Israel agrees to humanitarian pauses in Gaza for polio vaccinations

SEOUL, August 30 (AJP) - Israel has agreed to implement "humanitarian pauses" in Gaza to allow for the vaccination of children against polio, as announced by the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative will target around 640,000 children across the Gaza Strip and will begin on Sunday, according to senior WHO official Rik Peeperkorn. The vaccination campaign will be carried out in three phases, covering the central, southern, and northern parts of Gaza. During each

August 30, 2024

Torrential rains in Yemen trigger floods and cholera outbreak fears

SEOUL, August 29 (AJP) - At least 24 people are missing in Yemen after heavy rains caused severe flooding, which has also worsened the spread of waterborne diseases, according to local authorities. The floods struck the al-Mahwit province, west of the capital Sanaa, which is under the control of the Houthi group aligned with Iran. Landslides in the Milhan district destroyed seven homes, as reported by police on Wednesday. The rising floodwaters swept away vehicles, blocked roads, an

August 29, 2024

Violence intensifies in West Bank as Israeli forces strike

SEOUL, August 29 (AJP) - At least 10 Palestinians were killed during a significant operation by Israeli forces in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israeli security forces announced they had launched a "counterterrorism operation" in Jenin and Tulkarm overnight, killing "five armed terrorists" from both air and ground strikes. Additionally, another four people were reportedly killed in an airstrike during a

August 29, 2024

UN aid operations continue in Gaza after forced evacuations

SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - The United Nations continues its aid operations in the Gaza Strip, despite recent complications caused by new Israeli evacuation orders. These orders led to the shutdown of the main UN operations center, temporarily halting humanitarian efforts. However, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric indicated on Tuesday that aid delivery has not completely stopped, even though a senior UN official had earlier suggested otherwise. The UN has been forced to evacuate it

August 28, 2024

Houthi attacks on Greek oil tanker in red sea raise fears of massive oil spill

Reuters-Yonhap SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - A Greek-owned oil tanker attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea last week remains ablaze and could be leaking oil, according to the U.S. Pentagon. Efforts to salvage the MV Sounion have been hindered by the Houthis, who have also issued further threats of attacks. The vessel, which flies the Greek flag, is carrying over 150,000 tonnes (equivalent to one million barrels) of crude oil, and a significant spill could be one of the largest

August 28, 2024

Western airlines suspend routes as tensions grow

SEOUL, August 27 (AJU PRESS) - Earlier this month, British Airways announced it will suspend its London-to-Beijing route starting in October, with the suspension expected to last until at least November 2025. This decision is part of a broader trend among Western airlines reducing routes between the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, largely due to the high costs associated with avoiding Russian airspace. Since the war in Ukraine began, Western airlines have rerouted flights south thro

August 27, 2024

UN suspends Gaza aid due to evacuation orders

SEOUL, August 27 (AJU PRESS) - The United Nations has temporarily halted its aid operations in Gaza due to Israeli military evacuation orders in the central area of the territory. A senior UN official explained that humanitarian staff were unable to work on Monday because of safety concerns. The evacuation orders affected parts of the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone around Deir al-Balah, where the UN's main operations center is located, forcing staff to relocate quickly and

August 27, 2024

Israel launches major airstrikes in Lebanon

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - Israel launched a series of preemptive airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Sunday morning to prevent a major rocket and drone attack by Hezbollah. According to the Israeli military, the strikes, involving around 100 fighter jets, destroyed thousands of rocket launchers belonging to the Iran-backed group. Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal movement, confirmed that three of their fighters were killed in the strikes. Despite these attacks, Hezbollah claim

August 26, 2024

Hezbollah's leader speaks on retaliation to Israeli aggression

SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah delivered a televised address following a significant exchange of fire between the Lebanese group and Israel. This exchange, which Hezbollah framed as retaliation for the Israeli assassination of its senior commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut last month, was a central focus of Nasrallah's speech. Israel claimed it had preemptively struck Hezbollah sites in Lebanon before the attack, minimizing the damage within Israel.

August 26, 2024

Biden stresses urgency of Gaza ceasefire in call with Netanyahu

U.S. President Joe Biden talks with reporters before boarding Air Force One at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. AFP-Yonhap SEOUL, August 23 (AJU PRESS) - President Joe Biden has emphasized the urgent need for a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage release deal in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the White House. During the Wednesday call, which included Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden stressed the importance of

August 23, 2024