The US shutdown now in its second month is threatening the food security of millions of Americans at a time when president trump is getting a new ballroom made in the white house. The public anger is rising, with questions being raised on the government's priority between aesthetics and Americans going hungry.

Outrage on Trump's Ballroom Plan as Food Aid Cut 

The US shutdown now entering its second month is threatening the food security of millions of Americans.
However, on Friday, a US Court ordered the administration to use contingency funding to at least partially keep the food assistance program operational.

US Shutdown Latest: Court Orders Emergency Funds for Food Aid 

Court Orders Emergency Funds for Food Aid 

Most people will agree that late-night cravings can feel like an unstoppable force. One moment you’re winding down to bed and the next you’re heading to the fridge for snacks you don’t even need. While occasional indulgence is harmless, frequent nighttime eating can lead to weight gain, poor digestion and disrupted sleep. But you need not worry. With some mindful strategies, you can train your body and mind to overcome those irresistible urges.&nbsp;<h2>Why do we crave food at night?</h2>&nbsp;Cravings are not just about hunger, they are often influenced by stress, lack of sleep, emotional triggers or even boredom. It is said that people tend to reach for calorie-dense foods like chips, chocolate and sweets late in the evening, partly because the body is seeking comfort or quick energy. &nbsp;&nbsp;Here are 7 simple hacks to stop nighttime cravings:&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/navya-nair-rice-tea-dairy-products-not-just-jasmine-flowers-australian-customs-do-not-allow-a-long-and-bizarre-list-of-items-at-their-airports-1757323220305">Not just flowers, Australian Customs do not allow a long list of these items</a><h2>Eat enough during the day</h2>Skipping meals or eating too little during the day often backfires at night. When your body feels deprived, it naturally craves high-calorie foods later. Aim for three balanced meals and two healthy snacks daily to keep energy levels stable.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/cate-blanchett-to-aishwarya-rai-celebrities-who-chose-giorgio-armani-for-red-carpet-appearances-1756998110706">Cate Blanchett to Aishwarya Rai: Celebrities who chose Armani for the red carpet</a><h2>Prioritize protein in every meal</h2>&nbsp;Protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, legumes and nuts keep you fuller for longer. As per experts, eating more protein reduces post-meal cravings and prevents late-night hunger pangs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/princess-diana-s-death-anniversary-here-s-list-of-films-series-based-on-her-life-1756639872233">Want to know more about Princess Diana? Here's list of films &amp; series based on her life</a><h2>Get quality sleep</h2>Lack of sleep disrupts hunger hormones, increasing ghrelin (hunger hormone) and lowering leptin (satiety hormone). This imbalance makes you crave high-sugar and high-fat foods. Prioritize 7-9 hours of proper sleep by limiting caffeine late in the day, reducing screen time before bed and creating a calming night routine.<h2>Manage stress effectively</h2>Emotional eating is one of the biggest drivers of nighttime cravings. Instead of turning to food, practice stress-relief habits like deep breathing, yoga, journaling or even a short evening walk. Finding non-food ways to relax helps break the cycle of comfort eating.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/independence-day-special-british-opium-trade-to-indian-kitchens-aloo-posto-the-dark-history-of-bengal-s-comfort-food-1755254495154">British opium trade to Indian kitchens- Dark history of Bengal's comfort food</a><h2>Food flexibility is the key</h2>Labeling foods as “forbidden” often makes cravings worse. Restrictive diets can fuel an “all-or-nothing” mindset, leading to overeating later. Instead, adopt a balanced approach where you allow small portions of your favourite foods without guilt.&nbsp;<h2>Distract your mind with non-food pleasures</h2>Sometimes cravings aren’t about hunger but about wanting comfort or enjoyment. Swap late-night snacking with small pleasures like listening to music, reading, meditating or enjoying a soothing cup of herbal tea.&nbsp;<h2>Practice mindful eating</h2>If you do snack, make it intentional. Sit down without distractions, eat slowly and truly savour the flavours. This practice helps you recognize when you’re full and prevents mindless overeating in front of the TV or computer.&nbsp;


Nighttime cravings are a common problem for many people. But they don’t have to control you. By practicing some simple eating habits, you can reduce late-night hunger and make healthier choices. Read on to know more. 



Most people will agree that late-night cravings can feel like an unstoppable force. One moment you’re winding down to bed and the next you’re heading to the fridge for snacks you don’t even need. While occasional indulgence is harmless, frequent nighttime eating can lead to weight gain, poor digestion and disrupted sleep. But you need not worry. With some mindful strategies, you can train your body and mind to overcome those irresistible urges. Why do we crave food at night? Cravings are not just about hunger, they are often influenced by stress, lack of sleep, emotional triggers or even boredom. It is said that people tend to reach for calorie-dense foods like chips, chocolate and sweets late in the evening, partly because the body is seeking comfort or quick energy. Here are 7 simple hacks to stop nighttime cravings: Also Read: Not just flowers, Australian Customs do not allow a long list of these items Eat enough during the day Skipping meals or eating too little during the day often backfires at night. When your body feels deprived, it naturally craves high-calorie foods later. Aim for three balanced meals and two healthy snacks daily to keep energy levels stable. Also Read: Cate Blanchett to Aishwarya Rai: Celebrities who chose Armani for the red carpet Prioritize protein in every meal Protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, legumes and nuts keep you fuller for longer. As per experts, eating more protein reduces post-meal cravings and prevents late-night hunger pangs. Also Read: Want to know more about Princess Diana? Here's list of films & series based on her life Get quality sleep Lack of sleep disrupts hunger hormones, increasing ghrelin (hunger hormone) and lowering leptin (satiety hormone). This imbalance makes you crave high-sugar and high-fat foods. Prioritize 7-9 hours of proper sleep by limiting caffeine late in the day, reducing screen time before bed and creating a calming night routine. Manage stress effectively Emotional eating is one of the biggest drivers of nighttime cravings. Instead of turning to food, practice stress-relief habits like deep breathing, yoga, journaling or even a short evening walk. Finding non-food ways to relax helps break the cycle of comfort eating. Also Read: British opium trade to Indian kitchens- Dark history of Bengal's comfort food Food flexibility is the key Labeling foods as “forbidden” often makes cravings worse. Restrictive diets can fuel an “all-or-nothing” mindset, leading to overeating later. Instead, adopt a balanced approach where you allow small portions of your favourite foods without guilt. Distract your mind with non-food pleasures Sometimes cravings aren’t about hunger but about wanting comfort or enjoyment. Swap late-night snacking with small pleasures like listening to music, reading, meditating or enjoying a soothing cup of herbal tea. Practice mindful eating If you do snack, make it intentional. Sit down without distractions, eat slowly and truly savour the flavours. This practice helps you recognize when you’re full and prevents mindless overeating in front of the TV or computer.

Nighttime cravings are a common problem for many people. But they don’t have to control you. By practicing some simple eating habits, you can reduce late-night hunger and make healthier choices. Read on to know more.

