The US is considering a privately funded maritime operation to deliver aid to Gaza, potentially faster than a larger military effort, with allies urged to support. Watch in for more details!

US, allies eye commercial maritime option for Gaza aid

The Israeli parliament has approved&nbsp;an amended 2024 state budget, allocating funds towards sustaining Israel's military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. This decision comes as the conflict with the Islamist Palestinian group extends into its sixth month.<o:p></o:p>

The approved budget, totalling 584 billion shekels ($160 billion), signifies a substantial increase in defence spending and provisions for compensating households and businesses impacted by the conflict. <o:p></o:p>

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich highlighted the objectives of the amended budget, emphasising its focus on securing victory in the war, bolstering reservist support, fortifying the home front, and fostering economic resilience amid challenging circumstances.<o:p></o:p>

A crucial aspect of the amended budget entails a deficit revision, with the 2024 deficit projected to reach 6.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), up from a pre-war level of 2.25 per cent. <o:p></o:p>

The heightened deficit reflects the need to finance military operations and address the multifaceted repercussions of sustained conflict. <o:p></o:p>

Despite the fiscal strain, the budget also allocates increased funding for essential sectors such as health, education, police, and welfare.<o:p></o:p>

The budgetary adjustments are an indication of the profound impact of the Gaza war on Israel's fiscal framework, necessitating swift modifications and augmented spending commitments. <o:p></o:p>

An infusion of 70 billion shekels, including heavy allocations for military and civilian needs, indicates the government's need to address immediate security imperatives and societal exigencies aggravated by the prolonged conflict. <o:p></o:p>

However, the budget approval process has not been devoid of political contention, particularly concerning allocations to religious institutions agreed upon under previous coalition agreements. <o:p></o:p>

Opposition figures, including leader Yair Lapid, have criticised the budget as "sectarian" and "irresponsible," lamenting what they perceive as a neglect of ordinary citizens' interests in favour of political expediency. <o:p></o:p>

Nonetheless, the coalition government has pressed forward with its budgetary agenda, aiming to navigate the complex economic and political landscape.<o:p></o:p>

The budget's passage comes against the backdrop of heightened fiscal scrutiny, with credit rating agency Moody's downgrading Israel's credit rating to A2 last month. <o:p></o:p>

Moody's cited significant political and fiscal risks stemming from the prolonged conflict as pivotal factors contributing to the downgrade, highlighting the unprecedented challenges confronting Israel's economic stability in the wake of sustained hostilities. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

The Israeli parliament has approved an amended 2024 state budget, allocating funds towards sustaining Israel's military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. This decision comes as the conflict with the Islamist Palestinian group extends into its sixth month.

The Israeli parliament has approved an amended 2024 state budget, allocating funds towards sustaining Israel's military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. This decision comes as the conflict with the Islamist Palestinian group extends into its sixth month. The approved budget, totalling 584 billion shekels ($160 billion), signifies a substantial increase in defence spending and provisions for compensating households and businesses impacted by the conflict. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich highlighted the objectives of the amended budget, emphasising its focus on securing victory in the war, bolstering reservist support, fortifying the home front, and fostering economic resilience amid challenging circumstances. A crucial aspect of the amended budget entails a deficit revision, with the 2024 deficit projected to reach 6.6 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), up from a pre-war level of 2.25 per cent. The heightened deficit reflects the need to finance military operations and address the multifaceted repercussions of sustained conflict. Despite the fiscal strain, the budget also allocates increased funding for essential sectors such as health, education, police, and welfare. The budgetary adjustments are an indication of the profound impact of the Gaza war on Israel's fiscal framework, necessitating swift modifications and augmented spending commitments. An infusion of 70 billion shekels, including heavy allocations for military and civilian needs, indicates the government's need to address immediate security imperatives and societal exigencies aggravated by the prolonged conflict. However, the budget approval process has not been devoid of political contention, particularly concerning allocations to religious institutions agreed upon under previous coalition agreements. Opposition figures, including leader Yair Lapid, have criticised the budget as "sectarian" and "irresponsible," lamenting what they perceive as a neglect of ordinary citizens' interests in favour of political expediency. Nonetheless, the coalition government has pressed forward with its budgetary agenda, aiming to navigate the complex economic and political landscape. The budget's passage comes against the backdrop of heightened fiscal scrutiny, with credit rating agency Moody's downgrading Israel's credit rating to A2 last month. Moody's cited significant political and fiscal risks stemming from the prolonged conflict as pivotal factors contributing to the downgrade, highlighting the unprecedented challenges confronting Israel's economic stability in the wake of sustained hostilities. (With inputs from Reuters)

