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An Endeavor To Deliver Aid To Gaza By Boat Is Progressing. However, The First Ship Is Still Waiting In Cyprus.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip – A US Army warship carrying supplies to construct a temporary dock in Gaza was travelling to the Mediterranean on Sunday after US President Joe Biden revealed plans to enhance assistance deliveries by sea to the besieged territory, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are suffering hungry.
The latest relief campaign comes as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan was poised to begin in many parts of the world on Monday when officials in Saudi Arabia spotted the crescent moon. Hopes for a new cease-fire by Ramadan evaporated days ago, with discussions reportedly stuck.
The opening of the sea channel, combined with airdrops by the United States, Jordan, and others, demonstrated rising concern about Gaza’s grave humanitarian catastrophe and a renewed readiness to sidestep Israeli restrictions over land goods. However, humanitarian authorities believe that air and marine deliveries cannot compensate for a lack of land connections. Aid trucks entering Gaza daily are much fewer than the 500 that entered before the war.
An Endeavor To Deliver Aid To Gaza By Boat Is Progressing. However, The First Ship Is Still Waiting In Cyprus.
A ship belonging to the Spanish relief group Open Arms carrying 200 tons of food aid was due to conduct a pilot voyage to Gaza from nearby Cyprus “as soon as possible,” but not on Sunday, according to Linda Roth, a spokesman for partner organization World Central Kitchen. There was no explanation after Cyprus’ president stated that it would depart then.
Israel says it welcomes marine supplies and will inspect Gaza-bound goods before it leaves Cyprus. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant oversaw preliminary operations off the Gaza shore on Sunday.
Biden has increased his public criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming that Netanyahu is “hurting Israel more than helping Israel” in his response to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, which is now in its sixth month.
Speaking to MSNBC on Saturday, the US president expressed his support for Israel’s right to pursue Hamas following the terrorists’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. However, Biden argued that Netanyahu “must pay more attention to the innocent lives being lost.” He went on to say, “You cannot have 30,000 more Palestinians dead.”
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 31,045 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its tally but reports that women and children account for two-thirds of the fatalities. The ministry is part of Hamas’ leadership, and its estimates from previous wars have closely matched those of the United Nations and independent experts.
Palestinian casualties continued to increase. The Civil Defense Department reported that 10 individuals were murdered Sunday in an Israeli bombing on the Ashour family’s home in Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa neighbourhood. Dust-covered bodies were laid on blankets.
An Associated Press correspondent said that the dead 15 people, including women and children, were transported to the main hospital in the central town of Deir al-Balah. Their relatives claim that Israeli artillery fire targeted a tent camp for displaced Palestinians on the shoreline close to the southern city of Khan Younis, killing them.
An Endeavor To Deliver Aid To Gaza By Boat Is Progressing. However, The First Ship Is Still Waiting In Cyprus.
Israel rarely addresses particular instances from the war. It maintains that Hamas is liable for civilian casualties because the armed group operates in civilian areas.
Meanwhile, US efforts began establishing a makeshift pier in Gaza for marine deliveries. According to U.S. Central Command, General Frank S. Besson, the first US Army vessel, left a base in Virginia on Saturday and was on its way to the Eastern Mediterranean to transport construction equipment.
US officials say the pier will most likely not be operational for several weeks.
The European Union, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries all support the sea corridor. The European Commission has stated that United Nations organizations and the Red Cross will play a role.
The ship will arrive at an unannounced site in Gaza two to three days after leaving Cyprus. The World Central Kitchen representative confirmed that building on the jetty began on Sunday.
A member of the organization told X, formerly Twitter, that after the ship’s barge arrived in Gaza, aid would be offloaded by a crane, loaded into trucks, and driven to northern Gaza, which has been largely sealed unfrom relief shipments and was the first target of Israel’s military operation.
An Endeavor To Deliver Aid To Gaza By Boat Is Progressing. However, The First Ship Is Still Waiting In Cyprus.
