To make the shipment of aid to Gaza easy US military is building a big floating pier. They’re doing this to help people who don’t have enough food and are struggling.
Ships from Cyprus will bring the aid to the pier, and then trucks will take it to different parts of Gaza. There will be a temporary path from the pier to the shore so the trucks can move easily.
President Joe Biden talked about this plan in March. It’s because Gaza is having a hard time getting enough food, especially with the fighting between Israel and Hamas.
US President Joe Biden. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
The United Nations is warning that there might be a big hunger problem in Gaza soon. Some children there are already getting sick because they don’t have enough to eat.
Over 1,000 US soldiers are helping to build the pier, but they won’t be staying in Gaza. They’ll work on the causeway from the sea, not on land.
To house the US troops, a British ship called the RFA Cardigan Bay will be used as a floating hotel.
A spokesperson from the Pentagon said they’re making progress on the pier and path. Once it’s done, they hope to bring in lots of aid every day, like food for almost everyone in Gaza.
Displaced Palestinians are lining up to fill their containers with water in Deir Balah in the central Gaza Strip on April 25, 2024. (Photo by Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Even with this help, some people are upset with Israel because they think Israel isn’t letting enough aid into Gaza. Israel says it’s because of problems with aid groups, not because they’re trying to stop it.
Aid groups are worried about safety, especially after some workers were killed in an Israeli attack. They want assurances that aid workers will be safe when they’re helping.
As they build the pier and path, everyone involved is trying to figure out how to get aid to the people in Gaza quickly and safely.
President Joe Biden’s economic narrative presents a promising tale for future voters, albeit less compelling in the immediate context of 2024.
This Thursday, President Biden will journey to upstate New York to commemorate Micron Technology’s ambitious plans to establish a campus of cutting-edge computer chip factories, made feasible in part by government backing.
However, the fruition of the initial phase of this venture is slated for the years 2028 and 2029, with further timelines for subsequent factories.
President Biden signs the CHIPS and Science Act into law at a White House ceremony. The law provides $280 billion to research and development activities, of which $52.7 billion will go to spurring processor manufacturing in the US. (Credit: Stephen Shankland/CNET)
In the face of a potential rematch with Republican contender Donald Trump, Biden finds himself advocating for a vision of the U.S. economy that remains largely prospective.
This comes at a time when voters’ primary concerns revolve around persistent pressures stemming from high inflation, contributing to a general discontent with Biden’s economic performance.
Biden’s campaign hinges on the promise of tomorrow, contrasting sharply with Trump’s appeal to a nostalgic past when American manufacturing reigned supreme globally.
The President urges voters to consider the retrospective lens through which historians will view his presidency. “We’re going to look back on this 20 years from now and be talking about what a revolutionary period this was for the country,” Biden remarked to a gathering of unionized electricians.
This message of long-term vision stands out in an age characterized by instant gratification. Unlike the era when Biden embarked on his political journey in the 1970s, today’s populace can access music and videos instantaneously, order pizza with a swipe, or connect with friends across vast distances with a simple text message.
President Biden visited Syracuse on Oct. 27, 2022, with Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and other elected officials. (Credit: Mandel Ngan/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Trump paints a picture of impending doom under Biden’s policies, warning of job losses in gasoline-powered auto manufacturing and the inevitable shift of work to China.
He recently criticized the rising value of the dollar, fearing it would render American-made goods uncompetitive on the global stage.
The Biden administration’s role in kickstarting the Micron project underscores its commitment to bolstering domestic manufacturing.
By allocating $6.1 billion in government support, including funding for a memory chip factory in Idaho, Biden aims to stimulate economic growth and technological advancement.
Furthermore, investments in renewable energy projects and initiatives like the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act have propelled factory construction spending to unprecedented levels.
Chip factories planned by Intel, TSMC, Samsung, and others are poised to drive innovations in artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, reinforcing Biden’s vision of securing America’s economic supremacy.
Despite decades of hollow promises regarding a manufacturing renaissance, Schumer remains optimistic about the Micron project’s potential.
Donald Trump, centre, Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, left, and Foxconn chairman Terry Gou participate in a groundbreaking event for the new company’s facility in Mount Pleasant in June 2018 (Credit: AP)
He contrasts it with Trump’s failed Foxconn venture, expressing confidence that this time, the United States will surpass China in critical technologies, thereby retaining jobs and expertise within its borders.
As Schumer aptly puts it, “We want to be proud of our economy.” This renewed sense of pride, fueled by technological advancements and strategic investments, may indeed redefine America’s economic terrain for years to come.
Amidst a gathering storm of global tensions, Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase, delivered a stark warning during a recent address at the Economic Club of New York.
Describing the current geopolitical terrain as the most intricate and perilous since the aftermath of World War II, Dimon highlighted the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces and the ensuing nuclear brinkmanship, alongside simmering conflicts such as the volatile situation in Israel.
These geopolitical tensions, he emphasized, have far-reaching ramifications, impacting not only oil, gas, and trade but also the intricate web of military alliances.
Ukrainian service members look for and collect unexploded shells after a fight with a Russian raiding group in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv (Credit: Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)
Dimon’s concerns extend beyond mere economic indicators. He stressed that the intricate dance of global powers, particularly the complex relationship between the United States and China amid the Ukraine crisis, poses profound challenges to the established world order crafted in the post-war era.
The specter of rising oil and gas prices looms large, driven by the uncertainty in geopolitical arenas. Despite recent fluctuations, Dimon cautioned that a reversal in Middle East tensions could swiftly send prices soaring once again.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Dimon underscored that discussions about the economy pale in comparison to the urgent need to address these geopolitical fault lines.
Should Russia emerge victorious in Ukraine, he warned, the very foundation of NATO would face unprecedented strain.
This somber assessment echoes Dimon’s earlier admonitions in his annual letter to shareholders, where he prioritized geopolitical concerns over economic considerations. He emphasized the pressing need for proactive measures to steer the treacherous waters of global geopolitics.