Mid-night food cravings? Simple tips to prevent late eating

The US President Donald Trump administration is set to destroy nearly 500 metric tons of emergency food, which was kept for starving people around the world. The high-nutrient food has remained untouched since Trump ceased United States Agency for International Development (USAID) operations.&nbsp;The food, worth $800,000,000, has been getting ruined for months in a warehouse in Dubai, according to a former USAID official.&nbsp;The food, which will now be obliterated, could have sustained about 1.5 million children for a week. However, according to an Atlantic report, the disposal process will start soon, involving incineration, and is expected to cost an additional $130,000.&nbsp;Earlier, the agency was supposed to distribute the food to underprivileged children in regions of Africa and the Middle East.&nbsp;This comes as the US State Department is planning to lay off 1300 employees this week, as it accused the department of excessive spending and fraudulent conduct.<h2>'Government abuse'</h2>Democratic Representative Adam Smith slammed Trump for "waste and government abuse". He stressed that in the coming weeks, the food enough for a million children, will be torched at a cost of $130,000.“The Trump administration is destroying 500 metric tons of emergency food—and making US taxpayers foot the bill,” Smith said.&nbsp;“In the coming weeks, high-energy biscuits, enough to feed 1.5 million children, will be torched at a cost of $130,000. This comes after $800,000 in taxpayer funds were already spent to purchase the food. This is the very definition of waste and government abuse."&nbsp;He stressed the need to restore critical foreign aid programs that save lives, "rather than let vulnerable children starve while we burn the food that could have fed them.”<h2>'Could have been given to Gaza'</h2>A former USAID official, who spoke anonymously, said that before the Trump administration dismantles USAID, the agency's personnel would have kept a record of expiration dates of food. As the dates of expiration came nearer, they could have asked colleagues to send the food aid to those regions where it was needed.&nbsp;The food could have been sent to places that desperately needed it, like Gaza.&nbsp;The former official explained that two rations of biscuits a day is enough to stop people from dying. They made “perfect sense” in the catastrophic situation of Gaza, “because there is no clean water, there’s no way to cook, no oil, no fires,” the official told CNN.&nbsp;“It’s just heartbreaking to see with these biscuits, because they’re the perfect emergency food aid, it’s hard to see them go to waste,” the official added.&nbsp;Meanwhile, a state department spokesperson has confirmed the obliteration of food aid, since they are unable to use it before it expires. “USAID has had to destroy commodities under previous administrations with similar circumstances – this is not unique,” the spokesperson said.

The US will be destroying 500 tons of food aid, which would have been distributed to millions of starving children across Africa and Middle East, as the Trump administration has ceased USAID operations. The disposal process is expected to begin soon, which will cost another $130,000. 

The US President Donald Trump administration is set to destroy nearly 500 metric tons of emergency food, which was kept for starving people around the world. The high-nutrient food has remained untouched since Trump ceased United States Agency for International Development (USAID) operations. The food, worth $800,000,000, has been getting ruined for months in a warehouse in Dubai, according to a former USAID official. The food, which will now be obliterated, could have sustained about 1.5 million children for a week. However, according to an Atlantic report, the disposal process will start soon, involving incineration, and is expected to cost an additional $130,000. Earlier, the agency was supposed to distribute the food to underprivileged children in regions of Africa and the Middle East. This comes as the US State Department is planning to lay off 1300 employees this week, as it accused the department of excessive spending and fraudulent conduct. 'Government abuse' Democratic Representative Adam Smith slammed Trump for "waste and government abuse". He stressed that in the coming weeks, the food enough for a million children, will be torched at a cost of $130,000. “The Trump administration is destroying 500 metric tons of emergency food—and making US taxpayers foot the bill,” Smith said. “In the coming weeks, high-energy biscuits, enough to feed 1.5 million children, will be torched at a cost of $130,000. This comes after $800,000 in taxpayer funds were already spent to purchase the food. This is the very definition of waste and government abuse." He stressed the need to restore critical foreign aid programs that save lives, "rather than let vulnerable children starve while we burn the food that could have fed them.” 'Could have been given to Gaza' A former USAID official, who spoke anonymously, said that before the Trump administration dismantles USAID, the agency's personnel would have kept a record of expiration dates of food. As the dates of expiration came nearer, they could have asked colleagues to send the food aid to those regions where it was needed. The food could have been sent to places that desperately needed it, like Gaza. The former official explained that two rations of biscuits a day is enough to stop people from dying. They made “perfect sense” in the catastrophic situation of Gaza, “because there is no clean water, there’s no way to cook, no oil, no fires,” the official told CNN. “It’s just heartbreaking to see with these biscuits, because they’re the perfect emergency food aid, it’s hard to see them go to waste,” the official added. Meanwhile, a state department spokesperson has confirmed the obliteration of food aid, since they are unable to use it before it expires. “USAID has had to destroy commodities under previous administrations with similar circumstances – this is not unique,” the spokesperson said.

The US will be destroying 500 tons of food aid, which would have been distributed to millions of starving children across Africa and Middle East, as the Trump administration has ceased USAID operations. The disposal process is expected to begin soon, which will cost another $130,000.&nbsp;

US to burn food meant for 1.5mn starving children? Trump admin set to destroy 500 tons of emergency food - Here's what we know

UNICEF has warned that a significant section of young children worldwide lack access to proper nutrition.

Alarmingly, over 25% of children under five years of age live in ‘severe’ food poverty, translating to more than 180 million facing detrimental effects on their growth and development.

Harriet Torlesse, a lead writer of a new UNICEF report published late Wednesday (June 5), told AFP news agency that It is shocking in this day and age where we know what needs to be done.

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UNICEF advises that young children eat foods daily from five of eight main groups -- breast milk; grains, roots, tubers and plantains; pulses, nuts and seeds; dairy; meat, poultry and fish; eggs; vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables; and other fruits and vegetables.

Shockingly 440 million children under five across 100 low- and middle-income countries are grappling with food poverty. This means their diets lack the essential variety they need, hindering their growth and development.

Of those, 181 million are experiencing severe food poverty, eating from at most two food groups.

"Children who eat just two food groups per day -- for example, rice and some milk -- are up to 50 per cent more likely to experience severe forms of malnutrition," UNICEF chief Catherine Russell said in a statement accompanying the report.

Malnutrition can lead to emaciation- a state of being abnormally thin that can be deadly.

"When these children are adults, they find it difficult to earn a decent income, and that turns the cycle of poverty from one generation to the next," the nutrition expert said.

The burden of severe child food poverty falls disproportionately on a small number of countries. Somalia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Afghanistan are particularly affected, with over half of their young children (63%, &nbsp;54%, &nbsp;53% and &nbsp;49%) facing this challenge.

While the data for wealthy countries is not available, children in low-income households there also suffer from nutritional gaps.

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The UN Children's Fund report says that the current circumstances in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is waging a war against Hamas militant group,&nbsp;have brought the food and health systems to collapse. It showed about nine in 10 children were living in severe food poverty.

The report further called for a change of the global food processing system, stating that sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods were being aggressively marketed.

“While these cheap foods may be tempting because they fill stomachs quickly with high calories, salt, and fat, they're like empty calories. These lack the essential vitamins and minerals children need for healthy growth and development,” explains Harriet Torlesse.

(With inputs from agencies)

UNICEF has warned that a significant section of young children worldwide lack access to proper nutrition. Alarmingly, over 25% of children under five years of age live in ‘severe’ food poverty, translating to more than 180 million facing detrimental effects on their growth and development.