Israeli parliament approves amended 2024 budget, prioritising funding for Gaza war

The Israeli parliament has approved an amended 2024 budget...that adds billions of dollars to fund Israel's war against the Hamas in Gaza. The amended budget provides more funds to spend on defence as well as households & businesses hurt by the ongoing war.

Israel war: Amended Israeli budget adds boosts defence spending

The American and the Israeli relationship is being put to test or so it appears with Netanyahu announcing that he will press ahead with his planned ground offensive.

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Amid the unrelenting aggression by Israel the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are in desperate need for urgent aid. Washington it is working to coordinate a multinational effort that's to set up a maritime aid corridor into Gaza and this is a part of US strategy of flooding The Zone with humanitarian assistance.

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US and British warplanes carried out fresh air strikes in small towns of Yemen hitting port cities in towns killing at least 11 and injuring 14 others. The strikes follow the first civilian fatalities in vessel loss since the Houthis began attacking commercial ships back in November.

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Israel's government plans to shut down Gila Gamliel's Intelligence Ministry. The minister is set to replace Ofir Akunis as the Innovation, Science, and Technology Minister. Watch in for more details!

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An annual threat assessment compiling US intelligence warned that Israel will be challenged by Hamas for years to come, as the country continues its military campaign aimed at destroying the Gaza-ruling terror group in response to its devastating October 7 attack on southern Israel.

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UN's special representative on sexual violence in conflict informed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that there are 'reasonable grounds' to believe that conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape occurred on October 7.

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Amid the unrelenting aggression by Israel. Washington is working to coordinate a multinational effort to set up a maritime aid corridor into Gaza. This is a part of a US Strategy of flooding the zone with humanitarian assistance.

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Israeli Army raided the West Bank City of Jenin on Tuesday as violence continues to Surge across the West Bank in parallel to the Gaza War. Crowds of Palestinian worshippers were allowed to pray at Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem after the first day of Ramadan fasting.

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Clouds of smoke could be seen in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley on Monday (February 26) following Israeli airstrikes that killed at least two Hezbollah members, sources in Lebanon said.

Israel-Lebanon border remains tense

Gaza has been reeling under an immense humanitarian crisis as access to basic services such as food and water remains limited. With the residents continuing to face hardships, the blockade imposed by Israel has severely restricted the movement of aid in the Gaza Strip through Egypt as well.

This has exacerbated the suffering as the war between the Jewish nation and the Hamas militant group continues relentlessly.&nbsp;Amid this, the US earlier airdropped humanitarian aid, however as per State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, more ways are to be considered, one of them being building a temporary port to get the aid to Gazans.&nbsp;

In his recent State of the Union address on March 7, US President Joe Biden announced plans for the US military to construct a temporary port along Gaza's Mediterranean coast to facilitate the aid delivery. With this initiative, Washington is aiming to provide essential supplies such as food, medicine, water, and temporary shelters to the people of Gaza.

However, Biden has already clarified that there will be "no US boots" on the Gazan soil, underscoring that the operation will not involve the deployment of US military personnel within the besieged territory.

This comes as Israel, the US' strategic partner in the West Asian region, has expressed support for the temporary dock, reports said even as rift has been growing between Biden and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Sigrid Kaag, the UN humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, also welcomed Washington's involvement in the initiative.&nbsp;

<h2>What is the plan?&nbsp;JLOTS, large military vessel, and small cargo ships&nbsp;</h2>

The operation, which is anticipated to take several weeks to execute, will be somewhat like a Cyprus initiative, where there is an establishment of a maritime corridor to facilitate the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid by sea, addressing urgent needs.&nbsp;The Cyprus plan is to deliver aid by constructing a landing jetty in Gaza using material salvaged from demolished buildings and rubble.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-starvation-being-used-as-a-weapon-says-eu-official-699731">Israel-Hamas war: Starvation being used as a weapon, says EU official</a>

However, the US plan for a temporary dock is different from the above. In the US initiative, there will be a temporary pier to deliver aid.&nbsp;While initially military-operated, the temporary port is envisioned to transition into a commercially run facility, reports said.&nbsp;

However, there will be logistical and security challenges.