A man carries a propane gas cylinder while walking through debris in the Jabalia camp in Gaza City. (Credit: Mahmud Hams/AFP/Getty Images)
Beyond geopolitical tensions, Dimon expressed grave apprehensions about the ballooning U.S. deficit and national debt.
With the national debt surpassing $34.5 trillion, Dimon underscored the unsustainable trajectory, with interest payments alone exceeding expenditures on national security.
Drawing parallels to historical precedents, Dimon echoed historian Niall Ferguson’s warnings about the perils of excessive debt burden. He emphasized the imperative of reining in government borrowing to mitigate the risk of prolonged inflationary pressures.
Russia has exercised its veto power at the UN Security Council, blocking a resolution put forward by the US and Japan aimed at preventing an arms race in outer space. The draft resolution sought to reaffirm a principle already outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.
The resolution, introduced on Wednesday, called on all countries, especially those with significant space capabilities, to actively contribute to the peaceful use of outer space and to prevent an arms race. It emphasized adherence to the Outer Space Treaty, which prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in Earth’s orbit.
Russia exercises its UN Security Council veto, blocking US and Japan’s resolution to prevent an arms race in outer space.(Credit: Stock photo via Getty Images)
Despite receiving support from 13 of the Council’s 15 members, including permanent member China abstaining, Russia vetoed the resolution. The move drew criticism from US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who described it as “baffling” and questioned Russia’s intentions.
The US has previously raised concerns about Russia’s alleged development of a space-based anti-satellite nuclear weapon. White House spokesperson John Kirby highlighted the issue in February, labeling it as “troubling,” although he noted that the weapon was not yet operational.
A U.N. Security Council meeting is held at the U.N. headquarters in New York on April 24, 2024. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied any intention of deploying nuclear weapons in space, reiterating Russia’s opposition to such actions. However, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan reiterated concerns about Russia’s alleged development of a satellite carrying a nuclear device.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized Russia’s commitment to its international legal obligations, including the Outer Space Treaty. Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, criticized the US-Japanese resolution, labeling it a “cynical ploy” with “hidden motives.”
The UN Security Council comprises five permanent members – the US, UK, France, China, and Russia – each possessing veto power, along with ten rotating seats held by other UN member states.
Rising temperatures have prompted the closure of schools in Bangladesh, affecting 33 million children as parts of the country experience scorching heat exceeding 42°C (108°F).
Authorities have announced school closures until at least April 27 for the second consecutive year due to extreme weather conditions, mirroring similar measures taken in the Philippines and India amid a persistent heatwave sweeping across Asia.
School closures extend as Asia battles scorching heatwaves. (Credit: Getty Images)
Save the Children’s Bangladesh director, Shumon Sengupta, emphasized the vulnerability of Bangladesh’s children, particularly those living in poverty, to heat-related school closures, calling for urgent action to address the impact of climate change.
Bangladesh, situated in a low-lying area, faces heightened risks from the climate crisis, including the potential displacement of millions due to rising sea levels, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
People are drinking water and washing their faces from a roadside water pipeline during a heatwave in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on April 23, 2024. (Photo by Mamunur Rashid/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
In response to the sweltering conditions, thousands of Bangladeshis have gathered to pray for rain, seeking relief from the extreme heat. The country’s weather authorities issued a fourth heat alert for the month as hospitals and clinics brace for an increase in patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
Unicef has warned of the grave risks posed by unusually high temperatures to children across East Asia and the Pacific, particularly newborns and infants, who are less equipped to regulate their body temperatures.
Meanwhile, in Thailand, officials have raised concerns about the “extremely dangerous” heat index in Bangkok, with a rise in heatstroke-related deaths reported this year. Myanmar has also experienced soaring temperatures, surpassing 45°C on Wednesday.
Pedestrians cover from the sun with their hands as they walk during a heatwave in Bangkok, Thailand (Photo by Valeria Mongelli/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The Philippines has suspended in-person classes for 47,000 schools due to extreme heat, while fire incidents have increased, attributed to power overload and overheating of electric fans from continuous usage.
The World Meteorological Organisation highlighted the impact of climate change on extreme weather events in Asia, emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate its effects on societies, economies, and human lives.
As temperatures continue to soar across the region, the health and well-being of millions, particularly children, remain at risk, underscoring the critical importance of addressing climate change and its consequences.
In the heart of Beijing, amidst the bustling metropolis, a scene unfolds that might seem out of place: a group of athletes, both men and women, donning helmets and pads, engage in a game that’s typically associated with American cities like Baltimore rather than the Chinese capital.
Quarterback Mu Yang shouts the familiar cadence, and his teammate Henry Mu dashes across the field, emblematic of the growing presence of American football in China. Henry catches his breath and reflects on the challenges of the sport, emphasizing its physical and mental demands, echoing sentiments shared by many who have embraced this foreign game in a distant land.
At the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit China from April 24 to April 26. (Photo by Wang Gang/VCG via Getty Images)
For Americans, football is more than just a game; it’s a cultural touchstone, an expression of national identity. But for the Chinese players of the Beijing Cyclones, it represents something new, a bridge between cultures with only a few thousand participants in China but millions of fans.
This unlikely convergence of cultures on the football field mirrors broader efforts to foster “people-to-people” exchanges and cultivate cultural connections between the United States and China. Against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations, both nations are seeking common ground, emphasizing shared interests rather than differences.
Since President Xi Jinping’s visit to San Francisco, there has been a noticeable shift in Beijing’s approach, with a softer diplomatic tone and increased efforts to attract foreign businesses to stimulate the Chinese economy. Similarly, the United States has shown a willingness to engage, with frequent diplomatic visits and signals of cooperation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping talks with Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, during the APEC Leaders Retreat on the last day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week at Moscone Center on November 17, 2023, in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
However, beneath the surface, tensions still simmer. The improved relationship is fragile, overshadowed by longstanding geopolitical rivalries and recent flashpoints. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived on his second visit to China in less than a year, he steered a complex fraught with challenges.
