#Ethiopia: Food insecurity worsens as drought jeopardizes crop output in #Tigray
Tekilay Gebremaryam, a 45-year-old farmer and a father of eight in the #Ruba_Feleg Kebele, #Astbi Woreda, located in the eastern zone of Tigray, shared his hardships with Addis Standard. Last year, before the Belg season in May, Tekilay planted wheat and barley on his one-hectare farmland. Unfortunately, due to the delayed rain, his harvest was ruined before it could mature. This puts him and his family at great risk, as their farmland is their only source of food and income.
“Animals are already dying due to the drought,” said Tekilay. “If urgent aid does not arrive soon, it will be the farmers’ turn.”
The lack of rain continues to affect the southern, southwest, and west zones of Tigray, including Astbi Woreda, during the current Mehir season, with crops planted in June failing to yield. This not only impacts Tekilay’s family but also puts thousands of farmers at risk of famine. According to Tekilay, the drought has led to a scarcity of food, resulting in the death of animals and further exacerbating the challenges faced by thousands of smallholder farmers in Tigray.
https://addisstandard.com/news-food-insecurity-worsens-as-drought-jeopardizes-crop-output-in-tigray/
Tekilay Gebremaryam, a 45-year-old farmer and a father of eight in the #Ruba_Feleg Kebele, #Astbi Woreda, located in the eastern zone of Tigray, shared his hardships with Addis Standard. Last year, before the Belg season in May, Tekilay planted wheat and barley on his one-hectare farmland. Unfortunately, due to the delayed rain, his harvest was ruined before it could mature. This puts him and his family at great risk, as their farmland is their only source of food and income.
“Animals are already dying due to the drought,” said Tekilay. “If urgent aid does not arrive soon, it will be the farmers’ turn.”
The lack of rain continues to affect the southern, southwest, and west zones of Tigray, including Astbi Woreda, during the current Mehir season, with crops planted in June failing to yield. This not only impacts Tekilay’s family but also puts thousands of farmers at risk of famine. According to Tekilay, the drought has led to a scarcity of food, resulting in the death of animals and further exacerbating the challenges faced by thousands of smallholder farmers in Tigray.
https://addisstandard.com/news-food-insecurity-worsens-as-drought-jeopardizes-crop-output-in-tigray/
Addis Standard
News: Food insecurity worsens as drought jeopardizes crop output in Tigray - Addis Standard
Due to the rain delay and subsequent drought, harvests on 20% of the farmland in Tigray were destroyed before reaching maturity (Photo: Social Media) By Mihret G Kristos @MercyG_kirstos Addis Abeba – At least 132,000 hectares of farmland in Tigray, covering…
#Ethiopia: #US turns to biometrics to prevent humanitarian aid theft in Ethiopia
The U.S. will immediately restart food assistance at 28 camps inside Ethiopia that are home to a million refugees, following an agreement with the Ethiopian government to transfer responsibility for storing and distributing the food to aid workers at the camps.
***
Despite its controversies, aid organizations are looking to the potential of biometrics to ensure food reaches those in need. This technology could be instrumental in ensuring the integrity of programs in Ethiopia and beyond.
https://www.biometricupdate.com/202310/us-turns-to-biometrics-to-prevent-humanitarian-aid-theft-in-ethiopia
The U.S. will immediately restart food assistance at 28 camps inside Ethiopia that are home to a million refugees, following an agreement with the Ethiopian government to transfer responsibility for storing and distributing the food to aid workers at the camps.
***
Despite its controversies, aid organizations are looking to the potential of biometrics to ensure food reaches those in need. This technology could be instrumental in ensuring the integrity of programs in Ethiopia and beyond.
https://www.biometricupdate.com/202310/us-turns-to-biometrics-to-prevent-humanitarian-aid-theft-in-ethiopia
Biometric Update | Biometrics News, Companies and Explainers
US turns to biometrics to prevent humanitarian aid theft in Ethiopia | Biometric Update
USAID is partially resuming the delivery of food aid to Ethiopia with biometric identity verification of recipients to check widespread diversion.
#Ethiopia: Drought like conditions, desert locust infestation aggravate food security risk in four regions – UN
Persistent drought and desert locust infestation in Ethiopia's #Afar, #Amhara, #Somali, and #Tigray regions have worsened food insecurity, says UN OCHA.