UNICEF has warned that a significant section of young children worldwide lack access to proper nutrition. Alarmingly, over 25% of children under five years of age live in ‘severe’ food poverty, translating to more than 180 million facing detrimental effects on their growth and development. Harriet Torlesse, a lead writer of a new UNICEF report published late Wednesday (June 5), told AFP news agency that It is shocking in this day and age where we know what needs to be done. Also read: Israel hits 'Hamas compound' inside central Gaza UN school; 27 killed UNICEF advises that young children eat foods daily from five of eight main groups -- breast milk; grains, roots, tubers and plantains; pulses, nuts and seeds; dairy; meat, poultry and fish; eggs; vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables; and other fruits and vegetables. Shockingly 440 million children under five across 100 low- and middle-income countries are grappling with food poverty. This means their diets lack the essential variety they need, hindering their growth and development. Of those, 181 million are experiencing severe food poverty, eating from at most two food groups. "Children who eat just two food groups per day -- for example, rice and some milk -- are up to 50 per cent more likely to experience severe forms of malnutrition," UNICEF chief Catherine Russell said in a statement accompanying the report. Malnutrition can lead to emaciation- a state of being abnormally thin that can be deadly. "When these children are adults, they find it difficult to earn a decent income, and that turns the cycle of poverty from one generation to the next," the nutrition expert said. The burden of severe child food poverty falls disproportionately on a small number of countries. Somalia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Afghanistan are particularly affected, with over half of their young children (63%, 54%, 53% and 49%) facing this challenge. While the data for wealthy countries is not available, children in low-income households there also suffer from nutritional gaps. Also read: Ukraine-bound train crashes in Czech city Pardubice; 4 dead, dozens injured The UN Children's Fund report says that the current circumstances in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is waging a war against Hamas militant group, have brought the food and health systems to collapse. It showed about nine in 10 children were living in severe food poverty. The report further called for a change of the global food processing system, stating that sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods were being aggressively marketed. “While these cheap foods may be tempting because they fill stomachs quickly with high calories, salt, and fat, they're like empty calories. These lack the essential vitamins and minerals children need for healthy growth and development,” explains Harriet Torlesse. (With inputs from agencies)

1 in 4 young children living in severe food poverty: UNICEF

Death toll rose to 112&nbsp;after Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds of Gazans waiting for food aid near Gaza City, on Thursday (Feb 29), according to Hamas-run health ministry officials. While the death toll in the Palestinian enclave amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, according to the Gaza health ministry, crossed 30,000.&nbsp;

<h2>‘A massacre’</h2>

The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the attack on Gazans who were waiting for food aid and called it a cold-blooded “massacre.”&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel War: At least 104 killed, over 700 injured; Palestinian officials accuse Israel of attack

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-at-least-104-killed-over-700-injured-palestinian-officials-accuse-israel-of-attack-695252/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">After the initial reports of 50 people being killed during the attack, the Palestinian foreign ministry confirming the incident said at least 70 Palestinians were killed and 250 others&nbsp;wounded.&nbsp;</div>

The death toll was later revised to 112, with about 760&nbsp;injured, by the Hamas-run health ministry after it said that eight more people had been confirmed&nbsp;dead as their bodies arrived at al-Shifa Hospital.&nbsp;

A witness told AFP the violence unfolded at the Nabulsi roundabout in the western part of Gaza City as thousands of Palestinians rushed towards the trucks carrying food aid.&nbsp;

“Trucks full of aid came too close to some army tanks that were in the area and the crowd, thousands of people, just stormed the trucks,” said the witness, who declined to be named for safety reasons.

The witness added, “The soldiers fired at the crowd as people came too close to the tanks.”

“We went to get flour. The Israeli army shot at us. There are many martyrs on the ground and until this moment we are withdrawing them. There is no first aid,” another witness told Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

The death toll is expected to top 100, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra had previously said&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;

It added, “Medical teams are unable to deal with the volume and type of injuries arriving at Al-Shifa Medical Complex as a result of weak medical and human capabilities.”

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<h2>Gunfire caused 10 out of hundreds of casualties: IDF probe</h2>

The Israeli army said that humanitarian aid was being delivered to the northern Gaza Strip when a “violent gathering” erupted around the trucks and Palestinians looted the equipment. Israeli gunfire caused some&nbsp;10 casualties out of the hundreds reported, according to&nbsp;Israel Defence Forces' (IDF), initial probe into the incident suggested.

According to Israeli forces, there was a&nbsp;stampede as Palestinians in the area rushed towards the aid trucks.

Subsequently, a&nbsp;small group of Palestinians began to move toward IDF troops stationed there&nbsp;reportedly prompting its soldiers&nbsp;to fire warning shots&nbsp;in the air and at the legs of those who were getting closer.&nbsp;

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The incident, as per Israel, began around 4:00 am (local time)&nbsp;when some 30 trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrived&nbsp;in the Rimal neighbourhood and thousands of Palestinians rushed to the trucks passing&nbsp;an IDF checkpoint.&nbsp;

Israeli forces also claim that some Palestinians were&nbsp;run over by the trucks and that some vehicles&nbsp;managed to continue further north where&nbsp;armed men allegedly&nbsp;opened fire at the convoy near Rimal and looted it.

The UN estimates that 2.2 million people in Gaza amid Israel’s relentless military campaign to eliminate Hamas are threatened with famine, particularly in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave where destruction, fighting and looting make the delivery of food nearly impossible.&nbsp;

A report by the Times of Israel citing a&nbsp;military source said after the incident some people from the crowd began moving towards Israeli soldiers stationed in the area to&nbsp;coordinate entry of aid trucks&nbsp;to northern Gaza. The source told the Israeli media that&nbsp;troops opened fire at the crowd after feeling “endangered”.&nbsp;

<h2>Death toll in Gaza crosses 30,000: Gaza health ministry&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>

At least 30,035 people, mostly women and children, have been killed and 70,457 wounded in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group since October 7, said the Hamas-run health ministry, on Thursday (Feb 29).&nbsp;

At least 1,200 people were killed in Israel after Hamas launched its October 7 attack on southern Israel and more than 250 people were taken as hostages, according to the Israeli officials.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Death toll rose to 112 after Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds of Gazans waiting for food aid near Gaza City, on Thursday (Feb 29), according to Hamas-run health ministry officials.