Recent actions by both nations underscore the underlying tensions. The passage of a bill package in the US Senate, including increased military aid to Taiwan and measures targeting Chinese-owned companies like TikTok, elicited sharp reactions from Beijing, viewing them as attempts to contain China economically and geopolitically.
Against this backdrop, Blinken’s visit is laden with diplomatic significance and high stakes. Both sides will engage in frank discussions, addressing contentious issues such as Taiwan and economic policy, while striving to prevent further escalation.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken waves upon arriving from Shanghai, at Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing on April 25, 2024. (Photo by Mark Schiefelbein / POOL / AFP)
Despite the diplomatic complexities, there remains hope for constructive engagement and mutual understanding. As athletes like Mu Yang and Henry Mu demonstrate on the football field, cultural exchange transcends politics. Their shared passion for the game serves as a reminder of the power of sports to foster connections and promote peace in a world often divided by conflict.
As the sun sets on the football field in Beijing, the players, regardless of nationality, unite in a common pursuit: the love of the game and the bonds it forges. In the end, perhaps therein lies the true essence of diplomacy – not in grand gestures or lofty rhetoric, but in the simple act of coming together, one game at a time.
Edinburgh University has planned to repurpose excess heat generated by its large server rooms to heat student buildings, marking a pioneering step towards decarbonization. Currently, chiller units on the university’s King’s Buildings prevent server equipment from overheating by pumping cool air into the server bays.
However, a new initiative will see the installation of heat pumps to capture the excess warmth from the servers and utilize it to heat the surrounding buildings.
Edinburgh University innovates by repurposing excess server heat to warm student buildings, pioneering a path toward decarbonization. (Credit: Stock photo via Getty Images)
Supported by approximately £2.1 million from a Scottish government fund dedicated to decarbonizing public buildings, the university aims to pilot the project in King’s Buildings before potentially expanding it to other server rooms across its estate.
Vice Principal Catherine Martin emphasized the importance of capturing waste energy generated by server rooms, highlighting the potential for significant energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Edinburgh University secures £2.1 million from Scottish government to decarbonize public buildings.(Credit: Stock photo via Getty Images)
The implementation of heat pumps will involve minimal disruption to the university’s infrastructure, as existing piping systems used to extract warm air from server cabinets will be utilized. The extracted warmth will then be directed to separate pipes supplying radiators and under-floor heating throughout the campus.
Grant Ferguson, Director of Estates and Net Zero at the university, anticipates that the investment in heat pump systems will ultimately reduce heating costs by approximately 8%. He views the project as a pivotal starting point, with plans to replicate the initiative in smaller and larger data centers in the future.
Net Zero Minister Patrick Harvie. (Photo by Ken Jack/Getty Images)
The Scottish government’s commitment to decarbonizing public sector buildings, demonstrated through the £20 million public sector heat decarbonization fund, has paved the way for innovative projects like Edinburgh University’s.
Net Zero Minister Patrick Harvie emphasized the importance of public sector leadership in achieving clean heat targets, underscoring the significance of initiatives that prioritize sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Concerns are growing over the impact of new UK family visa rules, with fears that more families could be separated due to the introduction of a minimum salary level for those seeking to bring loved ones to the UK.
Implemented by the Home Office, the new measures, announced in December, aim to reduce net migration following a surge in arrival numbers. As of April 11 this year, applicants for visas to reunite with family members from overseas must earn at least £29,000 per year.
New measures aim to curb migration, requiring higher income for family reunion visas. (Credit: Getty Images)
This significant increase in the minimum income requirement, up from £18,600 previously, is part of a broader plan by the government to further raise the threshold to £38,700 by next spring.
The impact of these changes is felt keenly by families both in the UK and abroad. For British citizens or settled residents hoping to bring foreign partners or spouses, as well as potentially children, to live together in the UK, the hurdles have become significantly higher.
Caroline Coombs, co-founder of Reunite Families UK, a non-profit organization aiding families towards the visa process, underscores the challenges faced by many. Her husband, originally from Ecuador, has been embroiled in the visa process for eight years, striving to secure indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
The government justifies changes, linking visa rules to broader economic goals. (Credit: Stock photo via Getty Images)
Another poignant case is that of Gary Pepperd and his wife Shayenne, originally from Brazil. Despite their marriage in 2017, the couple has been forced to live apart due to visa restrictions. Unable to meet the previous income requirement, Mr. Pepperd was compelled to relocate to Brazil to be with his wife.
The new rules exacerbate an already complex and costly process, leaving families like the Pepperds facing prolonged separation and uncertainty.
The Home Office, defending the changes, emphasizes the need to reduce migration levels, citing last year’s issuance of 1.44 million visas, with only a small fraction allocated to family-related matters. Tethering the minimum income requirement to the general salary threshold for skilled workers, the government aims to align migration policy with broader economic ambitions.
However, for families grappling with the practical implications of these regulations, the focus remains on the human toll of prolonged separation and the daunting challenges of an increasingly restrictive visa system.
Three individuals have been apprehended by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in connection with the devastating deaths of five migrants in the English Channel, as announced by the agency.
The arrests were made on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and unlawfully entering the UK. Among the victims of the tragic incident was a seven-year-old girl, part of a group of 112 individuals aboard the overcrowded boat.
The Suspects are Sudanese National
The suspects, identified as two Sudanese nationals aged 22 and 19, and a 22-year-old South Sudanese citizen, were taken into custody following a raid conducted by NCA and Immigration Enforcement officers on Tuesday night.
Among the victims of the tragic incident was a seven-year-old girl, part of a group of 112 individuals aboard the overcrowded boat. (Credit: Stock photo via Getty Images)
Initial interviews with the detainees have already taken place, with further interrogations scheduled in the days ahead. The trio is currently being questioned at a police station in Kent.