Crop production, livestock health, and access to water have been severely affected. Malnutrition rates are above emergency levels in parts of Afar and Amhara.
Ongoing drought in various zones of Amhara is impacting thousands who rely on food aid. Emergency nutrition interventions are needed to prevent worsening rates.
https://addisstandard.com/news-drought-like-conditions-desert-locust-infestation-aggravate-food-security-risk-in-four-regions-un/
Persistent drought and desert locust infestation in Ethiopia's #Afar, #Amhara, #Somali, and #Tigray regions have worsened food insecurity, says UN OCHA.
Crop production, livestock health, and access to water have been severely affected. Malnutrition rates are above emergency levels in parts of Afar and Amhara.
Ongoing drought in various zones of Amhara is impacting thousands who rely on food aid. Emergency nutrition interventions are needed to prevent worsening rates.
https://addisstandard.com/news-drought-like-conditions-desert-locust-infestation-aggravate-food-security-risk-in-four-regions-un/
Addis Standard
News: Drought like conditions, desert locust infestation aggravate food security risk in four regions - UN - Addis Standard
Ongoing drought like conditions in parts of the Amhara region has impacted tens of thousands of people (Photo: Amhara Agriculture Bureau/Facebook) Addis Abeba – The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest report that persistent…
#Ethiopia: Despite distress reports, Ethiopian gov’t stays determined to send half a million migrant workers
Despite distressing reports of Ethiopian migrants' suffering, the government plans to send 500,000 workers through its migrant-worker program this year. However, concerns arise over the migrant-worker program and mistreatment of workers in #Saudi_Arabia.
Amy Pope, Director General of IOM, advocates for regular migration pathways and addresses the issue during her visit to Ethiopia.
Recently, the government established a task force to address challenges in the foreign employment sector.
https://addisstandard.com/news-despite-distress-reports-ethiopian-govt-stays-determined-to-send-half-a-million-migrant-workers/
Despite distressing reports of Ethiopian migrants' suffering, the government plans to send 500,000 workers through its migrant-worker program this year. However, concerns arise over the migrant-worker program and mistreatment of workers in #Saudi_Arabia.
Amy Pope, Director General of IOM, advocates for regular migration pathways and addresses the issue during her visit to Ethiopia.
Recently, the government established a task force to address challenges in the foreign employment sector.
https://addisstandard.com/news-despite-distress-reports-ethiopian-govt-stays-determined-to-send-half-a-million-migrant-workers/
Addis Standard
News: Despite distress reports, Ethiopian gov't stays determined to send half a million migrant workers - Addis Standard
News: Despite distress reports, Ethiopian gov't stays determined to send half a million migrant workers Addis Standard News -
News: #UN special adviser warns of increased genocide risk in #Ethiopia amidst violent conflicts
The United Nations Special Advisor on Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, has expressed concern over the increased risk of genocide and atrocities in Ethiopia. She said violent conflicts in various regions of the country have intensified, leading to displacement and acts of brutal violence.
Nderitu called for immediate international action to address the situation and emphasized the need for prevention through coordinated efforts.
The UN framework of analysis for atrocity crimes outlines several warning signs that align with the current situation in Ethiopia. The Special Advisor highlighted the importance of accountability in curbing ongoing instability and violence.
https://addisstandard.com/news-un-special-adviser-warns-of-increased-genocide-risk-in-ethiopia-amidst-violent-conflicts/
The United Nations Special Advisor on Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, has expressed concern over the increased risk of genocide and atrocities in Ethiopia. She said violent conflicts in various regions of the country have intensified, leading to displacement and acts of brutal violence.
Nderitu called for immediate international action to address the situation and emphasized the need for prevention through coordinated efforts.
The UN framework of analysis for atrocity crimes outlines several warning signs that align with the current situation in Ethiopia. The Special Advisor highlighted the importance of accountability in curbing ongoing instability and violence.
https://addisstandard.com/news-un-special-adviser-warns-of-increased-genocide-risk-in-ethiopia-amidst-violent-conflicts/
Addis Standard
News: UN special adviser warns of increased genocide risk in Ethiopia amidst violent conflicts - Addis Standard
Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide (Photo: UN) Addis Abeba – The United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu…
#Ethiopia: Meet the first #Hamer woman in Ethiopia to gain a degree
Goito Wancho, the first woman in the Hamer pastoral community to gain a bachelor's degree, remains dedicated to education.
https://www.dw.com/en/meet-the-first-woman-in-ethiopias-hamer-community-to-gain-a-degree/video-66957482
Goito Wancho, the first woman in the Hamer pastoral community to gain a bachelor's degree, remains dedicated to education.
https://www.dw.com/en/meet-the-first-woman-in-ethiopias-hamer-community-to-gain-a-degree/video-66957482
dw.com
Meet the first Hamer woman in Ethiopia to gain a degree
Goito Wancho, the first woman in Ethiopia's Hamer pastoral community to gain a bachelor's degree, remains dedicated to education.
