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
The United Nations has launched a $53.2 billion appeal for aid to help the Palestinians recover from the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip. The appeal, which covers the period from 2023 to 2025, will provide humanitarian assistance to 1.2 million people in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The UN said that the conflict had caused “widespread destruction” in Gaza, with more than 2,000 homes destroyed and 100,000 people displaced. The UN also said that the conflict had “exacerbated” the already dire humanitarian situation in the occupied West Bank, where unemployment and poverty are widespread.
The UN appeal includes $22.5 billion for humanitarian assistance, $15.7 billion for early recovery, and $15 billion for reconstruction. The UN said that the funding would be used to provide food, water, shelter, health care, and education to those in need.
The UN appeal comes as the Palestinian Authority is facing a severe financial crisis. The PA has been struggling to pay its employees and has been forced to cut back on essential services. The PA has also been criticized for its handling of the conflict in Gaza.
UN condemns UNRWA schools raid
The United Nations has condemned the Israeli raid on a UNRWA school in the Gaza Strip. The raid, which took place on February 10, 2025, left three people dead and dozens injured.
The UN said that the raid was “a clear violation of international law” and called for an independent investigation. The UN also said that the raid had “undermined” the neutrality of UNRWA schools and made it difficult for the agency to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need.
Israel said that the raid was necessary to prevent Hamas militants from using the school as a base to launch attacks on Israel. However, the UN said that there was no evidence to support this claim.
The raid has sparked outrage around the world. The European Union, the United States, and other countries have all condemned the raid and called for an investigation.
Lebanon-Israel tensions continue
Tensions between Lebanon and Israel continue to simmer following a series of cross-border incidents. On February 12, 2025, Hezbollah fired a rocket into Israel, prompting Israel to retaliate with airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
The exchange of fire was the latest in a series of incidents between the two sides. In January, Israel shot down a Hezbollah drone that had crossed into Israeli airspace. Hezbollah has also claimed responsibility for a number of other attacks on Israeli targets in recent months.
The Israeli government has accused Hezbollah of trying to provoke a war between the two sides. Hezbollah has denied these accusations and said that it is only responding to Israeli aggression.
The Lebanese government has called for calm and urged both sides to avoid further escalation. The UN has also called for a cessation of hostilities and has offered to mediate between the two sides.
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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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