Category Archives: humanitarian

Hamas starts gathering hostage remains, confirms decision to gradually disarm – report

Hamas Begins Gathering Hostage Remains, Confirms Decision to Gradually Disarm

Hamas has started collecting the remains of hostages, confirming its decision to gradually disarm, according to recent reports. The terror organization has also reportedly requested, through Egyptian mediators, that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) temporarily cease airstrikes in the Gaza Strip to allow the process to be completed.

In a related development, on February 22, 2025, children were seen looking out from a building guarded by Palestinian Hamas terrorists during the handover of hostages in the Gaza Strip.

Photo credit: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-869534

Israel advances preparations for first phase of Trump plan as Gaza toll reaches

Israel’s Army Advances Preparations for First Phase of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Amid Rising Death Toll

Israel’s military announced on Saturday that it would advance preparations for the initial phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and facilitate the return of all remaining hostages, according to news agency AP. This development comes as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 67,000.

According to the Israeli military, forces have been instructed to enhance readiness for implementing the plan. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Israel has shifted to a defensive-only position in Gaza and will not conduct active strikes, although no troops have been withdrawn from the territory.

The announcement followed President Trump’s directive for Israel to halt bombings after Hamas indicated acceptance of certain elements of his peace proposal. Trump welcomed Hamas’s statement, saying, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.”

The US President aims to fulfill promises to end the conflict and secure the release of dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The plan, which has received broad international support, was endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

On Friday, Netanyahu’s office reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to ending the war, though it did not address potential gaps in agreements with Hamas.

Ongoing Negotiations and Egypt’s Role

A senior Egyptian official involved in ceasefire negotiations told AP that talks are ongoing regarding the release of hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Arab mediators are also preparing a broader dialogue among Palestinian factions to unify positions on Gaza’s future.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest militant group, announced on Saturday that it accepted Hamas’s response to Trump’s plan, having initially rejected it.

Casualty Update

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the nearly two-year conflict has now claimed more than 67,000 lives, with women and children accounting for roughly half of the dead. These figures are considered the most reliable estimate of casualties in the war by the UN and independent experts.

Questions Remain About Implementation

Despite the momentum, questions remain regarding the plan’s implementation. Hamas has agreed in principle to release the remaining 48 hostages—around 20 of whom are believed alive—and to hand over power to other Palestinians. However, aspects such as demilitarization require further internal consultation.

Experts caution that while Hamas signals willingness to negotiate, its fundamental stance remains unchanged. Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Centre for Security and Foreign Affairs, described the group’s approach as repackaging old demands in softer language, serving as a smoke screen rather than a signal of genuine resolution.

Public Reactions and Ongoing Uncertainty

Protests continue across Europe, including tens of thousands marching in Barcelona on Saturday, with demonstrations planned in Italy and Portugal. For Palestinians in Gaza, uncertainty persists. Thousands have fled Gaza City, now a focus of Israel’s latest offensive, while families of hostages remain cautious.

Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is held in Gaza, expressed cautious optimism: “We’re putting our trust in Trump because he’s the only one who’s doing it. We want to see him with us until the last step.”

(With inputs from AP)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/israel-advances-preparations-for-first-phase-of-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-23597208

TN: 31 dead in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

**31 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 9:30 PM*

A tragic incident unfolded at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, where a stampede claimed the lives of at least 31 people and left over 40 hospitalized. The rally was organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

### Overwhelming Crowd Turns Deadly

The gathering had swelled to tens of thousands, creating an overwhelming situation as Vijay addressed the crowd. As the situation worsened, many attendees, including children, started fainting due to the crush.

Vijay was heard pleading for police assistance and was seen distributing water bottles from his customized campaign bus to those affected. Despite these efforts, ambulances struggled to navigate through the densely packed crowd to reach the injured. The fainted individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, though some tragically succumbed to their injuries.

### Political Reactions and Government Response

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Tamil Nadu police for inadequate preparation in handling such a massive rally and demanded accountability from the ruling DMK government.

In response, Chief Minister MK Stalin took immediate notice of the incident. He directed state ministers Anbil Mahesh and Ma Subramaniam to proceed to Karur promptly. Former minister V Senthilbalaji was also tasked with ensuring that medical assistance reaches those affected by the crowd surge.

### Controversies Surrounding Vijay’s Rallies

Vijay’s political rallies have often been mired in controversy due to the massive crowds they attract. The DMK-led administration had previously imposed several restrictions on his events to manage scale and security concerns.

Positioning his party as a third alternative to both DMK and AIADMK, Vijay has consistently criticized both parties. At his rallies, he accuses the state government of neglecting basic public amenities such as roads, healthcare, clean water, and security.