#UK coffee week to raise funds for Ethiopian coffee-growing communities in Berbere
Over 450 UK coffee shops will be participating in UK Coffee Week, a fundraising event aimed at supporting coffee-growing communities in Berbere, #Ethiopia. Project Waterfall, a #London-based non-profit organization, has raised over £1m ($1.2m) since 2011 to provide clean drinking water, sanitation, and education to coffee-growing communities worldwide.
The proceeds from this year's UK Coffee Week, happening from October 16th to 22nd, 2023, will go towards a new initiative in Berbere. The project aims to provide clean water to an additional 40,000 people by March 2025.
Berbere is recognized by the Ethiopian government as an area severely affected by climate change, experiencing unpredictable rainfall patterns and deforestation.
https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/Latest/News/2023/October/UK-Coffee-Week-to-raise-funds-for-Project-Waterfal
Over 450 UK coffee shops will be participating in UK Coffee Week, a fundraising event aimed at supporting coffee-growing communities in Berbere, #Ethiopia. Project Waterfall, a #London-based non-profit organization, has raised over £1m ($1.2m) since 2011 to provide clean drinking water, sanitation, and education to coffee-growing communities worldwide.
The proceeds from this year's UK Coffee Week, happening from October 16th to 22nd, 2023, will go towards a new initiative in Berbere. The project aims to provide clean water to an additional 40,000 people by March 2025.
Berbere is recognized by the Ethiopian government as an area severely affected by climate change, experiencing unpredictable rainfall patterns and deforestation.
https://www.worldcoffeeportal.com/Latest/News/2023/October/UK-Coffee-Week-to-raise-funds-for-Project-Waterfal
World Coffee Portal
UK Coffee Week to raise funds for Project Waterfall’s Berbere project
Taking place from 16-22 October 2023, UK Coffee Week will see more than 450 coffee shops across the country raise money for Ethiopian coffee growing communities in Berbere
#UN chief urges immediate action to prevent #Israel-#Gaza conflict spillover
The UN chief raised alarm over clashes along the Blue Line, the demarcation between Israel and Lebanon, as well as reported attacks from southern Lebanon.
“I appeal to all parties – and those who have an influence over those parties – to avoid any further escalation and spillover,” he told reporters at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
UN humanitarian affairs office official in the enclave, Hamada El Bayari, said there was "not one immune centimetre in Gaza where people can feel secure."
He said around 340,000 civilians were now displaced, around 65 per cent of them doing their best to shelter from Israeli airstrikes, at UN relief agency (UNRWA) schools or designated shelters.
"What we are witnessing is really beyond imagination. The toll this war is taking is really huge and seems unprecedented."
At this point of time, every minute that passes, makes it worse", he said.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142177
The UN chief raised alarm over clashes along the Blue Line, the demarcation between Israel and Lebanon, as well as reported attacks from southern Lebanon.
“I appeal to all parties – and those who have an influence over those parties – to avoid any further escalation and spillover,” he told reporters at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
UN humanitarian affairs office official in the enclave, Hamada El Bayari, said there was "not one immune centimetre in Gaza where people can feel secure."
He said around 340,000 civilians were now displaced, around 65 per cent of them doing their best to shelter from Israeli airstrikes, at UN relief agency (UNRWA) schools or designated shelters.
"What we are witnessing is really beyond imagination. The toll this war is taking is really huge and seems unprecedented."
At this point of time, every minute that passes, makes it worse", he said.
https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142177
#Ethiopia: Public discourse begins before government ratifies controversial property tax law
After months of anticipation, the long-awaited property tax law bill was recently presented for public deliberation. The draft framework aims to standardize property tax collection across the country and grant regional governments and municipalities the authority to collect designated property taxes.