Death toll rose to 112 after Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds of Gazans waiting for food aid near Gaza City, on Thursday (Feb 29), according to Hamas-run health ministry officials. While the death toll in the Palestinian enclave amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, according to the Gaza health ministry, crossed 30,000. ‘A massacre’ The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the attack on Gazans who were waiting for food aid and called it a cold-blooded “massacre.” WATCH | Israel War: At least 104 killed, over 700 injured; Palestinian officials accuse Israel of attack After the initial reports of 50 people being killed during the attack, the Palestinian foreign ministry confirming the incident said at least 70 Palestinians were killed and 250 others wounded. The death toll was later revised to 112, with about 760 injured, by the Hamas-run health ministry after it said that eight more people had been confirmed dead as their bodies arrived at al-Shifa Hospital. A witness told AFP the violence unfolded at the Nabulsi roundabout in the western part of Gaza City as thousands of Palestinians rushed towards the trucks carrying food aid. “Trucks full of aid came too close to some army tanks that were in the area and the crowd, thousands of people, just stormed the trucks,” said the witness, who declined to be named for safety reasons. The witness added, “The soldiers fired at the crowd as people came too close to the tanks.” “We went to get flour. The Israeli army shot at us. There are many martyrs on the ground and until this moment we are withdrawing them. There is no first aid,” another witness told Al Jazeera. The death toll is expected to top 100, Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra had previously said in a statement. It added, “Medical teams are unable to deal with the volume and type of injuries arriving at Al-Shifa Medical Complex as a result of weak medical and human capabilities.” Also Read | Australian intelligence chief says former politician sold out nation to foreign spy ring Gunfire caused 10 out of hundreds of casualties: IDF probe The Israeli army said that humanitarian aid was being delivered to the northern Gaza Strip when a “violent gathering” erupted around the trucks and Palestinians looted the equipment. Israeli gunfire caused some 10 casualties out of the hundreds reported, according to Israel Defence Forces' (IDF), initial probe into the incident suggested. According to Israeli forces, there was a stampede as Palestinians in the area rushed towards the aid trucks. Subsequently, a small group of Palestinians began to move toward IDF troops stationed there reportedly prompting its soldiers to fire warning shots in the air and at the legs of those who were getting closer. Also Read | North Korea's first spy satellite is 'alive' and can manoeuvre in space, say experts The incident, as per Israel, began around 4:00 am (local time) when some 30 trucks carrying humanitarian aid arrived in the Rimal neighbourhood and thousands of Palestinians rushed to the trucks passing an IDF checkpoint. Israeli forces also claim that some Palestinians were run over by the trucks and that some vehicles managed to continue further north where armed men allegedly opened fire at the convoy near Rimal and looted it. The UN estimates that 2.2 million people in Gaza amid Israel’s relentless military campaign to eliminate Hamas are threatened with famine, particularly in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave where destruction, fighting and looting make the delivery of food nearly impossible. A report by the Times of Israel citing a military source said after the incident some people from the crowd began moving towards Israeli soldiers stationed in the area to coordinate entry of aid trucks to northern Gaza. The source told the Israeli media that troops opened fire at the crowd after feeling “endangered”. Death toll in Gaza crosses 30,000: Gaza health ministry At least 30,035 people, mostly women and children, have been killed and 70,457 wounded in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group since October 7, said the Hamas-run health ministry, on Thursday (Feb 29). At least 1,200 people were killed in Israel after Hamas launched its October 7 attack on southern Israel and more than 250 people were taken as hostages, according to the Israeli officials. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas says 112 killed as fire opened on Gazans collecting food aid; IDF claims truck drove into Palestinians

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on Thursday it was suspending food aid to Ethiopia because its donations were being diverted from people in need.

A spokesperson said in a statement that USAID had determined, in coordination with the Ethiopian government, that a "widespread and coordinated campaign is diverting food assistance from the people of Ethiopia".

The statement did not say who was behind the campaign.

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The United States is by far the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, where more than 20 million people need food aid, most of them due to drought and a recently-concluded war in the northern Tigray region.

According to an internal briefing by a group of foreign donors to Ethiopia seen by Reuters, USAID believes the food has been diverted to Ethiopian military units.

"The scheme appears to be orchestrated by federal and regional government entities, with military units across the country benefiting from humanitarian assistance," said the document from the Humanitarian and Resilience Donor Group (HRDG), which includes USAID.

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Spokespeople for the Ethiopian government and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. USAID declined to comment on the report.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the issue on Thursday with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the margins of a conference in Saudi Arabia.

The State Department said afterwards that Blinken welcomed a commitment by Ethiopia's government to work with the United States to conduct a full investigation.

Watch | CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht quits

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The USAID spokesperson said the agency intended to resume food assistance as soon as it was confident in the integrity of the system.

USAID and the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) had already suspended food aid to the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray last month in response to information that large amounts of aid there were being diverted.

A two-year war in Tigray between the federal government and forces led by the region's dominant political party ended in a truce in November after killing tens of thousands of people and creating famine-like conditions for hundreds of thousands.

In the 2022 fiscal year, USAID disbursed nearly $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia, most of it food aid.

The HRDG briefing document, which was circulated among donors on Wednesday, recommended that Ethiopia's government allow donors to deliver aid through "alternative modalities" like cash transfers.

It also urged donors to call on Ethiopia's government to make a public statement condemning the diversion and demanding that aid workers not be harassed.

Ethiopia's food crisis has deepened in recent years as a result of the war in Tigray and the Horn of Africa's worst drought in decades.

WFP is also investigating "systemic" food diversion across Ethiopia, according to an email sent last week by the agency's deputy director to staff in Ethiopia.

A WFP spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on Thursday it was suspending food aid to Ethiopia because its donations were being diverted from people in need.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said on Thursday it was suspending food aid to Ethiopia because its donations were being diverted from people in need. A spokesperson said in a statement that USAID had determined, in coordination with the Ethiopian government, that a "widespread and coordinated campaign is diverting food assistance from the people of Ethiopia". The statement did not say who was behind the campaign. Also Read | AI 'nuclear weapon of software': WION speaks to DeepAI founder Kevin Baragona The United States is by far the largest humanitarian donor to Ethiopia, where more than 20 million people need food aid, most of them due to drought and a recently-concluded war in the northern Tigray region. According to an internal briefing by a group of foreign donors to Ethiopia seen by Reuters, USAID believes the food has been diverted to Ethiopian military units. "The scheme appears to be orchestrated by federal and regional government entities, with military units across the country benefiting from humanitarian assistance," said the document from the Humanitarian and Resilience Donor Group (HRDG), which includes USAID. Also Read | Anti-gay protests in Los Angeles after school votes on recognizing June as Pride month Spokespeople for the Ethiopian government and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. USAID declined to comment on the report. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the issue on Thursday with Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the margins of a conference in Saudi Arabia. The State Department said afterwards that Blinken welcomed a commitment by Ethiopia's government to work with the United States to conduct a full investigation. Watch | CNN Chairman and CEO Chris Licht quits × The USAID spokesperson said the agency intended to resume food assistance as soon as it was confident in the integrity of the system. USAID and the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) had already suspended food aid to the northern Ethiopian region of Tigray last month in response to information that large amounts of aid there were being diverted. A two-year war in Tigray between the federal government and forces led by the region's dominant political party ended in a truce in November after killing tens of thousands of people and creating famine-like conditions for hundreds of thousands. In the 2022 fiscal year, USAID disbursed nearly $1.5 billion in humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia, most of it food aid. The HRDG briefing document, which was circulated among donors on Wednesday, recommended that Ethiopia's government allow donors to deliver aid through "alternative modalities" like cash transfers. It also urged donors to call on Ethiopia's government to make a public statement condemning the diversion and demanding that aid workers not be harassed. Ethiopia's food crisis has deepened in recent years as a result of the war in Tigray and the Horn of Africa's worst drought in decades. WFP is also investigating "systemic" food diversion across Ethiopia, according to an email sent last week by the agency's deputy director to staff in Ethiopia. A WFP spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US suspends food aid to Ethiopia, says it's not reaching needy

The World Food Programme (WFP) will suspend food aid to over 200,000 Palestinians from next month due to a severe shortage of funds. The most impacted families are in Gaza, where food insecurity and poverty are the highest, and in the West Bank.

World Food Programme suspends aid for 200,000 people in Gaza and West Bank

The United States aid agency (USAID) stated that the shipments of food, which were being sent to the war-torn Tigray region of Ethiopia, have been paused after they discovered that the aid was being illegally sold in the local market. 
 
