The statement by 28 countries, including Quad members Japan & Australia, call for the conflict to stop. Israeli tanks have entered Deir al-Balah, striking at UN & WHO facilities.
Madleen was taking flour, baby formula & crutches, among other aid, attempting to break Israel's blockade of Gaza. The Israeli foreign ministry says the boat has been diverted to Israel.
Since 2008, Freedom Flotilla has led missions to Gaza but has also been targeted in drone attacks. The Madleen, named after a Palestinian fisherwoman, carries activists from many nations.
The spending freeze, which Trump ordered upon taking office 20 Jan, is supposed to last 90 days while his administration reviews all foreign-aid programs.
After dominating India’s crude imports since 2023, Russian supplies slowed amid US sanctions, but a 30-day ‘waiver’ amid West Asia tensions could now push flows back towards 2 mbpd.
Trump has ushered in the age of humiliation. His method is to push around America’s friends rudely and publicly. He knows none of them can afford to fight back.
COMMENTS