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Israeli military operations in the West Bank have escalated since January 21, 2025, with tanks deployed in Jenin for the first time in over two decades. This offensive has displaced approximately 40,000 Palestinians and resulted in significant casualties, raising humanitarian concerns amid ongoing violence and forced displacements.
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On March 22, 2025, the Congo River Alliance announced a repositioning of M23 forces in eastern DRC, following failed peace talks with the Congolese government. This comes amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises, with over 7,000 deaths reported since January. The situation remains tense as both sides seek dialogue.
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Recent airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in a significant increase in casualties, with reports indicating over 400 deaths in a single day. This escalation follows a brief ceasefire, leaving many families displaced and grieving. The humanitarian situation remains dire as aid efforts struggle to keep pace with the ongoing violence.
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Starting April 2025, England will introduce 80 new lessons aimed at improving financial literacy among students aged five to 16. The curriculum will address issues like in-game purchases and influencer marketing, responding to rising concerns about children's financial awareness and spending habits.
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Eight people, including five children, died in South Sudan while seeking medical treatment for cholera after US aid cuts led to the closure of local health services. The charity Save the Children attributes these deaths to funding reductions imposed by the Trump administration, which have severely impacted healthcare access in the region.
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President Trump's proposed budget for 2026 includes significant cuts to public health, education, and social safety net programs, aiming to reshape federal spending. The plan has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans, raising concerns about its impact on vulnerable populations and essential services. The budget cuts are part of a broader reorganization led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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In Afghanistan, severe cuts to US aid have led to the closure of malnutrition treatment centers, leaving millions of children without critical care. Action Against Hunger reports that the funding freeze has resulted in layoffs and increased risks of malnutrition-related deaths among vulnerable populations.
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As of April 18, 2025, Gaza's humanitarian aid system is on the brink of collapse due to Israel's blockade imposed on March 2. Aid organizations warn of widespread famine and severe malnutrition among the population, with many relying solely on charity kitchens for food. The situation has worsened since the ceasefire ended on March 18.
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Starting today, 750 primary schools in the UK will offer free breakfasts to students, a key initiative from Labour's election manifesto. This program aims to support families and improve children's readiness for school, addressing concerns about child nutrition and academic performance.
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As child poverty rates threaten to rise, charities urge the UK government to abolish the two-child benefit cap. Critics argue that maintaining this policy could lead to record-high child poverty levels by the end of the current parliament, prompting urgent calls for action from Labour MPs and advocacy groups.
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The Primary School in East Palo Alto, co-founded by Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The decision has left families shocked, especially amid recent changes in Zuckerberg's philanthropic focus and political alignment. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will invest $50 million in the surrounding communities to support affected families.
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On May 10, 2025, at least 33 people were killed in Sudan amid ongoing violence between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army. Recent RSF drone strikes have targeted Port Sudan and displacement camps, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
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Germany, France, and Britain have urged Israel to lift its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning of severe risks to civilians. The UN reports a dire situation for the 2.4 million residents, with aid groups stating that famine is likely unfolding. The humanitarian system is on the brink of collapse after 18 months of conflict.
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The UK government has reduced its international aid budget from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income, the lowest level in over 25 years. Development Minister Jenny Chapman claims this shift reflects a new approach focused on sharing expertise rather than direct financial aid, igniting criticism from various sectors.
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In recent days, protests have surged across Europe, with over 100,000 demonstrators in The Hague demanding the Dutch government halt support for Israel amid its military actions in Gaza. Concurrently, UK chefs and food industry professionals have called for an end to arms sales to Israel, citing humanitarian concerns as Gaza faces severe food shortages and malnutrition crises.
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Labour's Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed that scrapping the controversial two-child benefit limit is under consideration. This policy, introduced in 2017, has been criticized for increasing child poverty. The government plans to align its child poverty strategy with the upcoming Budget, raising hopes for potential reforms.
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Experts warn that potential cuts to UK funding for Gavi, a global vaccination alliance, could undermine efforts to combat infectious diseases and lead to avoidable child deaths. The UK has historically been a major contributor, but funding is uncertain amid budget reductions.
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On June 15, 2025, over 150,000 people marched in The Hague, Netherlands, demanding action against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which they label as genocide. Organized by rights groups, the protest aimed to pressure the Dutch government to take a stronger stance against Israel's actions. The event coincided with ongoing legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice.