The Unlikely Duo Rethinking Wearable Technology

Why did a surgeon and Snap exec team up? They saw the missing ingredient in the $84T wearables market: behavior. So they built Emteq and invented smart glasses sensors to track real-time expressions, unlocking insights into why we do things. With a $15M term sheet already secured, Emteq is what Big Tech's missing.

Aid groups appeal to the European Union to release urgent funds for Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA

LORNE COOK
February 29, 2024

BRUSSELS (AP) -- Humanitarian aid groups appealed on Thursday to the European Union to release tens of millions of euros in funding due to the main U.N. agency that delivers most aid to people in the Gaza Strip as the organization teeters on the brink of financial collapse.

The European Commission, the EU's executive branch, was due to disburse 82 million euros ($89 million) to the UNRWA aid agency on Feb. 29. UNRWA said that it still hadn't received the payment as of Thursday morning.

"This is a moment of reckoning for the EU as a humanitarian leader and a critical donor for this crisis," said Niamh Nic Carthaigh, from Plan International's EU Liaison Office.

"Any further cuts to UNRWA funding would be an effective death sentence for civilians trapped in Gaza and the region who rely on the agency for their survival," she said in a joint statement from 17 aid groups, including the International Rescue Committee, Save the Children and Oxfam.

Israeli troops fired on a crowd of Palestinians waiting for aid in Gaza City on Thursday, witnesses said. More than 100 people were killed, health authorities said, bringing the Palestinian death toll since the start of the Israel-Hamas war to more than 30,000.

UNRWA is reeling from allegations that 12 of its 13,000 Gaza staff members participated in the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel. The agency immediately fired the employees, but more than a dozen countries suspended funding worth about $450 million, almost half its budget for 2024.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini has described the payment due from the EU as "absolutely critical." The agency has been the main supplier of food, water and shelter during the war in Gaza. Lazzarini has warned that it may be forced to suspend its work soon.

Two U.N. investigations into Israel's allegations against the agency are underway, but the European Commission -- the third biggest donor to UNRWA after the United States and Germany -- has demanded a separate audit and wants to appoint experts to carry it out.

Asked on Thursday how the audit is evolving and when funds might be released, European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said that "work is ongoing."

"The plight of the Palestinian people is of utmost concern to us. At the same time, we have set out a number of points that need to be agreed with UNRWA before we make our decision on the next payment, which is indeed foreseen for the end of the month," Mamer said.

The war has driven 80% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million Palestinians from their homes, and U.N. officials say a quarter of the population is starving.

The European Commission acknowledged this week that no agency other than UNRWA is capable of helping Gaza's people properly, and that Israel has provided no evidence to support its allegations against the agency's staff. The agency provides Israel with a list of staff each year and has received no objections.

Despite this, it continues to insist on "a review of all UNRWA staff" to confirm they had no role in the attacks. Of the U.N. agency's 13,000 Gaza staff members, more than 3,000 continue working there.

Among the EU's 27 member countries, several have unilaterally suspended funding. Germany said that it "will temporarily not approve any new funds" until investigations are concluded. France, Italy and the Netherlands have taken a similar position.

The combined weight of its member nations and institutions makes the EU the world's biggest provider of assistance to the Palestinians -- almost 1.2 billion euros ($1.3 billion) was earmarked for 2021-2024. But the members are deeply divided over their support for Israel and the Palestinians.

In an opinion piece in the Financial Times newspaper on Thursday, the secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Jan Egeland, said that "Gaza has been left on life support, and the life support machine is UNRWA."

He said that even if the allegations against it "are proved -- and as of now no evidence has been presented, no details have been shared -- how can the logical response from donors be the further cutting of life-saving aid to 2 million Gazan civilians?"

"Gaza is in freefall, hammered by a modern army funded and empowered by the world's wealthiest and most powerful nations. Palestinians are displaced, starving and desperate," Egeland said. "Only UNRWA has the capacity to support them: it must be allowed to do its job."

___

Find more of AP's coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Continue Reading...

Popular

Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill' Offers Seniors A $6,000 'Bonus' Tax Deduction: Here's How You Qualify For The Benefit

Trump's Big, Beautiful Bill offers a $6,000 senior bonus deduction from 2025-28. Couples can save $12,000. Retirees with incomes up to $75,000 benefit most.

Trump keeps saying the GOP mega bill will eliminate taxes on Social Security. It does not

WASHINGTON (AP) — President keeps saying that Republicans' mega legislation will eliminate taxes on federal benefits.