The vessel encountered distress early Tuesday morning, prompting police intervention as people were seen entering the water from the overloaded boat. French authorities deployed the Abeille Normandie patrol boat to rescue those aboard. Despite rescue efforts, six individuals were unconscious and in critical condition upon retrieval.
The remains of boats used by migrants to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe are scattered along the port of El-Amra in Tunisia’s Sfax governorate on April 24, 2024. (Photo by FETHI BELAID / AFP)
While 47 people were rescued by French authorities, an additional 55 declined assistance, opting to remain on board until they arrive in Dover. The NCA confirmed that all passengers have been identified and interviewed.
Craig Turner, Director of Investigations at the NCA, emphasized the agency’s commitment to dismantling smuggling operations behind such perilous crossings. He reiterated the importance of collaboration with UK and French partners to gather evidence and bring those responsible to justice.
The tragic incident occurred shortly after the UK Parliament passed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda bill, which aims to process asylum claims of migrants arriving via small boats in Rwanda. The government hopes this measure will serve as a deterrent to human traffickers.
Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks during a press conference regarding the Britain and Rwanda treaty to transfer illegal migrants to the African country. (Photo by Toby Melville / POOL / AFP)
Statistics reveal a significant increase in Channel crossings, with 6,265 individuals making the journey in small boats since the beginning of 2024, marking a nearly 25% rise compared to the previous year. In 2023, 29,437 people arrived in the UK via small boats.
“This tragic incident once again demonstrates the threat to life posed by these crossings and brings into focus why it is so important to target the criminal gangs involved in organizing them,” remarked Mr. Turner, highlighting the urgency of addressing the underlying issues surrounding migrant crossings.
UnitedHealth Group announced on Monday that it has taken the extraordinary step of paying a ransom to cybercriminals in an attempt to safeguard patient data, following a cyberattack on its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, in February.
Confirming the breach, the company acknowledged that personal information files were compromised.
In a statement, UnitedHealth characterized the attack as the work of malicious threat actors and reiterated its cooperation with law enforcement and leading cybersecurity firms in the ongoing investigation.
New rumors that ransomware victim UnitedHealth Group (UHG) and its Optum division have forked over a $22 million ransom payment over the weekend to the ALPHV/BlackCat hackers are being circulated on the dark web. (Credit: Sergio Photone/Shutterstock)
The decision to pay the ransom was described as part of the company’s unwavering commitment to shielding patient data from exposure.
While the exact amount of the ransom remains undisclosed, UnitedHealth, boasting more than 152 million customers, revealed that files containing protected health information and personally identifiable information had been accessed by the cybercriminals.
Described as potentially impacting a significant portion of the American population, the breach extends beyond UnitedHealth customers, as Change Healthcare processes a substantial volume of patient records annually.
Change Healthcare, specializing in payment and revenue cycle management tools, processes over 15 billion transactions yearly, with one in every three patient records flowing through its systems.
Consequently, individuals outside UnitedHealth’s clientele may also find themselves affected by the breach.
CEO Andrew Witty is scheduled to testify before a House panel on May 1 about the Change Healthcare cyberattack (Credit: Ruben Sprich/ Reuters)
According to UnitedHealth, 22 screenshots allegedly depicting compromised files have surfaced on the dark web. While no other data has been made public, the company has not found evidence indicating access to doctors’ charts or complete medical histories.
Acknowledging the disruption and concern caused by the attack, UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty expressed the company’s commitment to assisting affected consumers and providers.
In response, the company has launched a dedicated website offering resources for concerned patients and established a call center to provide free identity theft protections and credit monitoring for two years.
However, due to the ongoing and intricate nature of the data review, the call center is unable to furnish specific details regarding individual data impacts, as stated by UnitedHealth.
President Joe Biden embarked on a journey to Triangle, Virginia, on Monday to commemorate Earth Day. During his visit, he announced a significant allocation of $7 billion in grant funding for solar power initiatives under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Additionally, he outlined plans to advance his administration’s American Climate Corps, a program which Solar Energy has gained widespread support among youth climate groups.
These announcements follow closely on the heels of several notable conservation measures taken by the Biden administration, including the prohibition of oil drilling on nearly half of Alaska’s national petroleum reserve.
California Conservation Corps building a levee on Tulare Lake. (Credit: Peter Bennett/UCG/Citizen of the Planet/Getty Images)
Against the backdrop of Virginia’s lush greenery, President Biden emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, labeling it an “existential threat” requiring decisive action.
Drawing from personal experiences witnessing the devastating effects of climate change, including wildfires, extreme weather events, and lethal heatwaves, Biden underscored the imperative for progress.
Under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program, funding awards were announced to various entities, including states, territories, tribal governments, municipalities, and nonprofits.
This initiative aims to develop solar programs targeted at disadvantaged communities, providing substantial benefits in terms of cost savings and environmental impact.
President Biden also detailed new action on the federal Climate Corps, designed to prepare young Americans for careers in clean energy and climate resilience.
The deputy administrator of the EPA said the investment will ‘generate more than $8bn in savings on electric bills for the overburdened households’. Photograph. ( credit: Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)
He highlighted the program’s capacity to harness the talents of youth in service to the nation, offering opportunities to combat climate change through practical experience.
Moreover, Biden announced a strategic partnership between the administration and TradesFutures, the non-profit arm of North America’s Building Trades Unions.
This collaboration aims to facilitate Climate Corps members’ access to union apprenticeship programs, further enhancing skill development and job prospects in renewable energy sectors.
President Joe Biden speaks with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, following an Earth Day speech in Virginia. (Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Additionally, he lauded three states—Vermont, New Mexico, and Illinois—for launching their own state-based Climate Corps programs, underscoring a broader commitment to grassroots climate action.
In Virginia’s Prince William Forest Park, President Biden and other progressive lawmakers reflected on the historical legacy of conservation efforts, drawing parallels to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Civilian Conservation Corps.
They highlighted the potential for collective action to address the current climate crisis, emphasizing the importance of unity and progress in the face of adversity.