As investigations continue, this tragic event highlights the challenges of managing large political gatherings and the urgent need for enhanced crowd control and emergency response measures at such events.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/31-dead-in-stampede-at-tvk-chief-vijay-s-tn-rally/story

TN: 31 dead in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

**31 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu**

*By Snehil Singh | September 27, 2025, 09:30 PM*

A tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has claimed the lives of at least 31 people, with over 40 others hospitalized. The incident occurred during a massive gathering for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay.

### Overwhelming Crowd Leads to Chaos

The rally attracted tens of thousands of attendees, resulting in an overwhelming and uncontrollable situation as Vijay addressed the crowd. Amid the chaos, many people, including children, began to faint due to the crushing crowd and heat.

Vijay was reportedly heard pleading for police assistance and personally distributing water bottles from his customized campaign bus to ease the distress. However, the dense crowd made it extremely difficult for ambulances to reach those in urgent need. Fainted individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, but sadly, some could not be saved.

### Political Reactions and Accountability Demands

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticized the Tamil Nadu police for inadequate preparations to manage such a large rally. The party demanded accountability from the state government led by the DMK.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin responded swiftly, taking notice of the incident and dispatching ministers Anbil Mahesh and M.A. Subramaniam to Karur. Former minister V. Senthilbalaji was also tasked with ensuring that prompt medical assistance was provided to those affected by the crowd surge.

### Vijay’s Controversial Rally History and Political Stance

Vijay’s rallies have frequently sparked controversy, prompting the DMK-led administration to impose multiple restrictions aimed at crowd management and public safety. The TVK leader positions his party as an alternative to both the DMK and AIADMK, often criticizing them in his speeches.

He has accused the state government of neglecting essential public services, including roads, healthcare, clean water, and security, vowing not to ally with either of the dominant political factions.

This tragic event underscores the critical need for better crowd control measures and emergency preparedness at large political gatherings in Tamil Nadu.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/31-dead-in-stampede-at-tvk-chief-vijay-s-tn-rally/story

TN: 31 dead in stampede at TVK chief Vijay’s rally

**31 Dead in Stampede at TVK Chief Vijay’s Rally in Tamil Nadu**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 27, 2025, 9:30 PM*

A tragic stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, has resulted in the deaths of at least 31 people, with over 40 others hospitalized. The incident took place during a rally organized by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay. Tens of thousands had gathered to hear Vijay speak, which led to an overwhelming and uncontrollable crowd situation.

### Rally Disruption and Plea for Help

As the situation worsened, many attendees—including children—began fainting due to the dense crowd and lack of basic amenities. Vijay was seen pleading for police assistance and distributing water bottles from his customized campaign bus to help those affected. However, the chaos made it difficult for ambulances to reach the injured promptly.

Several fainted individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, but unfortunately, some did not survive.

### Political Reactions

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Tamil Nadu police for their apparent lack of preparedness for managing such a large gathering. The BJP demanded accountability from the ruling DMK government for the tragedy.

In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin took immediate notice of the incident. He directed state ministers Anbil Mahesh and Ma Subramaniam to travel to Karur and oversee relief efforts. Additionally, former minister V. Senthilbalaji was tasked with ensuring adequate medical assistance for those affected by the crowd surge.

### Rally Restrictions and Controversies

Vijay’s political rallies have frequently been the subject of controversy due to the massive crowds they attract. The DMK-led administration has imposed several restrictions on his events to manage safety concerns.

Vijay has positioned his party as a viable alternative to the established DMK and AIADMK parties. He has consistently criticized both parties during his rallies, asserting that he will not form alliances with either. Among his key accusations against the state government are failures to provide essential services such as roads, healthcare, clean water, and security.

As investigations into the stampede continue, questions remain about the adequacy of crowd management and emergency preparedness at large political events in Tamil Nadu.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/31-dead-in-stampede-at-tvk-chief-vijay-s-tn-rally/story

IDF evacuation of Gaza City reaches 700,000 civilians

**IDF Evacuation of Gaza City Reaches 700,000 Civilians**

The evacuation efforts led by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza City have reached approximately 700,000 civilians. Despite this significant movement, around 300,000 Palestinian civilians still remain in the area.

The general population continues to evacuate amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Many Palestinians are making their way out of the region to seek safety.

![Palestinians evacuating amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas travel on a vehicle in Khan Younis in the Southern Gaza Strip, May 6, 2024. (Photo Credit: Ramadan Abed/Reuters)](URL-to-image)

By Yonah Jeremy Bob
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-868625

Over 1000 people dead due to floods in Pakistan

Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reported that at least 1,006 people have died and 3.02 million have been rescued across Pakistan amid severe rains and flash floods since June 26, The Express Tribune reported.

In a statement on Sunday, the NDMA said a total of 5,768 rescue operations were conducted nationwide, during which 273,524 relief items were distributed. Medical treatment was provided to 662,098 individuals at 741 camps set up through coordinated efforts of the NDMA, Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the Pakistan Army, and other emergency services.