The plan involves&nbsp;Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS) equipment.&nbsp;This will be akin to a large LEGO system, as per a report by the Times of Israel.&nbsp;It will be comprised of 40-foot-long steel pieces that interlock to create a pier and causeway.

The question is how these steel pieces will be taken to the sea. It will be done with the help of a big Military Sealift Command vessel. As per reports, US troops in a few days will start loading the JLOTS into the vessel.&nbsp;

The resulting causeway can span up to 1,800 feet in length and will be two-laned. This causeway will allow for the transfer of aid from cargo ships to smaller vessels and ultimately onto land in Gaza with the help of another floating pier.&nbsp;

Speaking to a UK media outlet, a retired US Marine Corps colonel&nbsp;Mark Cancian said,&nbsp;"The military's preference is to have an operating port. That makes everything much easier."&nbsp;

"But that's not always possible, either due to a conflict situation or in a peacetime, humanitarian mission," he said adding, "That's where JLOTS comes in."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strike-on-car-in-south-lebanon-kills-significant-hamas-member-699735">Israeli strike on car in south Lebanon kills 'significant' Hamas member</a>

Now, to manage aid distribution, the US has partnered with Fogbow, a private firm led by former military and intelligence officials. Fogbow's role, known internally as the Blue Beach Plan, will focus on organising aid movement. However, as far as distribution is concerned Fogbow will not be a part of it.&nbsp;

Security measures are also paramount, with reports quoting experts highlighting the need to prevent unauthorised access to the pier area. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) will oversee outer security.&nbsp;

The aid shipments are expected to make a major impact, potentially providing two million meals a day to Gaza's population, helping alleviate the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.

The 7th Transportation Brigade, stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, had already started assembling JLOTS equipment and watercraft, as per officials cited by the media reports.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-warplanes-strike-deep-in-lebanese-territory-699754">Israel warplanes strike deep in Lebanese territory</a>

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The Biden administration has resorted to airdrops as an unconventional solution to provide aid to Gaza, after months of urging Israel to increase aid delivery and ensure safe passage for trucks carrying supplies.

The Israeli government will also oversee security at the pier and safeguard it against potential attacks by Hamas militants.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Spain's Open Arms aid ship, which was stationed in Larnaca and was awaiting permission to transport food aid from World Central Kitchen, a US charity founded by renowned chef Jose Andres, finally set sail. The boat carried 200 tonnes of rice, flour, and proteins for delivery to Gaza. Additionally, another 500 tonnes of aid are prepared in Cyprus for subsequent shipments.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Gaza has been reeling under an immense humanitarian crisis as access to basic services such as food and water remains limited. With the residents continuing to face hardships, the blockade imposed by Israel has severely restricted the movement of aid in the Gaza Strip through Egypt as well.