The US Senate has recently approved a landmark bill that could result in the banning of TikTok in America, giving ByteDance, its Chinese owner, a nine-month window to sell its stake or face app blockage in the United States.
Once signed into law by President Joe Biden, the bill will set a precedent for ByteDance’s potential divestiture of TikTok. ByteDance has not provided an immediate response to this development but previously expressed opposition to any forced sale.
TikTok Severs Ties with Chinese Communist Party? (Photo by Hasan Mrad/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The legislation, passed alongside a package of four bills including military aid for various countries, garnered widespread support, with 79 Senators voting in favor and 18 against.
Senator Marco Rubio, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee, emphasized the importance of severing ties between TikTok and the Chinese Communist Party, highlighting concerns over data security.
TikTok, which boasts millions of American users, has vehemently opposed the bill, arguing that it would infringe on free speech rights and have detrimental economic impacts.
Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
While ByteDance asserts its independence from Chinese influence, the company’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, faced scrutiny from Congress regarding TikTok’s connections to Chinese authorities.
Efforts to thwart the potential ban included a lobbying campaign and rallying TikTok users and creators to oppose the bill.
Legal experts anticipate a prolonged legal battle, estimating it could take up to two years, with the possibility of further delays if a buyer for ByteDance’s stake is not secured within the nine-month timeframe.
The fate of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance as stakeholders navigate through regulatory and geopolitical complexities in the coming months.
GoFundMe, the renowned crowdfunding platform, has recently expanded its services to Mexico, marking its entry into the Latin American market. CEO Tim Cadogan stated that Mexico’s position as one of the world’s top 15 economies and its close ties with the United States make it a natural fit for GoFundMe’s expansion.
The decision to include Mexico came after observing high search volumes and user interest in launching campaigns within the country.
Mexico, a nation prone to natural disasters and with significant healthcare expenses, presents a ripe opportunity for GoFundMe’s offerings.
Rescuers work in the rubble after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck on September 19, 2017, in Mexico City, Mexico.(Credit: Getty Images)
Despite the country’s resilience in facing challenges like Hurricane Otis, where the community raised substantial funds for recovery, Mexicans themselves were unable to initiate campaigns due to geographic restrictions.
With approximately half of Mexico’s population living in poverty, unexpected expenses often lead to appeals for financial assistance, particularly for medical emergencies or traumatic events like kidnapping.
Previously, U.S. users had facilitated campaigns on behalf of their Mexican relatives, but the platform’s expansion now facilitates direct fundraising efforts within Mexico.
Jeremy Snyder, a bioethicist specializing in medical crowdfunding, views this expansion as a sign of crowdfunding’s growing normalization and accessibility.
While similar platforms like Donadora exist in Mexico, GoFundMe’s global reach and established reputation set it apart. Despite facing competition, GoFundMe’s advantageous pricing, security measures, and refund policies make it a preferred choice for many fundraisers.
Devastation due to hurricane Otis.(Credit: Getty)
To ensure compliance and security, fundraisers in Mexico must meet specific criteria, including age requirements, a Mexican postal address, a local bank account, and a federal taxpayer registry number.
GoFundMe’s partnership with financial technology startup Stripe facilitates secure online payments for donors and recipients.
The expansion into Mexico serves as a pilot for potential further expansion into other Latin American markets.
Cadogan expressed GoFundMe’s eagerness to serve more regions but emphasized the importance of understanding each market’s dynamics before expansion. As the platform gains traction in Mexico, it will inform future decisions regarding expansion into other Latin American countries.
Renowned fashion designer Nancy Gonzalez, whose luxurious accessories adorned celebrities like Britney Spears and the cast of “Sex and the City,” faced a significant legal setback on Monday as she was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
This sentence came after Gonzalez pleaded guilty in a Miami federal court for her involvement in smuggling crocodile handbags from Colombia, her native country.
Gonzalez’s arrest in 2022 and subsequent extradition to the United States revealed a complex conspiracy spanning several years.
Ms. Gonzalez in the hands of the police at the El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá. (Credit: Columbian Migration Office/AP)
She orchestrated the smuggling operation, utilizing couriers to transport her handbags via commercial flights to exclusive showrooms and fashion events in New York, all in violation of U.S. wildlife laws.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Watts-Fitzgerald likened Gonzalez’s actions to those of drug traffickers, emphasizing the pursuit of financial gain as the driving force behind her illicit activities.
However, Gonzalez’s defense portrayed her as a determined single mother who transformed from crafting belts on a home sewing machine in Cali to a fashion icon who rivaled renowned brands like Dior, Prada, and Gucci.
Despite arguments for leniency based on her journey and contributions, Gonzalez’s actions had severe consequences. Her fashion company in Colombia, employing mostly women, declared bankruptcy following her arrest.
Celebrity handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez hides under an umbrella as she walks with her lawyer Andrea Lopez outside the federal courthouse on Monday, April 22, 2024, in Miami. (Credit: Josh Goodman / AP Photo)
While her defense highlighted that only a small percentage of her merchandise lacked proper authorization, prosecutors emphasized the disparity between Gonzalez’s lavish lifestyle and the hardships faced by the couriers she recruited.
Judge Robert Scola considered Gonzalez’s nearly 14 months of confinement in a Colombian prison awaiting extradition when sentencing her to 18 months in prison.
Although the trade in the skins used by Gonzalez was not prohibited, they originated from protected wildlife, requiring adherence to international treaties governing their trade.
Despite her celebrity clientele and accolades, Gonzalez’s legacy is tainted by her involvement in illegal activities.
Prosecutors highlighted the regrettable nature of previous endorsements from top retailers, suggesting they would now distance themselves to protect their brands. Gonzalez’s fall from grace serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of pursuing success through unlawful means.
Thousands of Indigenous individuals have convened in the heart of Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, to voice their discontent against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s perceived failure to honor his commitments regarding the creation of reserves and the removal of illegal miners and land encroachers from Indigenous territories.