Back This Medical AI Tech - Ad

You don't often find healthcare tech company valued at $4M. HeartSciences is an exception. With $75M invested, including R&D, clinical trials, and product development, their patented AI software is approaching FDA submission, a potential major inflection point.

Cathie Wood's Alpha Surge: $250 Million Circle Windfall, Big AMD Buys

Cathie Wood, founder and CEO of ARK Invest, has recently been on a hot streak of successful and high-profile trades through her flagship ARK ETFs. 

Cargo ship carrying new vehicles to Mexico sinks in the North Pacific weeks after catching fire

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A cargo ship that had been delivering new vehicles to Mexico sank in the North Pacific Ocean, weeks after crew members abandoned ship when they couldn’t extinguish an onboard fire that left the carrier dead in the water.

Our No.1 AI Stock Has Nothing to Do With Tech - Ad

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently said AI requires "100 times more" power. We believe that means the best way to invest in AI right now has nothing to do with technology ... And everything to do with energy. One stock appears to be perfectly positioned...

Bernie Sanders Shares First Thing He Would Do As President — And It Could Be A Jab At Elon Musk

Bernie Sanders lost the 2016 and 2020 presidential races. In a recent interview, Sanders shared what he would do first if he were president.

Joe Rogan Once Said He Started Doubting The Apollo Missions After COVID-19, Compared Post-Flight Press Conference To A 'Hostage Video'

Joe Rogan told Matt Walsh he began doubting the moon landing after COVID, while Walsh argued that faking the Apollo missions would have been even more unbelievable than achieving them.

The Missing Ingredient for Big Tech's $3T Recipe? - Ad

Big Tech doesn't build everything; they buy what's next. And only Emteq's tech offers real behavior insights for smart glasses, key to unlocking the $3T XR market. Their patented sensors track live facial muscle movements. With health-focused smart glasses in demand, only Emteq has this tech.

Mark Cuban Raises Employee Wages After Learning Of Government Aid Dependence

Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, expressed his dismay upon learning that some of his employees were reliant on government aid programs.

Thinking about taking a stab at IV therapy? Ask some questions first

IV therapy clinics are springing up around the country, touting quick ways to recover from a hangover or a hard workout. But doctors and regulators preach caution.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as July 23rd.

Iran’s president orders country to suspend cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog IAEA

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s president on Wednesday ordered the country to suspend its cooperation with after American and Israeli airstrikes hit its most-important nuclear facilities, likely further limiting inspectors' ability to track Tehran's program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels.

BigBear.ai (BBAI) Stock Soars 21%: What's Going On?

Shares of BigBear.ai are trading sharply higher Tuesday afternoon. The rally comes without any new company-specific announcements.

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens - Ad

This company is making heart disease easier to detect with AI. Their tech has officially been designated a "Breakthrough" by the FDA. You now have an opportunity to get in at a potential inflection point.

North Koreans swim and play at a beach resort touted as a boost for tourism

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Koreans swam, rode water park slides and enjoyed other water activities at a newly opened state media reported Wednesday, as the country largely maintains a ban on the entry of foreign tourists.

Michael Novogratz's Galaxy And Invesco File To Launch Solana ETF: What You Should Know About QSOL

Asset management giant Invesco filed for a cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund focused on Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) on Wednesday, expanding its offerings beyond Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC).

A Historic Gold Announcement Is About to Rock Wall Street - Ad

The greatest investor of all time is about to validate what Garrett Goggin has been saying for months: Gold is entering a once-in-a-generation mania. Front-running Buffett has never been more urgent - and four tiny miners could be your ticket to 100X gains.

Trump vents online about service provider after conference call marred by glitch

WASHINGTON (AP) — On Monday afternoon, the president of the United States was just another person complaining online about his service provider.

Trump ramps up attacks on the Federal Reserve but Powell sticks to 'wait and see' stance

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday stuck to that the central bank will keep its key rate on hold while it waits to see how President Donald Trump's effect the economy, despite the from the White House, which wants lower borrowing costs.

Crypto Genius: These 5 Altcoins Could Crush Bitcoin in 2025 - Ad

On August 30th, two powerful "Wealth Drivers" ignite what could be a 2025 super bull run-backed by Trump. The altcoin market as a whole has already soared 132,721% over the past ten years and could surge again. A $900 stake could turn into $108K over 12 months. This is The Great Gain of 2025.

