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Category: International

  • UNICEF condemns killing of water truck drivers in Gaza

    UNICEF condemns killing of water truck drivers in Gaza

    INTERNATIONAL — 18 April 2026 (NPA) — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed outrage over the killing of two drivers operating trucks contracted to deliver clean water to families in the Gaza Strip.

    The organisation said the victims were killed by Israeli fire in an incident that occurred early Friday morning at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza. It extended its condolences to the families of the deceased.

    UNICEF noted that two other individuals were injured in the same incident, which took place during routine water trucking operations without any changes in movement or established procedures.

    It further explained that the Mansoura water filling point is currently the only operational truck filling facility connected to the Mekorot water supply line serving Gaza City. The facility is used several times daily by UNICEF and its humanitarian partners to maintain critical water distribution for hundreds of thousands of residents, including children.

    Following the incident, UNICEF said its contractors had been instructed to suspend on-site activities until security conditions improve.

    The organisation called on Israeli authorities to immediately investigate the incident and ensure full accountability. It stressed that humanitarian workers, essential service providers, and civilian infrastructure — including vital water facilities — must not be targeted.

    UNICEF also emphasised that protecting civilians and those delivering life-saving assistance is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law.

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no immediate response from Israeli authorities about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether an investigation into the incident has commenced.

  • US deploys advanced military assets to enforce Iranian port blockade as Tehran protests 

    US deploys advanced military assets to enforce Iranian port blockade as Tehran protests 

    INTERNATIONAL — 17 April 2026 (NPA) — The United States has deployed advanced military assets to enforce a blockade of all Iranian ports, following directives from President Donald Trump.

    According to operational information released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is actively engaged in blockade operations in the Arabian Sea as of April 16. Its carrier air wing includes F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18 fighter jets, EA-18G electronic attack aircraft, E-2D command and control planes, MH-60 helicopters, and CMV-22B Ospreys for logistics support.

    Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) are also participating, maintaining vigilance against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports. The operation further involves U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons conducting readiness flights in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, as well as U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and sailors aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18).

    The blockade is part of United State’s strategy to pressure Iran into an agreement by restricting its ability to export oil and generate revenue to finance the war.

    Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have accused the United States of “piracy at sea,” with some officials issuing threats of sinking U.S. ships. Washington has clarified that the operation is not directed at neutral vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, but specifically targets traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports.

  • Netanyahu vows continued strikes on Hezbollah targets amid US–Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

    Netanyahu vows continued strikes on Hezbollah targets amid US–Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

    INTERNATIONAL — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will intensify operations against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

    In a televised address on Wednesday, Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to press forward with its campaign, including efforts to capture the strategic town of Bint Jbeil, which he claimed is close to falling under Israeli control. He added that Israel would continue to expand its security zone along the border.

    Netanyahu also noted that the United States has been keeping Israel updated on its contacts with Iran regarding ongoing ceasefire negotiations. He stressed that Israel’s objectives are aligned with those of Washington. “In anticipation of the possibility that the fighting will resume, we are prepared for any scenario,” he said.

    Meanwhile, US–Iran ceasefire talks held in Islamabad earlier this week ended without agreement. After marathon negotiations lasting more than 21 hours, US officials said Tehran refused to accept Washington’s truce terms, while Iran insisted it did not expect a deal in the first meeting. The failure has left the fragile ceasefire uncertain, with the US military warning of possible escalations, including a blockade of Iranian ports.

    Consequently, US President Donald Trump ordered the blockade of Iranian ports, cutting off Tehran’s ability to export its main source of revenue and dealing a heavy blow to its economy. Iran, however, has condemned the move, describing it as an affront to international law, vowing resistance.

  • Philippines, China trade claims over West Philippine Sea operations

    Philippines, China trade claims over West Philippine Sea operations

    INTERNATIONAL — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Philippine Coast Guard and China’s Foreign Ministry have issued conflicting statements regarding recent activities in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

    Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela rejected remarks by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, insisting that cyanide testing in the area was conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation using established forensic protocols. Tarriela said the results, based on samples recovered from vessels, were credible and transparent.

    He further noted that Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, citing the 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). According to Tarriela, the Philippines has sovereign rights to protect marine resources and enforce its laws in those waters.

