The ongoing war in Gaza has triggered a worrying increase in child marriages. Families struggling with displacement, economic hardship, and insecurity are increasingly marrying off teenage daughters, seeing it as a means to protect them and ensure survival. Interviews with girls aged 13 to 16 reveal stories of early pregnancies, miscarriages, and abuse, highlighting the harsh consequences of these marriages. One mother, who lost her husband and eldest son in the conflict, explained, “I thou

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Harish Parvathaneni, addressed the Security Council on May 21, strongly condemning Pakistan for attacks beyond its borders and interference in India’s internal matters. He emphasized that global attention and accountability are critical to protecting civilians and upholding international humanitarian standards. Historical Context of Pakistan’s Violence

WASHINGTON, May 20 – Former President Donald Trump expressed approval of the US indictment against former Cuban leader Raul Castro, describing it as a significant moment for accountability. While acknowledging the seriousness of the charges, Trump emphasized that the United States should avoid any additional escalation with Cuba. Background of the Indictment The indict

US Military Investigation Nears Completion The US military investigation into the Minab school strike in Iran is nearing its final stages, officials said. The February 28 strike targeted a girls’ school in southern Minab, which Iranian authorities claim resulted in over 175 deaths among students and teachers. Admiral Brad Cooper told the US House committee that the investigation has been complex due to t

Red Cross Day, observed on May 8th every year, marks the anniversary of the birth of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Red Cross. This day serves as a reminder of his vision and the enduring impact it has had on global humanitarian efforts. Dunant’s efforts during the Battle of Solferino in 1859, where he witnessed the suffering of soldiers and civilians, led him to call for the establishment of neutral organizations to provide medical and humanitarian assistance in times of wa

A terminally ill 18-year-old from Chicago is seeking a final reunion with his parents, who are being held in U.S. immigration custody in Arizona, family members and officials said this week. Kevin Gonzalez, a U.S. citizen receiving end-of-life care in Durango, has stage four colon cancer and has asked authorities to allow his parents’ release so he can see them before he dies. His parents were detained earlier this year after attempting to reenter the United States without authorization, according to federal officials. Their prior visa applications had been denied due to earlier immigration violations. The family said they sought humanitarian consideration following Kevin’s diagnosis, but their request was not approved. His condition has since worsened, with the cancer spreading to multiple organs, and doctors have shifted to palliative care. Kevin had lived in Chicago with relatives after his parents were deported in 2011, the family said. His mother briefly returned to the United States in 2024 before being deported again. The case has drawn attention from the Mexican consulate and U.S. lawmakers, who have urged authorities to weigh humanitarian factors. The parents are scheduled to appear before an immigration judge in Arizona on Thursday. Officials said the outcome could determine whether the parents are deported and allowed to reunite with their son in Mexico, or remain in custody pending further proceedings. Kevin’s request remains under review as his condition continues to deteriorate, relatives said.

Nearly 8 million face crisis A new report released by the United Nations on Tuesday warns that nearly eight million people in South Sudan are at risk of acute hunger, underscoring a rapidly worsening humanitarian emergency fueled by conflict, displacement, and economic instability. The assessment estimates that 7.8 million people—about 56 percent of the population—are likely to experience severe food insecurity in the coming months, prompting urgent calls for international intervention. Escalating child malnutrition raises alarm among aid agencies The report highlights a sharp increase in child malnutrition, with an additional 100,000 children affected over the past six months. Approximately 2.2 million children between six months and five years are now suffering from acute malnutrition, and an estimated 700,000 face a high risk of death. Agencies including the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Food Programme, and UNICEF warned that damaged health infrastructure, limited supplies, and insufficient funding are restricting access to life-saving nutrition services. Conflict, climate pressures, and economic strain deepen crisis South Sudan’s humanitarian conditions remain closely tied to ongoing ethnic conflict, climate-related disruptions, and spillover effects from violence in neighboring Sudan. The country, which gained independence in 2011, continues to face severe economic challenges and ranks among the poorest nations globally. These overlapping pressures have intensified food shortages and weakened already fragile systems. Rising tensions spark fears of renewed civil war Concerns are growing that South Sudan could return to full-scale civil war, despite a 2018 peace agreement that ended a devastating conflict responsible for nearly 400,000 deaths. Recent clashes between government forces, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, and opposition groups have heightened instability. The tensions are linked to a prolonged political rivalry between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and suspended Vice President Riek Machar, who is currently on trial in Juba facing charges including murder and treason, which he denies. Aid agencies warn of irreversible humanitarian consequences Humanitarian organizations stress that without immediate global support, the crisis could reach irreversible levels. Limited funding and supply chain disruptions continue to hamper relief efforts, leaving millions vulnerable. Aid groups are urging swift international action to prevent further deterioration and avert a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe.