The proposed tax is expected to generate revenue of 30 billion birr annually, alleviating pressure on the federal government's budget for regional subsidies. The draft law proposes implementing property taxes on urban land usage rights and ownership of buildings or houses, and tax rates would be reviewed annually.
However, the bill has faced criticism, with concerns raised about its timing amidst ongoing inflationary pressures.
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-public-discourse-begins-before-government-ratifies-controversial-property-tax-law/
After months of anticipation, the long-awaited property tax law bill was recently presented for public deliberation. The draft framework aims to standardize property tax collection across the country and grant regional governments and municipalities the authority to collect designated property taxes.
The proposed tax is expected to generate revenue of 30 billion birr annually, alleviating pressure on the federal government's budget for regional subsidies. The draft law proposes implementing property taxes on urban land usage rights and ownership of buildings or houses, and tax rates would be reviewed annually.
However, the bill has faced criticism, with concerns raised about its timing amidst ongoing inflationary pressures.
https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-public-discourse-begins-before-government-ratifies-controversial-property-tax-law/
Addis Standard
News Analysis: Public discourse begins before government ratifies controversial property tax law - Addis Standard
News Analysis: Public discourse begins before government ratifies controversial property tax law Addis Standard News Analysis -
News: Diaspora leaders engage US lawmakers, diplomats to promote peace and transitional justice in #Ethiopia
Ethiopian diaspora leaders met with members of the #US Senate and Congress, as well as the Department of State, to discuss promoting peace and transitional justice in Ethiopia.
They presented a road map for peace and stability to Congresswoman Sara Jacobs and other officials. The coalition also addressed concerns regarding political prisoners, media freedom, corruption, aid distribution, national dialogue, and implementing sanctions.
Their goal is to support peace, justice, and empowerment for all in Ethiopia and the Horn of #Africa.
https://addisstandard.com/news-diaspora-leaders-engage-us-lawmakers-diplomats-to-promote-peace-and-transitional-justice-in-ethiopia/
Ethiopian diaspora leaders met with members of the #US Senate and Congress, as well as the Department of State, to discuss promoting peace and transitional justice in Ethiopia.
They presented a road map for peace and stability to Congresswoman Sara Jacobs and other officials. The coalition also addressed concerns regarding political prisoners, media freedom, corruption, aid distribution, national dialogue, and implementing sanctions.
Their goal is to support peace, justice, and empowerment for all in Ethiopia and the Horn of #Africa.
https://addisstandard.com/news-diaspora-leaders-engage-us-lawmakers-diplomats-to-promote-peace-and-transitional-justice-in-ethiopia/
Addis Standard
News: Diaspora leaders engage US lawmakers, diplomats to promote peace and transitional justice in Ethiopia - Addis Standard
Ethiopian diaspora leaders held discussion with the US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Mike Hammer (Photo: Faisal Roble) Addis Abeba – Ethiopian diaspora leaders have met and discussed with selected members of the two houses of the US Senate…
News: #Ethiopian gov’t strongly criticizes #UN adviser’s remarks on current situation
The Ethiopian government strongly criticized Alice Wairimu Nderitu's recent statement on the situation in Ethiopia, calling it "irresponsible and reckless."
It also expressed reservations about the International Commission of Human Rights Experts' report and objected to Nderitu's characterization of the Pretoria peace agreement as a failure.
The government urged Nderitu to retract her remarks and emphasized its commitment to transitional justice and national dialogue.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-government-strongly-criticizes-un-advisers-remarks-on-ethiopias-current-situation/
The Ethiopian government strongly criticized Alice Wairimu Nderitu's recent statement on the situation in Ethiopia, calling it "irresponsible and reckless."
It also expressed reservations about the International Commission of Human Rights Experts' report and objected to Nderitu's characterization of the Pretoria peace agreement as a failure.
The government urged Nderitu to retract her remarks and emphasized its commitment to transitional justice and national dialogue.
https://addisstandard.com/news-ethiopian-government-strongly-criticizes-un-advisers-remarks-on-ethiopias-current-situation/
Addis Standard
News: Ethiopian gov't strongly criticizes UN adviser's remarks on current situation - Addis Standard
News: Ethiopian gov't strongly criticizes UN adviser's remarks on current situation Addis Standard News -
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In a rare public statement concerning the Red Sea, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlights the critical significance of this vital water body for Ethiopia's survival.
