Humanitarian efforts in Gaza are in limbo following the deaths of seven aid workers.

World Central Kitchen

The Story

Humanitarian efforts in Gaza are in limbo following the deaths of seven aid workers.

What happened?

The nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK) suspended its operations in Gaza, a day after its aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike. WCK said its staff members had just helped unload more than 100 tons of food and that their movements had been coordinated with the Israeli military — a process that humanitarian groups typically follow in war zones. Israel said it’s investigating the incident, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a “tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people.” WCK said it’s provided over 41 million meals since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Now, its pause in operations has other aid groups reconsidering their work in Gaza.

Explain.

Multiple aid organizations have also suspended their efforts in Gaza amid concerns over their workers’ safety, affecting food delivery and health care services. It comes as the UN said the strike on the WCK workers “is not an isolated incident,” and as at least 196 humanitarian workers have been killed since the start of the war. The pause in services from major aid groups could further deteriorate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN warns of an imminent famine. Meanwhile, world leaders have denounced the recent strike, with President Biden saying Israel “has not done enough to protect aid workers.”

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The deaths of seven aid workers put a spotlight on the conditions humanitarian groups face in a war zone, and the difficulty of getting aid into Gaza. Now, as organizations halt their efforts, many are worried about how it’ll impact those in desperate need of help.

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Retirement. According to one study, Americans think they’ll need more money than ever to retire comfortably. Specifically, $1.46 million. That's a 53% increase compared to what Americans thought they needed just four years ago. Even though Americans think they need more money, that doesn’t mean they are actually saving more. The average amount in a retirement savings fund fell slightly from last year to $88,400. The study comes as experts warn of a looming retirement crisis and as Social Security is projected to reduce benefits for retirees after 2034. Want to plan for retirement? Here are some tips.

Where drugs are being recriminalized…

Oregon. Earlier this week, Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed a new law restoring criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of drugs. The measure is a reversal of a first-in-the-nation decriminalization effort that aimed to treat addiction in the state as a public health matter. Now, starting in September, possession of illicit drugs could result in up to 180 days in jail, with a focus on connecting individuals to addiction and mental health services. The new law comes amid a rise in fentanyl use and overdose deaths.

What got the FDA’s green light…

A digital treatment for depression. Federal regulators have cleared the app Rejoyn to help treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Rejoyn provides six weeks of emotional training exercises and is meant to be used alongside antidepressants. Researchers reportedly say the app’s benefits are minimal and require more studies. Still, the app is expected to be available for download with a prescription for people 22 and older later this year.

What people are watching…

Taiwan. Yesterday, an earthquake of at least 7.4 magnitude struck Taiwan’s east coast, killing at least seven people and injuring dozens of others. It's the strongest quake to hit the island in 25 years.

What’s decided to give it (yet) another go…

“Grey’s Anatomy.”

Who’s in the same club as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos…

Taylor Swift.

What’s jaw-dropping…

The skyrocketing tuition costs at some universities.

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