U.S. aid package brings little relief to Gaza
The United States predicts that the floating dock built by its military near Gaza will be able to provide an endless stream of humanitarian aid. But officials said this week that Palestinians in the area have not received much relief.
Several trucks were robbed on their way to the warehouse, halting operations for two days. The United Nations World Food Program has warned that the terminal project may fail if Israel does not do more to ensure the safe distribution of aid.
Rescue efforts have stalled as Israeli forces push deeper into Rafah in southern Gaza. The Israeli military said yesterday that its troops were fighting near the center of Rafah. Some 815,000 people left the city as a result.
The attack comes during a week when Israel faces growing diplomatic and legal pressure over its war effort. Today, the International Court of Justice in The Hague will respond to South Africa’s petition calling for an immediate halt to ground attacks on Rafah.
Ceasefire: The CIA director plans to travel to Europe this weekend for talks with his Israeli foreign minister in an attempt to revive stalled negotiations.
hostage: On October 7, the families of several Israeli female soldiers released a video of them being kidnapped by Hamas militants.
Since Lai Chi took office, Taiwanese officials and military experts have been looking forward to a show of military power by China. In his inauguration speech, he promised to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty.
According to state media reports, a Chinese military spokesman called the exercise a “severe punishment” for “Taiwan independence forces.” He also called it a “stern warning against interference and provocation by external forces.”
bet: These exercises could provide the Chinese military with valuable lessons on how to implement a possible blockade of Taiwan. Many experts believe that if China attempts to force Taiwan to accept reunification, it may first try to use military force to restrict Taiwan’s air and sea access.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged President Biden to lift restrictions after visiting Kyiv last week. The proposal has not yet been formally submitted to Biden, who opposes the measure. But Blinken changed his stance after the Russians opened a new front in the Kharkiv region with devastating consequences.
Russia has deployed weapons across the border in northeastern Ukraine, targeting Kharkov. President Volodymyr Zelensky told The Times that the inability of the United States to launch missiles and other weapons at military targets gave Russia a “huge advantage.”
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Justine Payton was attracted to the Hare Krishna retreat because of its affordable yoga and volunteer work. She said her experience turned into emotional and mental abuse – and by the end, she was 28 years old and had $72 to her name.
Why gardening is so good for you
Gardening can be an opportunity for exercise, meditation and social interaction.
It gets you moving: Shoveling mulch and pulling weeds can count as moderate-intensity physical activity. Gardeners tend to report higher levels of physical activity overall, and there is evidence that they have better cardiometabolic health.
It also does wonders for your mental health. Some studies report that gardening can lower scores on anxiety and depression. Other studies have found increased confidence and self-esteem.
Learn more about how gardening can bring real benefits.
suggestion
That concludes today’s press conference. Thanks for spending time with us this morning, see you on Monday. — Justin
PS Masha Gessen is joining The Times as an opinion columnist.
You can contact Justin and the team at: Briefing@nytimes.com.