The 20th Free Land Camp, an annual weeklong gathering of Indigenous communities, has taken on a tone of holding Lula’s administration accountable for its actions.
Despite the recent establishment of two new reserves, falling short of the promised six, Indigenous groups remain unsatisfied.
An indigenous woman takes part in a protest along with people from various ethnic groups in a protest against the proposal of the federal government to legalize mining in indigenous lands, in front of Planalto Palace in Brasilia on April 19, 2021. (Credit: Evaristo Sa/AFP/Getty Images)
Lula attributed the delay in naming additional reserves to the requests of state governors and the necessity of finding alternative areas for approximately 800 non-Indigenous individuals who would be displaced upon the demarcation of new territories.
An open letter from the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil, directed at the government’s legislative, judicial, and executive branches, vehemently emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of Indigenous rights and denounces any attempt to undermine them.
According to the Socio-Environmental Institute, there are currently 251 territories awaiting recognition by the federal government.
Indigenous people dance during the 20th annual Free Land Indigenous Camp in Brasília, Brazil, Monday, April 22, 2024. The 7-day event aims to show the unity of Brazil’s Indigenous peoples in their fight for the demarcation of their lands and their rights. (Credit: AP Photo/Luis Nova)
Alessandra Korap, a prominent Indigenous leader of the Munduruku tribe, expressed deep disappointment with the government’s actions, particularly its limited progress in demarcating lands.
Despite Lula’s electoral promise to prioritize Indigenous land rights, opposition from the influential agribusiness sector, backed by numerous congressional seats and several state governors, presents a significant obstacle.
Approximately 8,000 protesters have converged in Brasilia, enduring lengthy bus journeys to participate in the camp’s activities, which include traditional ceremonies, the sale of handicrafts, debates, and political demonstrations.
The Indigenous community’s collective voice resonates in their call for justice and the protection of their ancestral lands.
Two Japanese military helicopters crashed, possibly colliding, leaving one person dead and seven missing, officials confirmed.
According to a spokesperson for Japan’s self-defense force, the incident occurred late on Saturday, with one person recovered and later confirmed deceased.
Defence Minister holds press conference
Minoru Kihara, the defense minister, stated that rescuers had identified what is believed to be parts of the aircraft in the sea, indicating a collision between the two helicopters.
Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara holds a press conference in Tokyo on April 23, 2024. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
“At this point, the cause is unknown, but firstly, we do our best to save lives,” Kihara said.
The minister explained that the helicopters were engaged in drills aimed at countering submarines during nighttime operations.
Hours later, Kihara updated reporters, confirming that the crew member who was rescued had succumbed to their injuries.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship searching for two MSDF helicopters in waters east of Torishima Island in the Izu Island chain in the Pacific. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
The ministry has recovered flight recorders and is currently analyzing the cause of the incident, including the possibility of a collision between the two helicopters.
The helicopters crashed during a night-time training exercise near the Izu islands in the Pacific, as reported by NHK.
Communication with one of the helicopters was lost at 10:38 PM near Torishima island, with an emergency signal received just one minute later, according to NHK.
Adm. Ryo Sakai, chief of staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, holds a press conference at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo on April 23, 2024, after two MSDF helicopters crashed during a drill in the Pacific on April 20. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)
Approximately 25 minutes later, the military realized that communication with the other helicopter was also lost in the same area.
The Mitsubishi SH-60K helicopters primarily operate from naval destroyers.
The navy has stated that since there were no other aircraft or vessels in the nearby waters, the involvement of another country in the incident is unlikely.
Japan’s defense spending is on the rise, and it’s deepening cooperation with the US and other Asian countries in response to increased assertiveness from China in the region and the unpredictability of North Korea.
In April 2023, a Japanese army helicopter carrying 10 individuals crashed off Miyako island in southern Okinawa, resulting in no survivors.
The Malaysian Navy has reported that two navy helicopters collided mid-air during a parade rehearsal, resulting in the tragic loss of all 10 crew members on board. The incident took place at the Lumut naval base in the western state of Perak at 9:32 am on Tuesday (0132 GMT), as detailed in a statement released by the navy.
According to the statement, “All victims were confirmed dead at the scene and sent to the Lumut Naval Base military hospital for identification.”
Helicopter Collision Caught on Camera
A video circulating on local media captured the moment several helicopters were flying in formation when one of the aircraft’s rotors clipped another before both crashed to the ground.
Helicopter crash in Lumut, Perak, Malaysia on April 23, 2024. (Photo by Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Local police confirmed the authenticity of the footage, and Malaysia’s navy announced its intention to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragic accident.
Helicopters involved in the incident included a Eurocopter AS555SN Fennec lightweight carrying three crew members and an AW139 maritime operation helicopter with seven people on board, the navy confirmed.
The AW139, produced by AgustaWestland, a subsidiary of the Italian defense contractor Leonardo, and the Fennec, manufactured by European multinational defense conglomerate Airbus, were the models involved.
Two military helicopters collide mid-air during a rehearsal in Malaysia. (Photo by Elif Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Local media reported the AW139 crashed at a sports complex at the naval base, while the Fennec hit a nearby swimming pool.
Photographs depicted the heavily damaged Fennec amidst wreckage on the naval base stadium track, with rescue personnel and scattered debris visible.
(Photo by Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Defense Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin stated the two aircraft were engaged in a rehearsal for a parade commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Royal Malaysian Navy, scheduled for Saturday.
Efforts were initiated to confirm the identities of the crew members killed, all of whom were reported to be under the age of 40, Mohamed Khaled informed reporters.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended condolences to the families of the victims, remarking, “The nation mourns the heart-wrenching and soul-wrenching tragedy.” He further indicated that an immediate investigation would be conducted by the Ministry of Defense, particularly TLDM (Royal Malaysian Navy), to determine the cause of the crash.