The announcement was made by USAID administrator Samantha Power in a statement on Wednesday stating that the food aid was intended “for the people of Tigray suffering under famine-like conditions”. 
 
“We have made the difficult decision to pause all USAID-supported food assistance in the Tigray region until further notice,” said Power.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ethiopias-tigray-had-longest-ever-period-of-internet-shutdown-in-2022-566941">Ethiopia's Tigray had longest-ever period of internet shutdown</a>

She further stated that the matter was investigated by USAID’s Office of the Inspector General and the halt was decided as the “best course of action” for the time. 
 
No major return to fighting took place after a peace deal was signed by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian government in November. 
 
However, the issue of food security has remained unresolved even after a blockade was lifted by the government on the northern region which was imposed when the fighting broke out in 2020 so that a free flow of aid can take place. 
 
The move by USAID comes days after it was reported by the Associated Press&nbsp;that the remaining aid deliveries were suspended by World Food Programme (WFP) after an internal investigation revealed the theft of food in the war-torn region, where 20 million people are in dire need of humanitarian support. 
 
In a statement, Power on Wednesday said that the United States “has raised its concerns with officials from both the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray Interim Regional Administration”. 
 
She stated that both the regional and federal authorities had expressed their willingness to help identify those responsible.

WATCH | <a>Fighting intensifies, Sudanese flee in thousands</a>

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“USAID stands ready to restart paused food assistance only when strong oversight measures are in place and we are confident that assistance will reach the intended vulnerable populations,” Power said. 
 
She further stated that other “vital assistance not implicated in the diversion scheme will continue, including life-saving nutritional supplements, safe drinking water, and support for agricultural activities and development”. 
 
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the government of Ethiopia and the southern-based Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) concluded the first round of peace talks without any concrete agreements. 
 
The two sides, however, expressed their commitment to continue the talks.

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The United States aid agency (USAID) stated that the shipments of food, which were being sent to the war-torn Tigray region of Ethiopia, have been paused after they discovered that the aid was being illegally sold in the local market.

The United States aid agency (USAID) stated that the shipments of food, which were being sent to the war-torn Tigray region of Ethiopia, have been paused after they discovered that the aid was being illegally sold in the local market. The announcement was made by USAID administrator Samantha Power in a statement on Wednesday stating that the food aid was intended “for the people of Tigray suffering under famine-like conditions”. “We have made the difficult decision to pause all USAID-supported food assistance in the Tigray region until further notice,” said Power. ALSO READ | Ethiopia's Tigray had longest-ever period of internet shutdown She further stated that the matter was investigated by USAID’s Office of the Inspector General and the halt was decided as the “best course of action” for the time. No major return to fighting took place after a peace deal was signed by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian government in November. However, the issue of food security has remained unresolved even after a blockade was lifted by the government on the northern region which was imposed when the fighting broke out in 2020 so that a free flow of aid can take place. The move by USAID comes days after it was reported by the Associated Press that the remaining aid deliveries were suspended by World Food Programme (WFP) after an internal investigation revealed the theft of food in the war-torn region, where 20 million people are in dire need of humanitarian support. In a statement, Power on Wednesday said that the United States “has raised its concerns with officials from both the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray Interim Regional Administration”. She stated that both the regional and federal authorities had expressed their willingness to help identify those responsible. WATCH | Fighting intensifies, Sudanese flee in thousands “USAID stands ready to restart paused food assistance only when strong oversight measures are in place and we are confident that assistance will reach the intended vulnerable populations,” Power said. She further stated that other “vital assistance not implicated in the diversion scheme will continue, including life-saving nutritional supplements, safe drinking water, and support for agricultural activities and development”. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the government of Ethiopia and the southern-based Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) concluded the first round of peace talks without any concrete agreements. The two sides, however, expressed their commitment to continue the talks. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US alleges illicit sale of food aid in Tigray, pauses shipments

More than a million children in the UK received food aid in the past 12 months, an increase of 300,000 from a year earlier, as the country battles a cost of living crisis, latest figures showed.

Charity: Over one million UK children received food aid in 12 months

Eleven people were killed in a stampede during the distribution of food aid in Pakistan's Karachi city on Friday (March 31), according to a report by the news agency Reuters. The police said that the deceased included five women and three children, adding five other people were hospitalised following the incident,&nbsp;which occurred at a charity-run distribution site set up at a local factory.&nbsp;

Fida Janwari, a senior police officer in western Karachi's Baldia Town neighbourhood, told the news agency AFP that three factory employees were arrested after failing to inform police about organising the donation event for proper crowd control.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-launch-assault-on-police-station-kill-four-policemen-in-bomb-attack-577248">Pakistan Taliban launch assault on police station, kill four policemen in bomb attack</a>

This stampede in Karachi comes after one person was killed and eight others injured in a stampede for flour in northwestern Pakistan last week.&nbsp;

The central government has launched a flour distribution programme to reach millions of families in need during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan which started last week.

Thousands of people in Pakistan have gathered at flour distribution centres set up across the country, some as part of a government-backed programme to ease the impact of inflation, which is running above 30 per cent.&nbsp;

Citing official records, Reuters reported on Friday that thousands of bags of flour have also been looted from trucks and distribution points.&nbsp;

Pakistan's finances have been hobbled by decades of financial mismanagement and political chaos. The country is deep in debt and must enact tough tax reforms and push up utility prices if it hopes to unlock another tranche of a $6.5 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bail-out and avoid defaulting.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Eleven people were killed in a stampede during the distribution of food aid in Pakistan's Karachi city on Friday (March 31), according to a report by the news agency Reuters.

Eleven people were killed in a stampede during the distribution of food aid in Pakistan's Karachi city on Friday (March 31), according to a report by the news agency Reuters. The police said that the deceased included five women and three children, adding five other people were hospitalised following the incident, which occurred at a charity-run distribution site set up at a local factory. Fida Janwari, a senior police officer in western Karachi's Baldia Town neighbourhood, told the news agency AFP that three factory employees were arrested after failing to inform police about organising the donation event for proper crowd control. ALSO READ | Pakistan Taliban launch assault on police station, kill four policemen in bomb attack This stampede in Karachi comes after one person was killed and eight others injured in a stampede for flour in northwestern Pakistan last week. The central government has launched a flour distribution programme to reach millions of families in need during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan which started last week. Thousands of people in Pakistan have gathered at flour distribution centres set up across the country, some as part of a government-backed programme to ease the impact of inflation, which is running above 30 per cent. Citing official records, Reuters reported on Friday that thousands of bags of flour have also been looted from trucks and distribution points. Pakistan's finances have been hobbled by decades of financial mismanagement and political chaos. The country is deep in debt and must enact tough tax reforms and push up utility prices if it hopes to unlock another tranche of a $6.5 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bail-out and avoid defaulting. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan: 11 killed in stampede during free food distribution in Karachi city

There is a massive food crisis across Sri Lanka. The situation has turned five out of six households to resort to consuming less or even skipping meals entirely.

Reports: 22% of Sri Lankans need food aid | Five out of six families skip meals

The United Nations met requests for funds on Tuesday (July 6), to help the Central African Republic deal with a growing food crisis. The organisation’s World Food Programme (WFP) said that a nation of 5.5 million people, 2.2 million amongst them are stated to be acutely food insecure and the situations are expected to get worse over the next few months. The spokesman for the WFP, Tomson Phiri, told the reporters, “The Central African Republic is facing unprecedented humanitarian needs and a deteriorating food security situation,” reported by AFP.

