World News in Brief: $53.2 billion needed for Palestinian recovery, UN condemns UNRWA schools raid, Lebanon-Israel tensions continue
February 18, 2025
$53.2 billion needed for Palestinian recovery, UN says
The United Nations has appealed for $53.2 billion to help rebuild the Palestinian territories after a devastating conflict. The funds will be used to provide food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services to Palestinians who have been displaced or lost their homes. The UN estimates that over 2 million Palestinians have been displaced since the conflict began in 2021.
UN condemns UNRWA schools raid
The United Nations has condemned the Israeli military’s raid on a UNRWA school in the occupied West Bank. The raid took place on February 17, and Israeli soldiers reportedly fired tear gas and stun grenades into the school. The UN said that the raid was “a serious violation of international law” and called on Israel to respect the sanctity of UN schools.
Lebanon-Israel tensions continue
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel remain high following a series of alleged Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory. The Israeli military has said that the airstrikes were in response to rocket fire from Lebanon. The Lebanese government has condemned the airstrikes and called on the United Nations to intervene.
Additional details:
- The $53.2 billion appeal for Palestinian recovery is the largest ever made by the United Nations for a single crisis.
- The UNRWA school raid is the latest in a series of Israeli attacks on UN facilities in the occupied West Bank.
- The Lebanon-Israel border has been the scene of several clashes in recent months.
Reactions:
The international community has condemned the Israeli raid on the UNRWA school. The United States has called for an investigation into the incident, and the European Union has expressed its “deep concern.”
The Palestinian Authority has welcomed the UN’s appeal for funds, but has said that it is not enough. The PA has called for the international community to do more to help the Palestinian people.
The Israeli government has defended the raid on the UNRWA school, saying that it was necessary to prevent a terrorist attack. Israel has also accused Lebanon of supporting Hezbollah, a militant group that has launched rockets into Israel.
Analysis:
The Israeli raid on the UNRWA school is likely to further damage relations between Israel and the international community. The raid is also likely to increase tensions between Israel and the Palestinians.
The Lebanon-Israel border is likely to remain a flashpoint for violence in the coming months. The international community is calling for both sides to exercise restraint and to avoid further escalation.
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Humanitarian Aid a new article on 2025-02-18 12:00 titled “World News in Brief: $53.2 billion needed for Palestinian recovery, UN condemns UNRWA schools raid, Lebanon-Israel tensions continue”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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