Incidents involving helicopters are not uncommon in the Southeast Asian nation, with a recent incident involving a Malaysian Coast Guard helicopter crashing in the Strait of Malacca last month, resulting in no fatalities. Additionally, in 2016, a deputy minister was among those who perished after a Eurocopter AS350 crashed in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.
Eleven previously unreleased songs by Johnny Cash recorded as demos in 1993 but never fully realized, are set to finally debut on a new album titled Songwriter, scheduled for release on June 28.
Alongside the announcement, a single titled Well Alright was disclosed today: a sassy, swaggering track about desire amidst laundry, featuring a classic Cash opening couplet: “I met her at the laundromat, she was washing extra hot / I said don’t you need a little help with that big load you got?”
Johnny Cash Demos Reimagined with Star-Studded Collaboration
The demos have been transformed into completed versions, with guest appearances by country singer Vince Gill and rock band the Black Keys.
Johnny Cash, with Takamine acoustic guitar, recording in the home studio. (Photo by Beth Gwinn/Redferns)
These songs were brought to life by a skilled team of musicians who previously collaborated with Cash, including guitarist Marty Stuart, drummer Pete Abbott, and – before his passing in 2023 – upright bassist Dave Roe. Cash’s original vocal performances from the demo recordings have been seamlessly integrated into the new arrangements.
Cash’s son John Carter Cash collaborated on the project as co-producer, alongside David “Fergie” Ferguson, the studio engineer who worked with Rick Rubin to record Cash’s memorable suite of songs towards the end of his life, American Recordings.
“Nobody plays Cash better than Marty Stuart, and Dave Roe of course played with Dad for many years,” John Carter Cash expressed. “They knew his energies, his movements, and they let him be the guide. It was just playing with Johnny once again, and that’s what it was. That was the energy of the creation.”
Johnny Cash’s Unfinished Album Journey
The demos were of songs Cash had written over several years before 1993, while he was between recording contracts.
Before he could develop them into a complete album, he met Rubin and went into the American Recordings project, which featured Cash’s compositions alongside modern song standards by Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen, and unexpected cover versions of artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Danzig, and Bonnie “Prince” Billy.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash as “The Million Dollar Quartet”. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Cash passed away in 2003 from complications due to diabetes, following the release of the fourth American Recordings album the previous year.
Opening track ‘Hello Out There’
The opening track of the new album, Hello Out There, sees Cash expressing concerns about the state of the world, singing: “Hello out there, this is planet Earth calling calling calling calling calling / Hello out there, our net worth is falling falling falling falling falling”.
He also went through his personal struggles on Drive On – which originated during chronic pain following a broken jaw in the early 1990s – and Like a Soldier, which reflects on his battle with drug addiction. “It’s something that he wrote after his first stint in a recovery center – he felt like he was like a soldier getting over a war,” John Carter Cash explained.
American country singer Johnny Cash (1932 – 2003) appears at the Grand Gala du Disque in Amsterdam. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)
I Love You Tonite was penned as a love song for his wife June Carter Cash, while Poor Valley Girl – featuring vocals from Gill – is a tribute to June and her fellow country musician and mother Maybelle Carter.
Cash pays homage to James Taylor on She Sang Sweet Baby James, his home state of Arkansas on Have You Been to Little Rock?, and revisits a Cash song from 1962, Sing It Pretty, Sue. Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys contributes a guitar solo on the song Spotlight.
Promotional materials for the album promise tracks covering themes of “love, family, sorrow, beauty, spiritual salvation, survival, redemption, and of course, some of the lighthearted humor Johnny was known for”.
Around 150 protesters were arrested at pro-Palestinian demonstrations held at Yale and New York University on Monday night, amidst escalating tensions on prominent US campuses.
At Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, authorities detained at least 47 protesters on Monday evening, as confirmed by the university in a statement. Those students who were arrested will undergo disciplinary proceedings.
Protest at Yale, NYU
The protests at Yale drew several hundred participants, including individuals engaged in hunger strikes, advocating for the university to divest from military weapons manufacturers and other companies associated with Israel. Despite repeated requests from Yale officials for the demonstrators to disperse, warnings were issued regarding potential law enforcement intervention and disciplinary measures for non-compliance.
Protesters at Yale demand divestment from companies tied to Israel amidst warnings of potential law enforcement action. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, in downtown Manhattan, confrontations erupted between police and protesters at New York University. Reports surfaced of officers employing pepper spray as demonstrators attempted to obstruct a police bus transporting detained students, resulting in the arrest of over 100 individuals.
Police Disperse Campus Protesters
Law enforcement officers moved in on an encampment near the university after nightfall, where hundreds of protesters had defied warnings from the university administration about potential repercussions for remaining on the premises.
Videos circulated on social media depicted police dismantling tents in the protesters’ encampment amidst a tense and occasionally chaotic atmosphere. Some officers were seen removing tents, while others engaged in physical altercations with demonstrators.
Officers remove tents as tensions rise at the university encampment. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
According to a spokesperson for the New York Police Department, arrests were made following Columbia University’s request for enforcement of trespassing violations. However, the exact number of arrests and citations won’t be known until later.
The police intervention followed a significant walkout by faculty at Columbia University on Monday, standing in solidarity with students who had been arrested the previous week during a camp protest. These students were advocating for the university to divest from companies associated with Israel.
Campus Activism Spreads Nationwide
Bassam Khawaja, a lecturer at Columbia Law School and a supervising attorney at the university’s human rights clinic, expressed dismay over the president’s swift action involving the police. He described the protest as non-violent, emphasizing that it resembled typical campus activities.
Following the events at Columbia, students across the country initiated their own demonstrations in support. Many of these protests demanded their universities to endorse a ceasefire in Gaza and to divest from companies linked to Israel.
Student protests gain momentum, echoing demands for Gaza ceasefire and divestment. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Students at Brown, Princeton, and Northwestern staged protests on Friday and throughout the weekend.
Student-led protest encampments have sprouted up at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Emerson College in the Boston area, reflecting a broader wave of activism across campuses.