On October 7, Israel declared war after Hamas militants killed over 1,200 persons, the majority of whom were civilians, and abducted 250 prisoners. Israel’s air and ground offensive has damaged huge areas of Gaza and displaced almost 80% of the population of 2.3 million.
The United States and regional mediators Egypt and Qatar had hoped for a six-week cease-fire by Ramadan. A compromise would have seen Hamas release some Israeli hostages, Israel release some Palestinian inmates, and relief groups get access to a large infusion of aid.
In a speech televised Sunday, Hamas’ top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, criticized Israel for the failure to strike an agreement before Ramadan and stated that the terrorist group is willing to resume negotiations under any framework as long as it ensures a durable cease-fire.
SOURCE – (AP)
News
King Charles Could Millions Annually from Renting His Properties
A recent analysis suggests that King Charles might earn over £1 million each year by renting out royal properties to holidaymakers.
The Royal Family’s historic houses and mansions are popular holiday rentals, contributing significantly to the Palace’s revenue.
Pikl Insurance estimates that the royals may earn up to £118,775.85 per month, or around £1,425,310.20 per year, from their holiday rental portfolio. Even after accounting for cancellations, the monarchy is anticipated to generate a net annual income of somewhat more over £1.4 million.
Estimated Annual Rental Income of £1.4 Million
The four primary royal properties accepting public bookings are Balmoral Castle, Castle of Mey’s Captain House, Restormel Manor, and Dumfries House, according to Express.co.uk. Cottages at Balmoral Castle in Scotland are expected to generate £36,798.30 per month after accounting for cancellations.
According to the numbers, the 500-year-old Restormel Manor in Cornwall is the most profitable of them all, earning a solid £47,082 every month. The resort, located in the Fowey Valley, has four booking spaces and six converted barns.
Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, adds an estimated £31,185.63 and offers 25 rooms for booking. The Castle of Mey’s Captain House in the Scottish Highlands is estimated to generate a more modest £3,709.92 per month, despite the fact that the entire property is available for booking.
The analysts stated, “While the Royal Family’s primary role is undoubtedly to serve the nation, it is clear that their properties are also a valuable asset.” These estimates highlight the royal estate’s considerable financial potential and provide an intriguing peek into the monarchy’s corporate operations.”
Royal Family received £86.3 million from the taxpayer-funded Sovereign Grant in the previous fiscal year, according to official numbers released in July.
All revenues from the Crown Estate, which includes royal households, forestry, agriculture, and offshore wind, are paid directly to the Treasury, with a portion of this money, now 12%, returned to the Royal Family to finance their tasks.
The records also cover a period of jubilation, including the coronation and festivities surrounding the King and Queen’s crowning in May of last year.
News
Man Creates Candy Cane Car to Spread Christmas Cheer
In a delightful display of holiday spirit, a local resident in North Providence, Maine, has transformed his vehicle into a candy cane delight that is capturing hearts and spreading Christmas Cheer.
Over the past 15 years, Dave Clayman has transformed a simple 1991 Toyota Camry into a rolling holiday icon that captivates everyone who encounters it.
It’s wrapped in $3,000 worth of reflective tape, the same kind used on trailer trucks. Whether parked at a mall or cruising down the highway, you can’t miss it with its candy cane decorations.
This whimsical project started with an unusual idea. When an old exercise bike landed in Clayman’s possession, he mounted it on top of his car instead of letting it gather dust in his garage.
“There’s nothing like working out in the fresh air,” Dave said. That quirky addition quickly drew eyes, inspiring him to keep going.
The car features homemade rockets built from trash cans and salad bowls, candy cane-themed hubcaps, and candy cane lights dangling from the mounted exercise bike.
The Candy Cane Car cost Clayman $3,000
To top it off, it boasts a PA system and a custom horn, making it a true sensory experience.
The candy cane car has now become a local landmark every Christmas. Parked outside Clayman’s house, it’s a favourite backdrop for people snapping photos or simply stopping to admire it.
