced the collapse of a significant China spying case due to fears of losing Chinese investment, highlighting ongoing tensions in UK-China relations. This situation is crucial as it reflects the broader political landscape and the challenges facing the UK government.

In a significant development, all living Israeli hostages held by Hamas have been released after more than 780 days in Gaza. This momentous occasion was marked by Donald Trump's address to the Knesset, where he declared that the 'age of terror' is over. The release of the hostages not only brings relief to their families but also signals a potential shift towards peace in the region, making it a pivotal moment in Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice has acknowledged that the party will not be able to fulfill its ambitious pledge of £90 billion in tax cuts as outlined in their manifesto. Instead, the party plans to focus on reducing the size of the civil service and eliminating net zero policies once in power. This shift raises concerns about the party's commitment to its original promises and could impact voter trust as they navigate their priorities ahead of the next election.

Lloyds Bank has issued a warning that the ongoing car finance scandal could lead to costs as high as £2 billion. This comes as the bank has set aside an additional £800 million to cover claims, indicating that the number of eligible claims is expected to be greater than initially anticipated. This situation is significant as it highlights the potential financial impact on the bank and raises concerns about consumer trust in financial institutions.

The political landscape in France is currently tumultuous as Marine Le Pen and Éric Ciotti have submitted a joint motion of no confidence against the newly appointed government led by Sébastien Lecornu. National Assembly president Yaël Braun-Pivet has urged for calm and constructive discussions as parliament prepares to meet. This situation is significant as it reflects the ongoing tensions within French politics and the challenges the new government faces in gaining stability and support from various factions.