Prior to the rainy season, which impedes access to much of the country’s food stock and lasts from July to September, WFP said it’s been difficult to pre-position the food inventories in shortage areas. Phiri said that the WFP was urgently appealing for $68.4 million. He further added that getting food into the CAR was taking longer than usual and getting petrol was a challenge. Millions of people will continue to experience food and nutrition without rapid funding, he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-is-actually-a-hostage-zelensky-blames-food-crisis-on-russia-490049">Also read |&nbsp;'Africa is actually a hostage': Zelensky blames food crisis on Russia</a>

The representative said, the WFP may have to reallocate food from people who are already hungry ‘to the one who are hungrier.’ He said, “Given the current levels of food insecurity and operational constraints, we expect the humanitarian needs to further deteriorate.”

Watch |&nbsp;WION Wideangle | Food: A weapon of war?

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He further added, “Our teams are telling us that humanitarian assistance will be required well beyond 2022 and into 2023."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-north-korea-grapples-with-food-crisis-flour-now-a-luxury-item-report-492992">As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report</a>

Acute food insecurity affects one of the greatest per cent in CAR, along with countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and South Sudan.&nbsp;

CAR is one of the poorest nations in the world, it has spent much of the previous 9 years ripped apart by the civil wars, however, the intensity had decreased since the year 2018.&nbsp;

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(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

The United Nations met requests for funds on Tuesday (July 6), to help the Central African Republic deal with a growing food crisis. The organisation’s World Food Programme (WFP) said that a nation of 5.

The United Nations met requests for funds on Tuesday (July 6), to help the Central African Republic deal with a growing food crisis. The organisation’s World Food Programme (WFP) said that a nation of 5.5 million people, 2.2 million amongst them are stated to be acutely food insecure and the situations are expected to get worse over the next few months. The spokesman for the WFP, Tomson Phiri, told the reporters, “The Central African Republic is facing unprecedented humanitarian needs and a deteriorating food security situation,” reported by AFP. Prior to the rainy season, which impedes access to much of the country’s food stock and lasts from July to September, WFP said it’s been difficult to pre-position the food inventories in shortage areas. Phiri said that the WFP was urgently appealing for $68.4 million. He further added that getting food into the CAR was taking longer than usual and getting petrol was a challenge. Millions of people will continue to experience food and nutrition without rapid funding, he said. Also read | 'Africa is actually a hostage': Zelensky blames food crisis on Russia The representative said, the WFP may have to reallocate food from people who are already hungry ‘to the one who are hungrier.’ He said, “Given the current levels of food insecurity and operational constraints, we expect the humanitarian needs to further deteriorate.” Watch | WION Wideangle | Food: A weapon of war? He further added, “Our teams are telling us that humanitarian assistance will be required well beyond 2022 and into 2023." Also read | As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report Acute food insecurity affects one of the greatest per cent in CAR, along with countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and South Sudan. CAR is one of the poorest nations in the world, it has spent much of the previous 9 years ripped apart by the civil wars, however, the intensity had decreased since the year 2018. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

UN requests for urgent funds to help Central African Republic with food crisis

The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations on Thursday (June 16) began providing food aid to thousands of pregnant women in Sri Lanka amid an economic crisis. The body has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis where millions are in need of assistance, claiming that four out of five people began skipping meals because they cannot afford it. The organisation provided 2,000 food vouchers in Colombo’s 'underserved'&nbsp;districts. Anthea Webb, the deputy regional director for Asia and Pacific of WFP said, “When they skip meals they're putting their and their children's health at risk.”&nbsp;

The South Asian country has been in a limited supply of food, medicines, and fuel owing to diminishing foreign currency reserves and the government’s mismanagement. Due to the escalating fuel shortages, the government declared an additional holiday and ordered all schools to close on Friday to preserve diesel and gasoline.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-cabinet-approves-several-measures-to-facilitate-economic-recovery-488156">Sri Lankan cabinet approves several measures to facilitate economic recovery</a>&nbsp;

The world organisation’s attempts to support three million Sri Lankas suffering due to rising prices, as per the WFP includes the issuance of cash vouchers worth 15,000 rupees ($40). The organisation hopes to generate $60 million for the food aid operation between July and December this year.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Sri Lanka fuel crisis worsens&nbsp;

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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/crisis-hit-public-servants-to-get-extra-day-off-to-grow-crops-to-help-with-food-shortage-488146">Take extra day off, grow crops in your backyards: Crisis-hit Sri Lanka to public servants</a>&nbsp;

The WFP says it intends to help a million youngsters to get at least one meal a school and provide millions of infants and women 'nutritious food.’&nbsp;

In addition to this, as per WFP, another million individuals will receive food rations in the form of food, cash or vouchers.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations on Thursday (June 16) began providing food aid to thousands of pregnant women in Sri Lanka amid an economic crisis.

The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations on Thursday (June 16) began providing food aid to thousands of pregnant women in Sri Lanka amid an economic crisis. The body has warned of a potential humanitarian crisis where millions are in need of assistance, claiming that four out of five people began skipping meals because they cannot afford it. The organisation provided 2,000 food vouchers in Colombo’s 'underserved' districts. Anthea Webb, the deputy regional director for Asia and Pacific of WFP said, “When they skip meals they're putting their and their children's health at risk.” The South Asian country has been in a limited supply of food, medicines, and fuel owing to diminishing foreign currency reserves and the government’s mismanagement. Due to the escalating fuel shortages, the government declared an additional holiday and ordered all schools to close on Friday to preserve diesel and gasoline. Also read | Sri Lankan cabinet approves several measures to facilitate economic recovery The world organisation’s attempts to support three million Sri Lankas suffering due to rising prices, as per the WFP includes the issuance of cash vouchers worth 15,000 rupees ($40). The organisation hopes to generate $60 million for the food aid operation between July and December this year. Watch | Gravitas: Sri Lanka fuel crisis worsens Also read | Take extra day off, grow crops in your backyards: Crisis-hit Sri Lanka to public servants The WFP says it intends to help a million youngsters to get at least one meal a school and provide millions of infants and women 'nutritious food.’ In addition to this, as per WFP, another million individuals will receive food rations in the form of food, cash or vouchers. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid economic crisis, United Nations provides food vouchers to pregnant women in Sri Lanka

For four years, drought has devastated homes and has left children without food in Southern Madagascar. Over a million people in the region require emergency food aid.

Drought devastates homes in Southern Madagascar

President Joe Biden signed two executive orders address the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic, including expanding food stamps and beginning the process to require that everyone working for the federal government get a minimum wage of $15 an hour.

Biden signs two executive orders on food aid and worker's protection

Britain said it will pledge $227 million in annual civilian and food aid for Afghanistan at a conference on Tuesday in Geneva where officials from about 70 countries and humanitarian organisations will pledge billions of dollars for the war-torn nation.

Dependent on foreign aid, Afghanistan is at risk of receiving 15-20% less funding than it received at the previous donor conference four years ago, diplomats say, as governments are under intense pressure to make savings as they ramp up spending to help their own economies recover from impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-escape-route-from-coronavirus-in-sight-344966">Boris Johnson says 'escape route' from coronavirus 'in sight'</a>

Withholding funds at this point, diplomats say, could at least provide foreign governments with some leverage to inject a greater sense of urgency into peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives that began in Qatar in September.