    Tarriela also pointed to environmental damage in the region, attributing it to large-scale reclamation and construction activities by China. He said the Philippines’ presence at Ayungin Shoal, maintained by the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, was defensive, while alleging that Chinese actions posed risks to the marine ecosystem.

    China has consistently asserted sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, including areas claimed by the Philippines. The dispute remains one of the most contentious issues in regional maritime security, with both sides continuing to defend their positions under international law.

  • United Nations launches Borrowers’ Platform on April 15

    United Nations launches Borrowers’ Platform on April 15

    INTERNATIONAL —13 April 2026 (NPA) — The United Nations has officially launched the Borrowers’ Platform, a new initiative designed to give developing countries a stronger collective voice in global debt discussions. Facilitated by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the platform seeks to address long-standing gaps in the international financial system by creating a borrower-led space for cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building.

    Debt servicing costs in developing countries have surged over the past decade, with external debt reaching $11.7 trillion in 2024. That year, governments spent nearly 10% of their revenue on interest payments, while least developed countries devoted almost a quarter of their revenue to external creditors. According to UNCTAD, 54 countries—home to 3.4 billion people—now spend more on debt than on health or education.

    Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, underscored the urgency of reform: “3.4 billion people deserve better outcomes. They’re not asking for charity. They want a level playing field where finance enables development rather than constraining it.”

    Egypt’s Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, who chairs the initial working group, explained that the Borrowers’ Platform is not a debt restructuring forum but rather a cooperative space to share experiences, strengthen debt management capacity, improve transparency, and engage more effectively in global financial discussions.

    The platform’s creation follows a series of milestones: in December 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed an Expert Group on Debt; in June 2025, the group proposed the Borrowers’ Platform; in July 2025, Member States endorsed the idea in the Sevilla Commitment at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development; and in October 2025, the Geneva Consensus at UNCTAD16 called on UNCTAD to facilitate borrower cooperation. A working group led by Egypt and Pakistan, with members including Colombia, Honduras, Maldives, Nepal, and Zambia, drafted the platform’s modalities.

    UNCTAD will serve as the platform’s secretariat, providing technical and administrative support. Advocates say the initiative sends a positive signal to markets by promoting debt sustainability and transparency, while giving developing countries a long-overdue seat at the table in shaping global financial rules.

  • Macron meets AU Commission President, calls for stronger partnership amid Strait of Hormuz crisis

    Macron meets AU Commission President, calls for stronger partnership amid Strait of Hormuz crisis

    PARIS, France, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday received the President of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

    Macron said he was delighted to welcome Youssouf at what he described as a time of increasing global turbulence, stressing that the African Union remains an essential partner for France, the European Union, and the international community in advancing development, peace, security, and the protection of global public goods across Africa.

    On diplomatic and partnership fronts, Macron pledged that France intends to be a reliable and steadfast partner of the African Union. He highlighted the upcoming Africa Forward Summit, scheduled for Nairobi on 11–12 May, as a major opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Europe and Africa.

    Turning to the Middle East, Macron emphasized that no effort should be spared in pursuing a strong and lasting diplomatic settlement. He said such a settlement must address core issues, including Iran’s nuclear and ballistic activities, its destabilizing actions in the region, the urgent need to restore free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and ensuring Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Macron pledged France’s readiness to play its full part in these efforts, noting that Paris has consistently sought to contribute since the onset of the conflict. He announced that France, together with the United Kingdom, will organize a conference in the coming days with countries willing to contribute to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that the mission would be strictly defensive and separate from the warring parties, to be deployed as soon as conditions permit.

    Earlier, Newpost Africa reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had also announced a summit of 40 nations to address the ongoing Strait of Hormuz standoff.

  • UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    UK’s Starmer warns Strait of Hormuz closure deeply damaging as Trump orders naval blockade

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is severely damaging global trade, stressing that restoring freedom of navigation is vital to easing cost-of-living pressures worldwide.

    Speaking on Monday, Starmer said the United Kingdom has convened more than 40 nations committed to restoring safe passage through the strait, which has become the epicenter of military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. He emphasized that securing international shipping lanes is critical to stabilizing global markets.

