Ayoola Atitebi

Research published in The Lancet medical journal suggests that President Donald Trump's cuts to US foreign humanitarian aid funding could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030. One-third of those projected deaths would be children, according to the study. The research indicates that low- and middle-income countries face disruption "comparable in scale to a global pandemic or a major armed conflict," said co-author Davide Rasella from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in March that over 80% of all US Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes had been cancelled. The Trump administration has characterized these cuts as eliminating wasteful spending. The reductions were overseen by Elon Musk, who was leading an initiative to reduce federal workforce size at the time. Trump has consistently stated his intention to align overseas spending […]

On June 22, American warplanes entered Iranian airspace and dropped 14 bombs following Israeli military action that resulted in 600 Iranian casualties. US President Donald Trump, accompanied by his vice president and two secretaries, announced that "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." The attack occurred during Israel's 12-day military operation against Iran. Western media coverage during this period focused primarily on Israelis in bunkers rather than Iranian civilian casualties, including children affected by the conflict. This pattern extends to Gaza coverage over the past 20 months. Official counts report over 55,000 deaths, with some estimates suggesting higher numbers. Most hospitals and schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict. Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have declared Israel's actions constitute genocide, though most Western media outlets avoid using this […]

President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating he believes an agreement could be achieved within a week. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump made the unexpected announcement after discussing the situation with unspecified parties involved in ceasefire efforts. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire," he added, without identifying his contacts. Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, noted that while Trump's comments would be "welcome news" to Gaza's population, she cautioned that "no negotiations at this moment happening anywhere in the region" are currently taking place. Odeh explained that ceasefire discussions have increased significantly following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. However, she noted Israel's reluctance to discuss ending the war, with Netanyahu potentially facing […]

Iran conducted a state funeral for approximately 60 people killed during its recent 12-day conflict with Israel, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. Coffins draped in Iranian flags and bearing portraits of the deceased were displayed near Tehran's Enghelab Square, surrounded by large crowds of mourners. The conflict concluded with a ceasefire after the United States intervened by bombing key Iranian nuclear facilities. Crowds dressed in black chanted slogans, waved Iranian flags, and carried portraits of those killed. Authorities encouraged participation through media campaigns and provided free transportation, while government offices closed for the day. Among those buried was Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's highest-ranking military officer and chief of staff of the armed forces. Bagheri was interred alongside his wife and daughter, who died in an Israeli strike. Iranian authorities reported 627 total deaths in Iran, while Israeli officials stated 28 […]

Donald Trump began the week expressing frustration over Iran and Israel's fragile ceasefire situation, but concluded with celebratory White House appearances following several political victories. The president appeared triumphant during an extended news conference, highlighting his accomplishments across multiple fronts. Iran Strike and Ceasefire Achievement The US military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21 preceded Trump's announcement of a "complete and total" ceasefire in what he called the "12-day war" between Israel and Iran. Initial developments proved challenging. Iran launched ballistic missiles at a US airbase in Qatar shortly before the ceasefire announcement, raising concerns about regional escalation. Both sides faced accusations of ceasefire violations, prompting Trump's heated response to reporters. Trump acknowledged he barely persuaded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt additional attacks on Iran. However, the ceasefire ultimately maintained stability, allowing Trump to claim success […]

Donald Trump has launched military strikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant escalation in Middle East tensions just weeks after returning to the White House with promises of peace. The president announced the operation on social media before delivering a televised address from the White House, declaring the strikes a "spectacular success." Trump expressed hope the action would create conditions for lasting peace by eliminating Iran's nuclear weapon potential. Iran reported only minor damage to its heavily fortified Fordo nuclear site, though the full extent of damage remains unclear. Speaking alongside Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump warned Iran of future attacks that would be "far worse and a lot easier" if they refused to abandon their nuclear program. He indicated "many targets left" and promised continued action with […]