More than 150,000 people have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila in the Solomon Islands, according to the UN relief coordination office OCHA. The storm is described as the latest cyclone in the Pacific area and is continuing to drive significant humanitarian needs across the country. The source says the emergency is deepening because of storm damage, displacement and hidden wartime explosives. OCHA has characterized the situation as one of "significant humanitarian needs" across the Solomon Islands. No casualty figure, damage total or specific affected island is provided in the source. The report gives no detail on response operations, shelter... [Continue Reading]
Israel's opposition is moving to unite ahead of upcoming elections in an effort to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid are joining forces in the bloc, according to the supplied material.The alliance is being formed as pressure mounts on Netanyahu after months of war and political turmoil.The arrangement is notable because the opposition remains divided on major issues, including the war with Iran and Israel's future direction.Those differences raise questions about whether the bloc can hold together long enough to mount a serious challenge.The development matters because Netanyahu has faced sustained political pressure, and... [Continue Reading]
Protests in Bolivia have entered a third day, with workers and union members clashing with police in La Paz and blocking roads in El Alto over fuel prices and policy demands.Police fired tear gas near the presidential palace in La Paz as transport, education and public workers joined the demonstrations.In El Alto, protesters blocked streets with buses, cars and trucks.The unrest has disrupted public transport in several major cities, including La Paz, El Alto, Cochabamba, Oruro and Sucre.The Bolivia Highway Association said there have been at least 70 roadway blockages.The protests come as Bolivia faces a currency shortage and what... [Continue Reading]