Punjab recorded the highest fatalities with 304 deaths, including 110 children, 143 men, and 51 women. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) reported 504 deaths, comprising 90 children, 338 men, and 76 women. Sindh saw 80 deaths, Balochistan 30, Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) 41, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) 38, and Islamabad nine.

Nationwide, 1,063 people sustained injuries, with Punjab accounting for 661, K-P 218, Sindh 87, PoGB 52, PoJK 37, Balochistan five, and Islamabad three.

Rescue efforts were concentrated in Punjab, where 2.81 million people were evacuated through 4,749 operations. Sindh followed with 184,011 people rescued in 753 operations, and K-P with 14,317 people rescued in 211 operations, The Express Tribune reported.

The floods have caused widespread property and infrastructure damage. Nationwide, 12,569 homes were affected, including 4,128 destroyed and 8,441 partially damaged, while 6,509 livestock were lost. At least 239 bridges and 1,981 kilometers of roads were destroyed or damaged. K-P lost 52 bridges and 437 km of roads; PoJK 94 bridges and 201 km of roads; and PoGB 87 bridges and 20 km of roads.

Relief distributions included tents, blankets, hygiene kits, ration bags, food packs, and equipment such as solar panels, de-watering pumps, and generators. A total of 1,690 camps were established, comprising 741 medical camps that treated over 662,000 people and 949 relief camps that sheltered 152,252 individuals, The Express Tribune reported.

The NDMA said coordinated operations to deliver relief, restore infrastructure, and support rehabilitation efforts are ongoing.

*This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/over-1000-people-dead-due-to-floods-in-pakistan-23595175

Israeli drone strikes kill five, including children, in southern Lebanon

An Israeli drone strike killed five people, including three children, in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Sunday, Lebanon’s health ministry reported.

Israel has frequently targeted what it calls Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon since a US-brokered truce between Lebanon and Israel took effect in November. This truce followed more than a year of conflict sparked by the war in Gaza.

According to Lebanon’s state news agency, the strike hit a motorbike and a vehicle, wounding two others. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that a father and his three children were among the dead, with the mother wounded. He added that the family held US citizenship.

The Israeli military confirmed that it killed a Hezbollah member in the strike but acknowledged that “several uninvolved civilians were killed.” In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) expressed regret over any harm caused to uninvolved individuals and said it operates to minimize such harm as much as possible. The incident is currently under review.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attack in a post on X, describing it as a “blatant crime against civilians and a message of intimidation aimed at our people returning to their villages in the south.”

Lebanon is under pressure from the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Hezbollah’s domestic rivals to disarm the Iranian-backed group. However, Hezbollah has stated that discussing disarmament would be a serious misstep while Israel continues airstrikes on Lebanon and occupies swaths of territory in the south.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/update-2-israeli-drone-strikes-kill-five-including-children-in-southern-lebanon-1809505.html

Irish priest remembers role in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp liberation

An Irish Jesuit priest serving as a chaplain with the British army was among the liberators of Bergen-Belson, the first Nazi concentration camp to be liberated on the Western Front during World War II. Father Michael Morrison was with the British and Canadian troops who entered the camp in western Germany, 72 years ago, on April 15, 1945. The liberators had no idea what theyd encounter when they entered Bergen-Belson. Sixty thousand people were squashed into a camp designed to hold 10, 000. The troops came upon hundreds of prisoners in mass graves and people suffering from severe malnutrition. Although there were no gas chambers at the camp, the horrid conditions led to the death of 50, 000 individuals between 1941 and 1945, including diarist Anne Frank, who died only three weeks before the camp was liberated. In the immediate aftermath of the liberation, Father Michael Morrison worked tirelessly to help the wounded and tend to those still alive in the camp, reported TheJournalreel about the camps liberation, said Bergen-Belsen was not a name one ever forgot and became a place of horror long before Auschwitz. Father Morrison was profoundly affected by what he witnessed at the camp. Conor Dodd, a historian at Glasnevin Cemetery, where Morrison is buried, said: It affected him for the rest of his life. He never quite got over it. After the war, Morrison briefly served as a parish priest in Australia before returning to Ireland. He died in 1973. * Originally published in 2017, updated in Aug 2024.
https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/michael-morrison-nazi-concentration-camp

Hamas reaching ‘breaking point’ as Gaza City evacuation expands, security source says

Hamas Reaching ‘Breaking Point’ as Gaza City Evacuation Expands, Security Source Says

“Once more than half a million Palestinians have evacuated, criticism of the Hamas leadership will intensify to the point where signs of its collapse may begin to appear,” a security source stated.

Displaced Palestinians, fleeing northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, are moving southward following orders from Israeli forces for residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the central Gaza Strip, on September 17, 2025.

(Photo credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa)

By AMIR BOHBOT

https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-867857