Home Depot's $5.5B Deal Expands Its Reach To Thousands Of Job Sites

Analyst maintains Buy rating on Home Depot with $450 price target, noting plans for subsidiary SRS Distribution to acquire GMS for $4.3B.

How to manage ADHD at work and turn it into a strength

NEW YORK (AP) — Jeremy Didier had taken her son to a psychologist for a when she spotted an article about women with the condition. As she read it in the waiting room, she thought to herself: They're describing me.

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

US brings charges in North Korean remote worker scheme that officials say funds weapons program

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department announced criminal charges Monday in connection with a scheme by North Korea to fund its weapons program through the salaries of remote information technology workers employed unwittingly by U.S. companies.

Reapply Or Wait? Servicer MOHELA Says New IDR Applications May Move Faster — Here's What You Need To Know

MOHELA, the Education Department's loan servicer, urges student loan holders to reapply for income-driven repayment plans filed before April 27, 2025 to expedite processing and cancel previous requests. However, this may result in administrative forbearance that does not count towards forgiveness.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Jeff Brown - the legend who called Tesla and Nvidia early - says Elon is about to launch a $25T AI revolution. This isn't another chatbot. It's real-world AI that could 14X the impact of ChatGPT. But after July 23rd, it may be too late.

Elon Musk Says 'Clear Path' To Restoring Hearing With Neuralink, But The Deaf Community Want To Have Their 'Say'

Elon Musk's Neuralink faces backlash from the deaf community after proposing brain implant technology to restore hearing, with deaf adults calling for inclusion in the research process.

After Diddy's conviction, here's where his business ventures stand

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been in his federal sex trafficking trial, but that doesn't mean the once-celebrated music mogul will see his business empire restored.

The Unlikely Duo Rethinking Wearable Technology - Ad

Why did a surgeon and Snap exec team up? They saw the missing ingredient in the $84T wearables market: behavior. So they built Emteq and invented smart glasses sensors to track real-time expressions, unlocking insights into why we do things. With a $15M term sheet already secured, Emteq is what Big Tech's missing.

Trump Brokers Peace Deal Between DR Congo And Rwanda — Now Eyes Billions In US Investment

Trump brokers a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda, aiming to end conflict and unlock U.S. investment in critical African minerals.

Denmark tests unmanned robotic sailboat fleet with tensions high in the region

KOGE MARINA, Denmark (AP) — From a distance they look almost like ordinary sailboats, their sails emblazoned with the red-and-white flag .

Back This Medical AI Tech - Ad

You don't often find healthcare tech company valued at $4M. HeartSciences is an exception. With $75M invested, including R&D, clinical trials, and product development, their patented AI software is approaching FDA submission, a potential major inflection point.

Supreme Court OKs fee that subsidizes phone, internet services in schools, libraries and rural areas

WASHINGTON (AP) — on Friday upheld the fee that is added to phone bills to provide billions of dollars a year in in schools, libraries and rural areas.

Our No.1 AI Stock Has Nothing to Do With Tech - Ad

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently said AI requires "100 times more" power. We believe that means the best way to invest in AI right now has nothing to do with technology ... And everything to do with energy. One stock appears to be perfectly positioned...

Way clear for Hewlett Packard Enterprise's $14B acquisition of Juniper after Justice Dept settlement

Hewlett Packard Enterprise has reached a settlement with the Justice Department that could clear the way for its $14 billion takeover of rival Juniper Networks.

The Missing Ingredient for Big Tech's $3T Recipe? - Ad

Big Tech doesn't build everything; they buy what's next. And only Emteq's tech offers real behavior insights for smart glasses, key to unlocking the $3T XR market. Their patented sensors track live facial muscle movements. With health-focused smart glasses in demand, only Emteq has this tech.

Trending Now

Information, charts or examples are for illustration and educational purposes only and not for individualized investment management This message contains commercial elements, such as advertising. We only send these offers to those who have opted in to our newsletter. Past performance is not indicative of future results. For these reasons we strongly suggest trading in a DEMO/Simulated account. The information provided by us is for educational and informational purposes only. We make no representations or warranties concerning the products, practices or procedures of any company or entity mentioned or recommended and have not determined if the statements and opinions of the advertiser are accurate, correct or truthful. If you use, act upon or make decisions in reliance on information contained or any external source linked within it, you do so at your own peril and agree to hold us, our officers, directors, shareholders, affiliates and agents without fault.

Copyright trendadvisor.net
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service