Some visitors even share stories of seeing the car as a child, reminiscing about how it’s been a beloved part of their neighbourhood for years.
“When people see it, their mood amplifies,” Clayman explained. “If they’re happy, they become happier. If they’re upset, well, they sometimes get angrier.” But for the most part, he estimates that over 96% of people love the festive car, particularly around Christmas.
Clayman said he used to wear a Santa costume when riding in his festive car for years. A few years ago, he bought a Grinch costume and never looked back.
“It’s like a state of euphoria. Every time I get behind the wheel and people see it,” he said. “Anything that people are in a better mood, it seems to make you in a better mood. It’s a labor of love you got to be committed to it.”
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Senate Approves Social Security Fairness Act, Heads to Final Vote
(VOR News) – On Wednesday, the United States Senate Social Security passed a measure with a vote of 73-27, indicating that the legislation, which is co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins of Maine, is likely to be implemented before the end of the year.
The law may be beneficial to personnel working in the public sector in Maine, including teachers, firefighters, and other workers.
The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal two restrictions that lower the amount of Social Security payments paid to public employees.
These regulations would be eliminated with the passage of the act. A provision known as the Windfall Elimination Provision makes it impossible for public employees who are currently receiving pensions to continue receiving them.
The Government Pension Offset, as it is commonly referred to, is designed to limit the amount of money that can be paid to the surviving spouses of recipients who are also receiving government pensions.
This problematic situation impacts Social Security benefits.”
In November 2024, the Social Security Administration reported that more than 2 million individuals, including more than 20,000 in the state of Maine, had their Social Security benefits reduced as a result of the Windfall Elimination Provision,” Collins stated in a statement that was released by her department.
In November 2024, the Government Pension Offset had an impact on more than 650,000 individuals, with more than 6,000 of those individuals residing in the state of Maine, according to the previously mentioned line of reasoning.
A vote of 327 to 75 was necessary for the measure to be approved by the House of Representatives the previous month. On Wednesday, Chuck Schumer, the Democratic leader of the Senate, announced that he intended to work rapidly in order to deliver the act from the House of Representatives to the president’s desk.
As indicated by Schumer, who was speaking on the floor of the United States Senate today, “Passing this Social Security fix right before Christmas would be a great gift for our retired firefighters, police officers, postal workers, teachers, and others who have contributed to Social Security for years but are now being penalised because of their time spent serving the public.”
In the beginning, the measure was supported by two individuals: Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, and Collins, a Republican. During her speech in support of the proposal, which was made on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday afternoon, Collins stated that the idea will have a significant impact on a number of individuals, including teachers in the state of Maine.
These advantages are the direct result of the effort that they put forth. During the course of her remarks, Collins asserted that the punishment in question was both unreasonable and unacceptable.
This will strain Social Security’s already shaky budget.
In a recent examination, it was discovered that the Windfall Elimination Provision was one of the primary problems that contributed to the difficulties that the teacher workforce in Maine is experiencing, which experts are referring to as a crisis.
A poll that was conducted and released by the non-profit organisation Educate Maine found that teachers in each and every county in the state of Maine identified the provision as a hindering factor in the process of recruiting new teachers.
According to the findings of the study, “this federal policy that reduces social security payouts is a disincentive,” which implies that it is detrimental to teachers who take on additional work and discourages people from switching careers in order to become teachers.
Sharon Gallant, a retired educator who worked in Gardiner for a total of 31 years, is one of the educators that are now employed there. Prior to beginning his career as a teacher in the public school system, Gallant was employed in the business sector. He made a little contribution to the Social Security system during the entirety of this time period.
“When you move into public education, you are faced with a certain degree of punishment,” according to her statement.
In letters that Gallant sent to Collins and to Sen. Angus King of Maine, who is an independent, he urged both of them to support the concept. She stated that even if it is unsuccessful, Maine will still have a difficult time recruiting teachers because of the clause that deters them from employment.
She made the observation, “If this does not pass, then it is just another reason not to enter public service.”
SOURCE: FR
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