Rising temperatures are intensifying public health concerns in the Gaza Strip, where a widespread infestation of rodents and parasites is compounding already dire living conditions for displaced civilians. Health officials warn that the rapid spread of rats, fleas, and lice could trigger a major disease outbreak in overcrowded camps lacking basic sanitation. In areas such as Khan Yunis and the Al-Mawasi coastal strip, displaced families are living in makeshift shelters that offer little protection against pests. Residents report that large rodents, identified by some as Norway rats, are burrowing into tents at night. Muhammad al-Raqab, a displaced father, described repeated attacks on his family, saying rodents chewed through his shelter and bit his children while they slept. He now stays awake overnight to guard them. The infestation is closely linked to the collapse of Gaza’s sanitation infrastructure. With municipal services largely nonfunctional and access to landfill sites near the eastern border restricted, millions of tons of waste have accumulated near populated areas. The buildup has created ideal conditions for vermin to thrive. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, approximately 1.7 million of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents remain displaced and unable to return to their homes despite a ceasefire that began in October 2025. Field assessments conducted in March described camp conditions as heavily affected by vermin and parasite infestations. Medical professionals are already seeing the consequences. Hani al-Flait, head of pediatrics at Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza, reported a steady rise in skin infections such as scabies. Residents also describe worsening conditions as fleas spread allergies among both children and adults, further straining limited healthcare resources in the enclave.

An aircraft bound for India was reportedly damaged in a strike at Mashhad International Airport in Iran on Monday, March 30, 2026, disrupting a planned humanitarian aid mission and drawing sharp condemnation from Iranian authorities. Iranian officials described the incident as a “war crime” and a violation of international law as regional tensions continue to escalate. The civilian aircraft was stationed on the ground at Mashhad International Airport when it was struck during a re

India has dispatched a 2.5-ton consignment of emergency medicines, medical disposables, kits, and equipment to Afghanistan to assist victims of a devastating airstrike in Kabul that claimed more than 400 lives and left over 250 injured. The humanitarian aid was delivered on March 20 as part of India’s continued support for the Afghan people during a period of crisis. According to officials, the supplies are intended to support the treatment and recovery of those affected by the March 16 attack on a drug addiction treatment facility in Kabul. The strike targeted the Omid Drug Addiction Treatment Hospital, which Afghan authorities described as housing one of the most vulnerable sections of society. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation due to the high number of civilian casualties. India strongly criticized the airstrike, calling it a barbaric and unjustifiable act of violence against civilians. In an official statement, New Delhi emphasized that a medical facility cannot be considered a legitimate military target and reaffirmed its solidarity with Afghanistan. The government reiterated its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and helping address the immediate needs arising from the crisis. Afghanistan confirmed that over 408 individuals undergoing treatment at the facility were killed, while more than 265 sustained injuries. The scale of the casualties has intensified regional tensions and raised concerns about escalating conflict in South Asia. Afghan leaders have condemned the attack and indicated that while diplomatic efforts remain a priority, a response to the incident is under consideration. Amid rising tensions, Pakistan and Afghanistan have announced a temporary ceasefire following mediation efforts by international partners. The pause in hostilities coincides with the Eid al-Fitr period, although officials have warned that military operations could resume if security conditions deteriorate. Both sides continue to exchange accusations regarding cross-border militancy, further complicating the fragile situation in the region.