His remarks were featured in a promotional video for an upcoming documentary noscriptd "From a Drop of Water to a Sea Water," produced by the state-affiliated FBC. However, the complete context of the prime minister's speech remains partially undisclosed.
Watch!
His remarks were featured in a promotional video for an upcoming documentary noscriptd "From a Drop of Water to a Sea Water," produced by the state-affiliated FBC. However, the complete context of the prime minister's speech remains partially undisclosed.
Watch!
Nigerian government officials summoned to address detention of #Nigerians in #Ethiopia
Yesterday, the Nigerian House of Representatives decided to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to elucidate the steps being taken to address the detention of Nigerians in Ethiopia.
The two officials are expected to appear before House committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, as well as Human Rights. The resolution, proposed by Kingsley China, the Minority Leader of the House, was successfully passed by the House of Representatives.
Currently, approximately 250 Nigerians are serving prison sentences in Ethiopia. The Minority Leader highlighted that the majority of these individuals are travelers who utilize the Ethiopian airport as a transit point.
https://dailypost.ng/2023/10/12/reps-move-to-save-250-nigerians-in-ethiopian-prison-summon-tuggar-dabiri/
Yesterday, the Nigerian House of Representatives decided to invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to elucidate the steps being taken to address the detention of Nigerians in Ethiopia.
The two officials are expected to appear before House committees on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, as well as Human Rights. The resolution, proposed by Kingsley China, the Minority Leader of the House, was successfully passed by the House of Representatives.
Currently, approximately 250 Nigerians are serving prison sentences in Ethiopia. The Minority Leader highlighted that the majority of these individuals are travelers who utilize the Ethiopian airport as a transit point.
https://dailypost.ng/2023/10/12/reps-move-to-save-250-nigerians-in-ethiopian-prison-summon-tuggar-dabiri/
Daily Post
Reps move to save 250 Nigerians in Ethiopian prison, summon Tuggar, Dabiri
The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM,
#Ethiopia: Ancient human species settled African highlands 2 million years ago
A reanalysis of an ancient fossil has shed new light on the adaptive behaviour of ancient humans in #Africa.
The fossil – of an infant jawbone – was uncovered in 1981 at the #Melka_Kunture archaeological site in the #Ethiopian Highlands southwest of #Addis_Abeba. But it has since been subject to extensive debate as to its “taxonomic affinity”.
Basically, archaeologists weren’t sure which hominid species the jaw belonged to, with at least four early human species considered possible.
***
Now, an extensive cross-institutional study published today in the journal Science has reevaluated the fossil and proposed a new perspective on the movements of ancient humans in this part of Africa.
https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/archaeology/ancient-human-species-settled-african-highlands-2-million-years-ago/
A reanalysis of an ancient fossil has shed new light on the adaptive behaviour of ancient humans in #Africa.
The fossil – of an infant jawbone – was uncovered in 1981 at the #Melka_Kunture archaeological site in the #Ethiopian Highlands southwest of #Addis_Abeba. But it has since been subject to extensive debate as to its “taxonomic affinity”.
Basically, archaeologists weren’t sure which hominid species the jaw belonged to, with at least four early human species considered possible.
***
Now, an extensive cross-institutional study published today in the journal Science has reevaluated the fossil and proposed a new perspective on the movements of ancient humans in this part of Africa.
https://cosmosmagazine.com/history/archaeology/ancient-human-species-settled-african-highlands-2-million-years-ago/
Cosmos
A human jawbone from Ethiopia is 2 million years old
A reanalysis of an ancient fossil has shed new light on the adaptive behaviour of ancient humans in Africa.
#UNICEF appeals for urgent funding as humanitarian needs mount in #Ethiopia
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted a funding shortfall that is severely hampering its humanitarian response to the escalating crisis in Ethiopia. UNICEF's latest report on the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia reveals that its $674.3 million appeal remains 72% unfunded, leaving vulnerable populations without critical support.
Out of the required funds, only $187.7 million is currently available, including carryover from the previous year. This represents a mere 28% of the necessary resources to provide life-saving aid to children and their families.
https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/unicef-ethiopia-humanitarian-situation-report-no-8-30-september-2023
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted a funding shortfall that is severely hampering its humanitarian response to the escalating crisis in Ethiopia. UNICEF's latest report on the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia reveals that its $674.3 million appeal remains 72% unfunded, leaving vulnerable populations without critical support.