Britain, a country with a long and difficult history of involvement in Afghanistan, is the country's third largest bilateral donor, and the amount being pledged in Geneva will be slightly higher than it pledged at the last donor conference in Brussels four years ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-normal-christmas-this-year-says-britains-finance-minister-rishi-sunak-344710">No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak</a>

The statement issued by the UK Mission to the United Nations and World Trade Organisation in Geneva said 155 million pounds ($207 million) would be pledged to support peace and stability in Afghanistan and "improve access to education and vital infrastructure."

Britain would "also announce an extra 15 million pounds ($20 million) to the United Nations' World Food Programme" for Afghanistan.

The latest monetary commitment is separate from the 70 million pounds ($93.32 million) security pledge for Afghan forces for 2021, which Britain announced last month.

In Brussels in 2016, Britain had pledged a total of 750 million pounds for four years, which translated into 187.5 million pounds annually.

At the Brussels conference, Afghanistan obtained total pledges of $15.2 billion for 2017 to 2020, equivalent to $3.8 billion a year.

Britain said it will pledge $227 million in annual civilian and food aid for Afghanistan at a conference on Tuesday in Geneva where officials from about 70 countries and humanitarian organisations will pledge billions of dollars for the war-torn nation.

Britain said it will pledge $227 million in annual civilian and food aid for Afghanistan at a conference on Tuesday in Geneva where officials from about 70 countries and humanitarian organisations will pledge billions of dollars for the war-torn nation. Dependent on foreign aid, Afghanistan is at risk of receiving 15-20% less funding than it received at the previous donor conference four years ago, diplomats say, as governments are under intense pressure to make savings as they ramp up spending to help their own economies recover from impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read| Boris Johnson says 'escape route' from coronavirus 'in sight' Withholding funds at this point, diplomats say, could at least provide foreign governments with some leverage to inject a greater sense of urgency into peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban representatives that began in Qatar in September. Britain, a country with a long and difficult history of involvement in Afghanistan, is the country's third largest bilateral donor, and the amount being pledged in Geneva will be slightly higher than it pledged at the last donor conference in Brussels four years ago. Also read | No 'normal' Christmas this year, says Britain's Finance Minister Rishi Sunak The statement issued by the UK Mission to the United Nations and World Trade Organisation in Geneva said 155 million pounds ($207 million) would be pledged to support peace and stability in Afghanistan and "improve access to education and vital infrastructure." Britain would "also announce an extra 15 million pounds ($20 million) to the United Nations' World Food Programme" for Afghanistan. The latest monetary commitment is separate from the 70 million pounds ($93.32 million) security pledge for Afghan forces for 2021, which Britain announced last month. In Brussels in 2016, Britain had pledged a total of 750 million pounds for four years, which translated into 187.5 million pounds annually. At the Brussels conference, Afghanistan obtained total pledges of $15.2 billion for 2017 to 2020, equivalent to $3.8 billion a year.

Britain pledges $227 million annual civilian and food aid to Afghanistan

More than 1,000 people queued up on Saturday to get free food parcels in Geneva, underscoring the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on the working poor and undocumented immigrants even in wealthy Switzerland.

The line of people stretched for more than 1 km (half a mile) outside an ice rink where volunteers were handing out around 1,500 parcels to people who started queuing as early as 5 a.m.

"At the end of the month, my pockets are empty. We have to pay the bills, the insurance, everything," said Ingrid Berala, a Geneva resident from Nicaragua who works part-time. "This is great, because there is food for a week, a week of relief...I don`t know for next week."

In a nation of nearly 8.6 million, 660,000 people in Switzerland were poor in 2018, charity Caritas says, particularly single parents and those with a low level of education unable to find work after losing a job.

More than 1.1 million people were at risk of poverty, which means they have less than 60% of the median income, which was 6,538 Swiss francs ($6,736) for a full-time job in 2018.

Swiss bank UBS has calculated&nbsp;that Geneva is the second-most expensive global city for a family of three to live in, behind only Zurich. While average incomes are also high, that helps little for people struggling to make ends meet.

"I think a lot people are aware of this, but it is different to see this with your own eyes," said Silvana Matromatteo, head of the aid group Geneva Solidarity Caravan.

"We had people in tears who said `It is not possible that it is happening in my country`. But it is here and maybe the COVID-19 brought everything out and this is good, because we will be able to take measures to support all these workers, because they are workers above all."

Patrick Wieland, chief of mission for the Doctors Without Borders group, said a survey last week showed just over half the food recipients interviewed were undocumented, while others had attained legal status, were Swiss or were seeking asylum.

Just over 3% had been tested positive for COVID-19, three times the overall rate in Geneva, which he attributed to poor and overcrowded housing.

"In Geneva, one of the richest cities in the world, there have always been people living precariously, especially all the people who work as housekeepers, in agriculture, on construction sites or in hotels, and they found themselves overnight without a job because of COVID-19," he said.

One illegal immigrant who called himself Fernando said he lost his restaurant job during the crisis and had no pay.

"I`m very grateful to receive this help and if the situation changes for me, I am committing to do the same thing that they are doing for me," he said.

More than 1,000 people queued up on Saturday to get free food parcels in Geneva, underscoring the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on the working poor and undocumented immigrants even in wealthy Switzerland.

More than 1,000 people queued up on Saturday to get free food parcels in Geneva, underscoring the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on the working poor and undocumented immigrants even in wealthy Switzerland. The line of people stretched for more than 1 km (half a mile) outside an ice rink where volunteers were handing out around 1,500 parcels to people who started queuing as early as 5 a.m. "At the end of the month, my pockets are empty. We have to pay the bills, the insurance, everything," said Ingrid Berala, a Geneva resident from Nicaragua who works part-time. "This is great, because there is food for a week, a week of relief...I don`t know for next week." In a nation of nearly 8.6 million, 660,000 people in Switzerland were poor in 2018, charity Caritas says, particularly single parents and those with a low level of education unable to find work after losing a job. More than 1.1 million people were at risk of poverty, which means they have less than 60% of the median income, which was 6,538 Swiss francs ($6,736) for a full-time job in 2018. Swiss bank UBS has calculated that Geneva is the second-most expensive global city for a family of three to live in, behind only Zurich. While average incomes are also high, that helps little for people struggling to make ends meet. "I think a lot people are aware of this, but it is different to see this with your own eyes," said Silvana Matromatteo, head of the aid group Geneva Solidarity Caravan. "We had people in tears who said `It is not possible that it is happening in my country`. But it is here and maybe the COVID-19 brought everything out and this is good, because we will be able to take measures to support all these workers, because they are workers above all." Patrick Wieland, chief of mission for the Doctors Without Borders group, said a survey last week showed just over half the food recipients interviewed were undocumented, while others had attained legal status, were Swiss or were seeking asylum. Just over 3% had been tested positive for COVID-19, three times the overall rate in Geneva, which he attributed to poor and overcrowded housing. "In Geneva, one of the richest cities in the world, there have always been people living precariously, especially all the people who work as housekeepers, in agriculture, on construction sites or in hotels, and they found themselves overnight without a job because of COVID-19," he said. One illegal immigrant who called himself Fernando said he lost his restaurant job during the crisis and had no pay. "I`m very grateful to receive this help and if the situation changes for me, I am committing to do the same thing that they are doing for me," he said.