China on Tuesday announced that it will extend humanitarian assistance to several West Asia countries, including Iran and Lebanon, as the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel enters its third week and continues to escalate. The move reflects Beijing’s growing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation across the region, where sustained military operations have disrupted civilian life and critical infrastructure. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreig

Amid the ongoing war between Israel, the United States, and Iran, the Iranian embassy in New Delhi has sought cash donations from Indian citizens to help those affected by the conflict. Due to technical issues preventing successful online transfers to the embassy’s bank account, the embassy advised donors to contribute cash directly at the mission instead. In a post shared on social media, the embassy expressed its gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Indian public but acknowledged the difficulties in receiving donations through regular banking channels. The conflict in West Asia has seen escalating military operations from Israeli and US forces targeting Iranian assets, while Iran has retaliated with strikes across the Gulf region. The Iranian embassy had earlier shared its State Bank of India account details, urging people to transfer funds electronically. However, donors were encouraged to avoid using platforms like GPay, as technical complications arose, and the embassy is working to resolve the issue. India and Iran share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties that span centuries. These relations are influenced by cooperation in various sectors, including trade and energy. Furthermore, religious connections have played a significant role, with India hosting a large Shia Muslim population, which aligns with Iran’s religious tradition. This cultural connection has often resulted in expressions of solidarity between Indian Shia Muslims and Iran, particularly during times of conflict. In light of these ongoing developments, the Iranian embassy has requested patience from donors while they work towards resolving the technical challenges, ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach those in need

War brings immense suffering, and some weapons cause such devastation that their use has been heavily restricted or banned under international law. One such weapon, white phosphorus, recently drew international condemnation when Israel was accused of using it in civilian areas of Lebanon. Like white phosphorus, several other weapons have been banned for their harmful impact on both combatants and civilians. Here are 10 weapons that are either restricted or outright banned due to the

India remains steadfast in its fight against terrorism in all its forms, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said while addressing the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council virtually on Wednesday. He asserted that attacks on innocent civilians can never be justified under any circumstances and called for a unified global response rooted in a zero tolerance approach to terrorism. Speaking at the UNHRC session, Jaishankar urged the Unite

Saudi Arabia is deploying significant political influence and billions of dollars in financial support in an effort to stabilize Yemen and consolidate control over areas held by the internationally recognized government, marking a renewed regional focus after years of concentrating on domestic reforms. Officials familiar with the strategy say Riyadh aims to unify fragmented armed groups, strengthen state institutions and create conditions that could eventually pressure Houthi rebels into nego

India has confirmed that it is actively engaging with the United States to ensure the continuity of its operations at Iran’s Chabahar Port under an existing sanctions waiver that remains valid until April 26, 2026. The discussions come amid the strategic significance New Delhi attaches to the port as a key gateway for regional connectivity, trade, and humanitarian assistance. Speaking on the matter,

Hollywood actor and humanitarian Angelina Jolie has once again brought global attention to Ukraine by visiting the war-torn city of Kherson, a region still enduring the daily consequences of Russian attacks. Photographs circulating on social media this week showed the Academy Award-winning star wearing a bulletproof vest emblazoned with Ukrainian insignia as she visited hospitals and maternity wards in the embattled southern city. The visit, though not officially announced, has drawn widespre

World leaders gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh for a high-level summit following a historic ceasefire in Gaza. The agreement, aimed at ending the recent conflict, was marked by the signing of a peace declaration to solidify a lasting ceasefire between the warring parties. This development came hours after a significant hostage and prisoner swap, providing momentum for regional stability. The leaders attending described the day as historic, emphasizing that humanitarian aid would now begin

The United States has introduced a sweeping change to its immigration policy with the decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. Announced by President Donald Trump, the new rule has sent shockwaves across the technology sector, particularly among Indian professionals who make up the majority of recipients of these visas. However, reports suggest that the measure may not be applied uniformly, as certain exemptions could be granted in cases deemed to serve the national

A powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan on Sunday at a shallow depth of just 8 kilometers, causing widespread devastation in several mountainous regions and triggering urgent appeals for international humanitarian assistance. The tremors were felt across a vast area, shaking buildings from Kabul to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, more than 300 kilometers away. Early reports from officials indicate that at least 20 people have been con