Daily news digest:
In the latest developments, a humanitarian crisis persists in Gaza as Israeli authorities have enforced a ten-week-long blockade, prohibiting the entry of essential supplies like food and fuel.UNRWA's food parcels and flour are depleted, with over one-third of essential medical supplies out of stock, compounded by severe damage to hospitals and ambulances during attacks since October 2023[2]. As a result, nearly half a million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic levels of hunger, and almost 71,000 children under five could become acutely malnourished in the upcoming months[4]. This dire situation has already led to the deaths of 57 children from malnutrition since the blockade began in March 2025[2][4].
Attempts to deliver humanitarian assistance have been limited, with only 34 out of 58 planned aid movements coordinated with Israeli authorities from 14–20 May 2025 granted access[1].
Meanwhile, the specifics of Harvard University's legal standoff with the Trump administration remain undisclosed as of recent reports[5]. Historically, the institution has defended its admission policies in notable court cases, such as affirmative action proceedings before the US Supreme Court in 2022 and 2023[5].
The impact of corporate America's retreat from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on job losses is a subject of debate, with varying sector-based results and limited concrete data available.
References:[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/18/gaza-israel-blocks-most-aid-convoys-amid-escalating-crisis[2] https://www.unrwa.org/news/press-releases/unrwa-most-critical-needs-urgently-needed-gaza[3] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/20/gaza-israel-escalation-intensifies-as-hours-of-heavy-bombardment-begin[4] https://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/press-releases/unrwa-warns-escalating-crisis-gaza-requires-immediate- action[5] https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/us/politics/harvard-affirmative-action-lawsuit.html[6] https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/01/politics/harvard-affirmative-action-supreme-court-argument[6] https://www.npr.org/2023/10/04/1140212479/trump-administration-harvard-university-legal-battle-affirmative-action[7] https://www.wsj.com/articles/big-business-falls-silent-on-race-equality-a8f4df4e
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The uncertain circumstances in Gaza, marked by a prolonged blockade and dwindling essential supplies, have complicated not only the general-news landscape, but also the politics surrounding international aid. Meanwhile, the ongoing legal standoff between Harvard University and the Trump administration, a dispute rooted in admission policies, continues to unfold in the realms of finance and business, potentially impacting the institution's future and career prospects for its students.