More than 1,000 queue for food in rich Geneva amid virus shutdown

At a time when several parts of the world is struggling with starvation, global food <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fearing-virus-hong-kong-residents-stock-up-on-food-essentials-278288">waste</a> is seen doubling, according to a study.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-9-million-facing-food-shortages-in-african-sahel-sources-267236">Also Read: Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel</a>

The research published in the journal Plos One states that the extent of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lack-of-proper-food-in-wuhan-says-indian-student-277127">food</a> wasted by consumers has been grossly underestimated.

The United Nations estimated in its annual global food waste at 1.3 billion tons per day per person in 2005. Now, it turns out that a third of all food available for human consumption is wasted which is twice as much of wastage as previously estimated.

The study finds that growth in waste occurs as the income increases and hence it's the people in wealthier nations who are wasting more food than anyone else.

According to the study, global food waste is up from 214 calories per day per person to 527 calories. The estimates were made by the United Nations’ food and agriculture organization (FOA) in 2015.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-having-enough-food-humanity-risks-hunger-crises-report-256776">Also Read: 'Despite having enough food, humanity risks hunger crises'</a>

The new study states that food waste starts to emerge when consumers reach a threshold of approximately 6.70 dollars per day a person.

Climate experts have identified food waste as one of the top sustainability problems worldwide and the United Nations environment program has an ambitious goal of eliminating half of all food waste by 2030.

On the flip side, global hunger levels have risen in the last three&nbsp;years from 785 million in 2015 to 822 million in 2018.

At a time when several parts of the world is struggling with starvation, global food waste is seen doubling, according to a study. Also Read: Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel The research published in the journal Plos One states that the extent of food wasted by consumers has been grossly underestimated.

At a time when several parts of the world is struggling with starvation, global food waste is seen doubling, according to a study. Also Read: Over 9 million facing food shortages in African Sahel The research published in the journal Plos One states that the extent of food wasted by consumers has been grossly underestimated. The United Nations estimated in its annual global food waste at 1.3 billion tons per day per person in 2005. Now, it turns out that a third of all food available for human consumption is wasted which is twice as much of wastage as previously estimated. The study finds that growth in waste occurs as the income increases and hence it's the people in wealthier nations who are wasting more food than anyone else. According to the study, global food waste is up from 214 calories per day per person to 527 calories. The estimates were made by the United Nations’ food and agriculture organization (FOA) in 2015. Also Read: 'Despite having enough food, humanity risks hunger crises' The new study states that food waste starts to emerge when consumers reach a threshold of approximately 6.70 dollars per day a person. Climate experts have identified food waste as one of the top sustainability problems worldwide and the United Nations environment program has an ambitious goal of eliminating half of all food waste by 2030. On the flip side, global hunger levels have risen in the last three years from 785 million in 2015 to 822 million in 2018.

People in wealthier nations wasting more food: Study

United Nations food chief David Beasley warned on Monday (June 17) that a phased-suspension of food assistance in Yemen was likely to begin later this week over a diversion of aid and lack of independence in Houthi-controlled areas.

U.N. food chief warns aid suspension in Yemen likely to start this week

A vessel carrying the first shipment of food aid in three weeks docked today at the rebel-controlled Red Sea port of Saleef in western Yemen, a United Nations official said.

Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme for the Middle East and North Africa region, said some 25,000 tonnes of wheat will be offloaded early tomorrow.&nbsp;

She said&nbsp;that &quot;strong winds&quot; were preventing the offloading from taking place today.

Saleef port is around 70 km north of the key port of Hodeida, also on the Red Sea and in rebel hands.

Hodeida port is the main conduit for UN-supervised deliveries of food and medicine and vital to UN efforts as it is closest to the majority of people in need.

Earlier this month, a Saudi-led coalition battling Iran- backed Huthi rebels imposed a blockade on Yemeni ports and airports in response to a missile fired by the Huthis that was intercepted near Riyadh airport.

The UN humanitarian affairs office had said yesterday that it had been given clearance by the coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa.

But it added that desperately needed shipments of food and medicines to Hodeida remained blocked.

Today, a ship did dock at Hodeida, but the WFP&#39;s Etefa said it did not belong to the UN aid agency, and that it might be a &quot;commercial&quot; vessel.

The deputy head of Hodeida port, Yahya Sharafeddine, confirmed to AFP over the phone that it was indeed a &quot;commercial&quot; ship not linked to WFP aid.

&quot;The ship in Hodeida is for traders. The one in Saleef is for WFP,&quot; he said.

UN officials have warned that Yemen could face the world&#39;s largest famine in decades unless the crippling blockade by the coalition is lifted.

A UN plane carrying desperately needed vaccines landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa yesterday after coalition forces partly lifted the blockade, after warnings that thousands of people could die.

The coalition intervened to prop up Yemen&#39;s government after the Iran-backed Huthis drove it from Sanaa.

The devastating war has since killed some 8,600 people, while a further 2,000 have died of cholera.

Yemen is highly dependent on imported wheat for its basic needs, and aid groups have warned that humanitarian deliveries cover only a small portion of what is required.

The UN says more than 11 million children in war-torn Yemen are in desperate need of humanitarian aid.

Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme for the Middle East and North Africa region, said that some 25,000 tonnes of wheat will be offloaded early tomorrow

A vessel carrying the first shipment of food aid in three weeks docked today at the rebel-controlled Red Sea port of Saleef in western Yemen, a United Nations official said. Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme for the Middle East and North Africa region, said some 25,000 tonnes of wheat will be offloaded early tomorrow. She said that "strong winds" were preventing the offloading from taking place today. Saleef port is around 70 km north of the key port of Hodeida, also on the Red Sea and in rebel hands. Hodeida port is the main conduit for UN-supervised deliveries of food and medicine and vital to UN efforts as it is closest to the majority of people in need. Earlier this month, a Saudi-led coalition battling Iran- backed Huthi rebels imposed a blockade on Yemeni ports and airports in response to a missile fired by the Huthis that was intercepted near Riyadh airport. The UN humanitarian affairs office had said yesterday that it had been given clearance by the coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa. But it added that desperately needed shipments of food and medicines to Hodeida remained blocked. Today, a ship did dock at Hodeida, but the WFP's Etefa said it did not belong to the UN aid agency, and that it might be a "commercial" vessel. The deputy head of Hodeida port, Yahya Sharafeddine, confirmed to AFP over the phone that it was indeed a "commercial" ship not linked to WFP aid. "The ship in Hodeida is for traders. The one in Saleef is for WFP," he said. UN officials have warned that Yemen could face the world's largest famine in decades unless the crippling blockade by the coalition is lifted. A UN plane carrying desperately needed vaccines landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa yesterday after coalition forces partly lifted the blockade, after warnings that thousands of people could die. The coalition intervened to prop up Yemen's government after the Iran-backed Huthis drove it from Sanaa. The devastating war has since killed some 8,600 people, while a further 2,000 have died of cholera. Yemen is highly dependent on imported wheat for its basic needs, and aid groups have warned that humanitarian deliveries cover only a small portion of what is required. The UN says more than 11 million children in war-torn Yemen are in desperate need of humanitarian aid.

First food aid in weeks docks at rebel-held Yemen port: WFP

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