News headlines for “Natural Disasters”
Report Exposes Silent Global Emergency as More Crises-Affected Children Need Urgent Education Support
- Inter Press Service
NEW YORK & NAIROBI, Jan 24 (IPS) - A report released today on the International Day of Education sounds alarm as the number of school-aged children in crisis worldwide requiring urgent support to access quality education reaches a staggering 234 million—an estimated increase of 35 million over the past three years fueled by intensifying armed conflict, forced displacements, more frequent and severe weather and climatic events, and other crises.
Should King Baudouin, DRC’s Last Sovereign, Be Beatified?
- Inter Press Service
GOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jan 24 (IPS) - During his visit to the Kingdom of Belgium in September 2024, Pope Francis was full of praise for King Baudouin, who ruled Belgium for more than 40 years.
Living Conditions in Syria Deteriorate During Transitional Period
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 23 (IPS) - Thirteen years of extended conflict, economic downturns, and multiple earthquakes, has left Syria in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis. Hostilities remain abundant across all of Syria’s governorates, with each facing widespread civilian displacements and damage to critical infrastructures. Following the change of government in December of 2024, Syrian refugees have begun returning from neighbouring countries. However, this return has been marred with insecurity due to the sheer scale of unexploded ordnance, which has resulted in numerous civilian casualties.
The First Phase of Israel-Palestine Ceasefire Begins
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 21 (IPS) - On January 15, 2025, the long-awaited ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas was approved, bringing the first bout of relief for the people of the Gaza Strip after 15 months of conflict. This has allowed for the exchange of prisoners and hostages between the two nations as well as a greater flow of humanitarian aid to be directed to Gaza. Although this only accounts for the first phase out of the three phase plan, it is uncertain if Israel will continue to uphold the negotiations of a truce after the first phase is completed.
Israel and Palestine Secure Ceasefire Agreement After 15 Months of Conflict
- Inter Press Service
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 16 (IPS) - A ceasefire agreement between the states of Israel and Palestine was reached on 15 January, 2025 , effectively putting an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip. This comes after nearly 15 months of conflict, which has caused immense damage to Palestinian infrastructure, development, and civilian life. The three-phase plan proposed for the ceasefire agreement consists of the return of Israeli hostages, Palestinian refugees returning home, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Additionally, the ceasefire is expected to essentially put an end to the Israel-Hamas War and significantly mitigate the humanitarian crisis occurring in the Gaza Strip.
The Davos Disconnect
- Inter Press Service
GEBZE, Türkiye, Jan 15 (IPS) - "It was the best of times; it was the worst of times." Charles Dickens is more relevant today than ever.
The wealthy and powerful are meeting again this year in glamorous Davos, at an invitation-only event. They arrive in chartered aircraft and private jets to speak about our warming climate, among other global concerns.
The Fall of Assad is a Cautionary Tale of Blowback
- Inter Press Service
Jan 14 (IPS) - A regime built on terror, ruled by fear and sustained by foreign proxy forces crumbled in less than a fortnight. In the end, the foundations of the House of Assad (1970–2024) rested on the shifting sands of time. In the good ol’ days, despots could retire with their plundered loot into comfortable lifestyles in Europe’s pleasure haunts. No longer. The reverse damascene expulsion has seen the Assads scurry to safety to Moscow.
Armed Drone Attacks on Humanitarian Aid Efforts Put Future at Risk
- Inter Press Service
BRATISLAVA, Jan 14 (IPS) - Humanitarian aid operations in some places may become impossible in the future, experts have warned, as a new report shows a dramatic rise in the use of armed drones in conflict zones.
Laureates Call For Moonshot Innovation Effort to Avert Hunger Catastrophe
- Inter Press Service
BULAWAYO, Jan 14 (IPS) - Neglected indigenous crops, rich in nutrition and resilient to climate change, are key to tackling global hunger only if governments invest in research and development (R&D) to tap the potential of such innovations.
The Year 2024: Hopes & Despairs
- Inter Press Service
SYDNEY, Jan 13 (IPS) - Thank God, we have survived another year of genocide, war, destruction and climate crisis. The passing year of 2024 has been a mixture of hope and despair. It began with some hope as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favour of South Africa’s case against Israel for committing genocide and ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of the Genocide Convention, and to take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.