Out of the required funds, only $187.7 million is currently available, including carryover from the previous year. This represents a mere 28% of the necessary resources to provide life-saving aid to children and their families.
https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/unicef-ethiopia-humanitarian-situation-report-no-8-30-september-2023
#Ethiopia: Drone attacks coinciding with #Irreechaa result in a dozen of fatalities in West Oromia
Multiple drone attacks by government forces in Ethiopia's #Oromia region reportedly left over 12 people dead during the Irreechaa celebrations.
The attacks took place in the Horro Guduru Wollega zone, specifically in the Hababo Guduru and Kombolcha districts.
Local residents also reported other incidents of violence between Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) factions and government troops, resulting in civilian casualties."
https://addisstandard.com/news-drone-attacks-coinciding-with-irreechaa-result-in-dozen-of-fatalities-in-west-oromia/
Multiple drone attacks by government forces in Ethiopia's #Oromia region reportedly left over 12 people dead during the Irreechaa celebrations.
The attacks took place in the Horro Guduru Wollega zone, specifically in the Hababo Guduru and Kombolcha districts.
Local residents also reported other incidents of violence between Oromo Liberation Army (#OLA) factions and government troops, resulting in civilian casualties."
https://addisstandard.com/news-drone-attacks-coinciding-with-irreechaa-result-in-dozen-of-fatalities-in-west-oromia/
Addis Standard
News: Drone attacks coinciding with Irreechaa result in a dozen of fatalities in West Oromia - Addis Standard
News: Drone attacks coinciding with Irreechaa result in a dozen of fatalities in West Oromia Addis Standard News -
#Syria says Damascus and Aleppo airports hit by #Israeli missiles
Syrian state media has reported that Israeli forces targeted Syria's two main international airports, causing damage to their runways and rendering them temporarily unusable. The airports in #Damascus and #Aleppo will divert flights to Latakia in northwest Syria.
A military source quoted by Syrian state media claimed that Israeli strikes had "desperately" damaged landing strips at the two airports, suggesting it was an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing conflict in #Gaza.
#Hamas' surprise attack on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 1,300 Israelis, while Palestinian officials claim over 1,400 people have been killed in the bombings.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67093081
Syrian state media has reported that Israeli forces targeted Syria's two main international airports, causing damage to their runways and rendering them temporarily unusable. The airports in #Damascus and #Aleppo will divert flights to Latakia in northwest Syria.
A military source quoted by Syrian state media claimed that Israeli strikes had "desperately" damaged landing strips at the two airports, suggesting it was an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing conflict in #Gaza.
#Hamas' surprise attack on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 1,300 Israelis, while Palestinian officials claim over 1,400 people have been killed in the bombings.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67093081
BBC News
Syria says Damascus and Aleppo airports hit by Israeli missiles
Israel has previously hit targets in war-torn Syria linked to Iranian arms supplies.
#israel-#Hamas conflict latest
Civilians flee to southern #Gaza after Israel warning
Civilians are fleeing northern Gaza by car, on the back of trucks and on foot after an Israeli warning that civilians should move south
Key summary
About 1.1 m people living in northern areas have been told to leave in the next day
The Israeli military said it knew it would take longer than that to move everyone but blamed Hamas for telling people to ignore the call
The #UN urged Israel to withdraw its order, warning of "devastating humanitarian consequences"
Hamas fighters kidnapped at least 150 people and took them into Gaza during brutal attacks on Israel at the weekend that killed 1,300 people
More than 1,500 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, which continue
A total blockade is being enforced with fuel, food and water running out. Israel says it won't lift the restrictions unless Hamas frees all hostages.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67096916
Civilians flee to southern #Gaza after Israel warning
Civilians are fleeing northern Gaza by car, on the back of trucks and on foot after an Israeli warning that civilians should move south
Key summary
About 1.1 m people living in northern areas have been told to leave in the next day
The Israeli military said it knew it would take longer than that to move everyone but blamed Hamas for telling people to ignore the call
The #UN urged Israel to withdraw its order, warning of "devastating humanitarian consequences"
Hamas fighters kidnapped at least 150 people and took them into Gaza during brutal attacks on Israel at the weekend that killed 1,300 people
More than 1,500 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, which continue
A total blockade is being enforced with fuel, food and water running out. Israel says it won't lift the restrictions unless Hamas frees all hostages.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-67096916