    Looking ahead, Starmer revealed that the UK and France will co-host a summit this week to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard shipping once the conflict subsides. “Getting global shipping moving again is essential to protect households and economies from further shocks,” he said.

    As of press time, it remains unclear whether the United States is among the 40 nations convened, given Washington’s unilateral actions in the strait. President Donald Trump recently announced a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, ordering the Navy to intercept vessels paying tolls to Iran.

  • Amnesty urges donors to boost Sudan aid as conflict hits three-year mark

    Amnesty urges donors to boost Sudan aid as conflict hits three-year mark

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Amnesty International has called on high‑income countries to use the upcoming International Ministerial Conference on Sudan in Berlin on 15 April to commit increased funding and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, as Sudan’s conflict enters its third year.

    The organization warned that declining aid has worsened the crisis, leaving more than 33 million people in need of assistance. The war between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has devastated health services, disrupted livelihoods, and forced over 4.5 million people to flee to neighboring countries. Amnesty said cuts to foreign aid are undermining efforts to tackle malnutrition, cholera, trauma, and sexual violence.

    Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, stressed that “behind these numbers are real lives, real people who have lost their homes, loved ones and livelihoods, who are fighting to survive the war and the disease and hunger it brings.” He urged donors to move beyond rhetoric and provide concrete support to frontline NGOs delivering lifesaving services.

    Amnesty’s findings show that NGOs in Sudan face severe shortages of medicines, therapeutic food, and basic supplies. One international NGO reported being able to meet only half of the needs of malnourished children due to limited stocks of ready‑to‑use therapeutic food. CARE International estimates that up to 80% of community kitchens have closed, worsening hunger.

    Women and children are disproportionately affected. Grassroots groups providing post‑rape care and reproductive health services have been left without funding, leaving survivors of sexual violence abandoned. Amnesty also documented the struggles of displaced persons with disabilities, including children unable to access schools or medical care in camps in Chad.

    The organization emphasized that donor commitments must translate into sustained funding and diplomatic pressure to protect civilians, health workers, and aid providers. It urged high‑income countries to honor their pledge to allocate at least 0.7% of Gross National Income to overseas aid and consider debt relief measures to enable Sudan to invest in essential public services.

    “Sudan, like other highly aid‑dependent countries in protracted conflicts, needs the international community to act,” Amnesty concluded.

  • U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    U.S. Southern Command confirms strikes on narco-terrorist vessels

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has announced that it carried out precision strikes on two vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations, in an operation described as “applying total systemic friction on the cartels.”

    According to SOUTHCOM, the strikes were conducted on April 11 under the direction of Commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific. The first strike killed two male narco-terrorists, while one survived. The second strike killed three male narco-terrorists.

    In its statement, SOUTHCOM said: “On April 11, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted two lethal kinetic strikes on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking operations. Two male narco-terrorists were killed, and one narco-terrorist survived the first strike. Three male narco-terrorists were killed during the second strike.”

    Following the engagements, SOUTHCOM immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the Search and Rescue system for the survivor. The Command confirmed that no U.S. military forces were harmed during the operation.

  • Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    Obama hails Hungary’s opposition victory as landmark win for democracy

    INTERNATIONAL, 13 April 2026 (NPA) — Former U.S. President Barack Obama has hailed the victory of Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party, led by Péter Magyar, over incumbent Viktor Orbán, ending his 16-year rule. Obama described the outcome as “a victory for democracy.” 

    Early results on Sunday showed Tisza securing a majority in the 199-seat parliament, with projections giving the party 138 seats compared to Fidesz’s 55. Orbán has since conceded defeat, marking a dramatic shift in Hungary’s political landscape.

    In a statement, Obama said: “The victory of the opposition in Hungary yesterday, like the Polish election in 2023, is a victory for democracy, not just in Europe but around the world. Most of all, it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of the Hungarian people – and a reminder to all of us to keep striving for fairness, equality and the rule of law.” 

    Magyar’s campaign focused on rebuilding ties with the European Union, restoring democratic checks and balances, and reducing Hungary’s dependence on Moscow. He pledged to strengthen judicial independence, protect media freedom, and implement anti-corruption measures to ensure transparent governance. 

    The victory signals a new era in Hungarian politics, with voters backing a platform centered on democratic renewal, international cooperation, and economic accountability.