Campus Unrest Sparks National Debate
Similar demonstrations have occurred at Boston University, the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Robert Kraft, a significant benefactor of Columbia University and owner of the New England Patriots NFL team, has declared his intention to withhold support “until corrective action is taken” on campus.
NYPD officers arrest pro-Palestinian protests began at Columbia University and spread to other schools in New York. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
At Columbia University in New York, where diverse opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict abound, some Jewish students have aligned with pro-Palestinian protests, while others have opted to abstain, citing feelings of insecurity.
Facing mounting pressure, Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik summoned New York police last week to dismantle a tent encampment on the main lawn, where students had been advocating for the university to divest from companies with Israeli ties.
Criticism has been directed at Shafik both for her perceived leniency towards the protests and for the forceful intervention involving law enforcement. Calls for her resignation have emerged from certain members of Congress, spanning across party lines.
Rishi Sunak expressed deep concern over the treatment of a Jewish man by police during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London, according to a source from Downing Street.
The Metropolitan Police apologized twice on Friday following an incident where an officer referred to Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) leader Gideon Falter as “openly Jewish.”
Mr. Falter was threatened with arrest
On April 13, Mr. Falter, wearing a kippah skullcap, was threatened with arrest and informed by police that his presence was causing a “breach of peace.” He has since called for the resignation of the Met’s commissioner.
Gideon Falter (Credit: Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
Met Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist has reached out to Mr. Falter to offer a private meeting to “apologize to him personally and discuss what more the Met can do to ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe.”
Downing Street stated that the prime minister had viewed the original footage and was “appalled, like everyone else, by the officer’s description of Mr. Falter as ‘openly Jewish.'”
The source noted that while it was appropriate for the Met to apologize, they criticized the force for “completely mishandling” the situation, first issuing an apology that was later retracted before issuing a second statement.
“[The prime minister] expects the Met commissioner to explain how this occurred and what steps will be taken to ensure officers do more to ensure the safety of Jewish communities in London – and for Sadiq Khan to fulfill his duty in holding the Met accountable.”
Footage shows Mr. Falter informing police he was just crossing the road
New footage from Sky News has also surfaced, showing Mr. Falter informing the police officer that he was attempting to cross the road.
The South London for Palestine protest marches towards the US Embassy on April 20, 2024 in London, England. (Credit: Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
In the video, the officer accuses Mr. Falter of deliberately walking “right into the middle” of the march and describes his actions as “disingenuous,” suggesting he was attempting to “antagonize” others.
The officer tells the campaign leader, “My view is you are looking to try and antagonize things,” to which Mr. Falter responds, “I’m not, I’m trying to walk along the pavement.”
Speaking to BBC News, Mr. Falter described the experience as “frightening” and stated it made him feel “like I was being treated like a criminal for being Jewish.”
The CAA chief executive criticized Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, accusing him of “curtailing the rights of law-abiding Londoners including the Jewish community to appease lawless mobs.”
Pro Palestine protest London. (Credit: Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
“I think it’s time for Sir Mark Rowley to go,” he added. “We need a new commissioner who understands that the role of policing is… to enforce the law and if the law says that Londoners can go wherever they want freely, as long as they’re law-abiding, then that’s what they have to enforce.”
Metropolitan Police assures the safety of Jewish Londoners
In an updated statement on Sunday evening, the Met expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety of Jewish Londoners. The force announced that it had invited senior representatives from London’s Jewish communities, officials from the mayor’s office of policing and crime, and members of the House of Lords to an “operational planning exercise.”
Metropolitan Police assures the safety of Jewish Londoners. (Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
“This would ordinarily be undertaken in private, but in recognition of the need to engage better and provide reassurance we are inviting community leaders to join us,” it said. “This is complex, but we will continue to seek the support and insight of all voices who can help us deliver the service London deserves.”
The Board of Deputies of British Jews is scheduled to meet with the Met commissioner this week following what it described as “a series of high-profile errors”.
A spokesperson said the Met had made “entirely avoidable mistakes”, which have had “a devastating effect on the previously high level of trust held by the UK’s Jewish community in the police”.
Home Secretary James Cleverly has written to Sir Mark and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan asking for an explanation.
Mr. Khan has arranged an urgent meeting with the commissioner on Monday to “discuss community relations”, but it is understood he has full confidence in the commissioner.
On Saturday, a spokesman for the mayor said the Met’s handling of the incident was “concerning” and that the force “must have the confidence of the communities they serve”.
The Met commissioner is also expected to meet with Policing Minister Chris Philp.
Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho labels the incident as a “serious misstep”
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “What we can’t be saying to particular groups in society is that their very presence is a provocation.”
Secretary of State for Energy Security Claire Coutinho (Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images)
Asked if Sir Mark Rowley should resign, she said she “personally wouldn’t go that far because I haven’t had the conversations with him”, before adding it “is really important that we stand by the Jewish community, and other communities as well”.
Labour’s shadow justice secretary told Sky News she did not think the commissioner should resign.
Shabana Mahmood said she could “understand the strength of feeling” and described the footage as “very concerning”, but believed the commissioner’s resignation was not “the way forward”.
Scotland Yard has previously apologized twice for the officer’s phrase.
Pro-Israel supporters hold placards and wave Israelian flags as they gather opposite to a pro-Palestinian rally. (Credit: JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)
An initial apology from the Met on Friday was withdrawn after it was criticized as victim-blaming and the Met issued a second statement saying “being Jewish is not a provocation” and apologized again.
It said: “Jewish Londoners must be able to feel safe in this city.”
In the original video clip shot at the march, the police officer said: “You are quite openly Jewish, this is a pro-Palestinian march.
“I’m not accusing you of anything but I’m worried about the reaction to your presence.”
The Met has faced criticism for its handling of a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations since last October when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel.
Hundreds of gunmen infiltrated communities near the Gaza Strip, and about 1,200 people were killed, with more than 250 taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
More than 33,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in air and artillery strikes carried out by the Israeli military in response, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has said.