Gaza has been reeling under an immense humanitarian crisis as access to basic services such as food and water remains limited. With the residents continuing to face hardships, the blockade imposed by Israel has severely restricted the movement of aid in the Gaza Strip through Egypt as well. This has exacerbated the suffering as the war between the Jewish nation and the Hamas militant group continues relentlessly. Amid this, the US earlier airdropped humanitarian aid, however as per State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, more ways are to be considered, one of them being building a temporary port to get the aid to Gazans. In his recent State of the Union address on March 7, US President Joe Biden announced plans for the US military to construct a temporary port along Gaza's Mediterranean coast to facilitate the aid delivery. With this initiative, Washington is aiming to provide essential supplies such as food, medicine, water, and temporary shelters to the people of Gaza. However, Biden has already clarified that there will be "no US boots" on the Gazan soil, underscoring that the operation will not involve the deployment of US military personnel within the besieged territory. This comes as Israel, the US' strategic partner in the West Asian region, has expressed support for the temporary dock, reports said even as rift has been growing between Biden and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Sigrid Kaag, the UN humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, also welcomed Washington's involvement in the initiative. What is the plan? JLOTS, large military vessel, and small cargo ships The operation, which is anticipated to take several weeks to execute, will be somewhat like a Cyprus initiative, where there is an establishment of a maritime corridor to facilitate the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid by sea, addressing urgent needs. The Cyprus plan is to deliver aid by constructing a landing jetty in Gaza using material salvaged from demolished buildings and rubble. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Starvation being used as a weapon, says EU official However, the US plan for a temporary dock is different from the above. In the US initiative, there will be a temporary pier to deliver aid. While initially military-operated, the temporary port is envisioned to transition into a commercially run facility, reports said. However, there will be logistical and security challenges. The plan involves Joint Logistics Over The Shore (JLOTS) equipment. This will be akin to a large LEGO system, as per a report by the Times of Israel. It will be comprised of 40-foot-long steel pieces that interlock to create a pier and causeway. The question is how these steel pieces will be taken to the sea. It will be done with the help of a big Military Sealift Command vessel. As per reports, US troops in a few days will start loading the JLOTS into the vessel. The resulting causeway can span up to 1,800 feet in length and will be two-laned. This causeway will allow for the transfer of aid from cargo ships to smaller vessels and ultimately onto land in Gaza with the help of another floating pier. Speaking to a UK media outlet, a retired US Marine Corps colonel Mark Cancian said, "The military's preference is to have an operating port. That makes everything much easier." "But that's not always possible, either due to a conflict situation or in a peacetime, humanitarian mission," he said adding, "That's where JLOTS comes in." Also Read | Israeli strike on car in south Lebanon kills 'significant' Hamas member Now, to manage aid distribution, the US has partnered with Fogbow, a private firm led by former military and intelligence officials. Fogbow's role, known internally as the Blue Beach Plan, will focus on organising aid movement. However, as far as distribution is concerned Fogbow will not be a part of it. Security measures are also paramount, with reports quoting experts highlighting the need to prevent unauthorised access to the pier area. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) will oversee outer security. The aid shipments are expected to make a major impact, potentially providing two million meals a day to Gaza's population, helping alleviate the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. The 7th Transportation Brigade, stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, had already started assembling JLOTS equipment and watercraft, as per officials cited by the media reports. Watch | Israel warplanes strike deep in Lebanese territory × The Biden administration has resorted to airdrops as an unconventional solution to provide aid to Gaza, after months of urging Israel to increase aid delivery and ensure safe passage for trucks carrying supplies. The Israeli government will also oversee security at the pier and safeguard it against potential attacks by Hamas militants. Meanwhile, Spain's Open Arms aid ship, which was stationed in Larnaca and was awaiting permission to transport food aid from World Central Kitchen, a US charity founded by renowned chef Jose Andres, finally set sail. The boat carried 200 tonnes of rice, flour, and proteins for delivery to Gaza. Additionally, another 500 tonnes of aid are prepared in Cyprus for subsequent shipments. (With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations used a new land route on Tuesday to supply food to Northern Gaza for the first time in almost 3 weeks. Global pressure continues to grow on Israel to allow more access to the coastal Enclave amid a looming famine. Watch in for more details!

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The United Nations has warned that widespread famine in the Gaza Strip is "almost inevitable" without action. A formal conclusion that famine has arrived in the coastal enclave of 2.3 million people could come next week.

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The strikes, which came shortly after Hezbollah said its air defenses shot down an Israeli drone, are likely to increase tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border as talks for a cease-fire in Gaza are underway. Watch in for more details!

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Muslims around the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan. The practices include worshipping, charity from dawn to dusk fasting and nightly feasts for a month. Take a look at the festivities that are unfolding in different parts of the world.

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The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins today for many countries, without the Israel-Hamas cease-fire that U.S. officials and Arab mediators have been working on for weeks. Watch in for more details!

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Gazans were hoping for a truce before Ramadan but that looks like a distant dream. As Palestinians began the fasting period with talks of a possible ceasefire hanging in the balance, our next report tells you how the war-ridden Gazans are celebrating Ramadan with nothing but death and despair.

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