Netanyahu faces pressure over cease-fire in Gaza, hostage deal
The United States is continuing to push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. However, both sides appear to remain at odds over the conditions to end fighting. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israel defense officials on Sunday, June 2, commending Israel for considering a U.S.-advanced framework and saying that the pressure is now on Hamas to accept the cease-fire deal.
“All this progress would make Israel more secure with Israeli families no longer living in the shadow of a terrorist attack, and all this would create conditions for a different future, a better future for the Palestinian people,” Biden said.
Biden has said that the first phase of the proposal would involve the withdrawal of Israeli forces from “populated” areas of Gaza, as women, children and wounded Israeli hostages are released by Hamas. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be released by Israel and more aid would be allowed to flow into Gaza.
Biden argued that Israel has dismantled Hamas to the point that it could not mount an attack like the Oct. 7 massacre again. However, the president noted that he’s aware of strong resistance to fully withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza by leadership in Israel.
The cease-fire negotiations come as a survey from the Pew Research Center found that the number of Israeli Jews who believe a Palestinian state and Israel can peacefully coexist dropped to 19%. That is down 32% compared to a survey released weeks before the start of the war in Gaza.
The new survey is the lowest percentage since it began in 2013. However, Israeli Arabs were more optimistic, with nearly half those surveyed believing that a Palestinian and Israel state could peacefully coexist.
Still, the survey shows wide gaps in between the Jewish and Arab community. For instance, 74% of Israeli Arabs believe Israel’s military campaign against Hamas has gone too far, while just 4% of Israeli Jews believe the military campaign has gone too far.
However, both groups did have some shared concerns, like the war in Gaza spreading to other regions following attacks by Iran and skirmishes between Israeli and Hezbollah forces on the border.
Israel is entering its eighth month of war against Hamas. The survey was taken in March and April among 1,000 adults, before Israel’s invasion of Rafah.
The weapons can only be used near Kharkiv, Ukraine, for countering Russian attacks. The U.S. stopped short of allowing long-range strikes inside Russia and civilian infrastructure is off-limits for Ukrainian forces.
The move by President Joe Biden was first made quietly on Thursday, May 30. The lifting of restrictions is designed to allow Ukrainian forces to fight off Russian forces attacking Ukraine’s second largest city. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the change was desperately need, not just for Ukraine, but for the world.
“The stakes couldn’t be higher for this moment,” Blinken said. “We know that if Russian aggression is allowed to proceed in Ukraine with impunity it will not stop with Ukraine.”
Now, Ukrainian forces can use U.S. weaponry to intercept Russian missiles heading toward Kharkiv. Russian troops massing over the Russian border near Kharkiv are also allowed to be struck by U.S.-provided weapons under the lifted restrictions.
The Biden administration previously said that lifting restrictions could escalate the war with more direct U.S. involvement. However, Biden reportedly had a change of heart once Russian forces advanced on Kharkiv and unleashed heavy attacks on the city.
The U.S. isn’t the only country to change its mind. Berlin lifted restrictions on German-provided weapons to Ukraine with similar stipulations to the U.S.
However, putting Western troops on Ukrainian soil does run the risk of them becoming casualties. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said in the past that deploying Western troops to Ukraine would have “tragic” consequences.
Loosening restrictions on Ukraine and the apparent willingness to send foreign troops to Ukrainian soil isn’t sitting well with all NATO members.
The policy changes and considerations by NATO allies have also inflamed the Kremlin. In response, senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev said that Moscow is not bluffing over its threats to use tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine. He warned that moves by the West could lead to an all-out war.
“Russia regards all long-range weapons used by Ukraine as being directly controlled by servicemen from NATO countries,” Medvedev said. “This is no military assistance; this is participation in a war against us.”
Russia advances in Kharkiv; Zelenskyy cancels trips to focus on defense
Russian forces are advancing further into Ukrainian territory than they have since December 2022. The intensified fighting has forced more than 8,000 people to flee their homes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has canceled several overseas trips to oversee his country’s defenses.
Russia is attempting to seize as much ground as possible before additional Western aid reaches Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently spent two days in Ukraine, where he announced an additional $2 billion in military aid and reaffirmed Washington’s continued support.
On Thursday, May 16, Russia’s Ministry of Defense said its forces would continue their assault in Kharkiv, where they have destroyed a Ukrainian air defense command post and an ammunition depot.
The Russian military also claimed on the Ministry of Defense’s official Telegram channel to have captured 107 square miles of Ukrainian territory. Russian state-run media, however, has made little mention of the high troop casualty rates and equipment losses.
In anticipation of the Russian advance, President Zelenskyy lowered the draft age for military service for males from 27 to 25. The move aims to boost Ukrainian forces by 100,000 soldiers.
Ukraine’s military challenges were exacerbated by a four-month halt in weapons supplies from the U.S., which resumed after Congress passed a $61 billion aid package. Restrictions on the use of Western weapons within Russian territory have allowed Russian forces to mass safely across the border, according to some analysts.
An estimated 30,000 Russian troops are currently stationed near the border in Belgorod. The U.S., which has previously supplied Ukraine with long-range missiles used to strike Russian targets in Crimea, insists this assistance should be used only for defense, not for offensive operations in Russian territory.
Russia also claimed it captured territory in the southeastern Donetsk and eastern Zaporizhzhia regions as well.
“Russia started a new wave of offensive actions in this direction,” Zelenskyy stated, referring to the Kharkiv region. “Ukraine met them there with troops: brigades and artillery. It is important to understand that they can increase and bring more forces in this direction. It is a fact. But our military and military commanders were aware of it and assessed its forces in order to meet the enemy with artillery fire.”
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, holds strategic significance. It’s not clear if Russia plans to capture it, but Kyiv officials suggest Moscow may simply be aiming to stretch Ukraine’s resources as fresh aid arrives.
The Russian advances follow Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call for a “buffer zone” in March near Kharkiv to halt Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure — a tactic that has significantly impacted the Kremlin’s bottom line.
Cohen testifies Trump said ‘just do it’ about payment to Daniels
Michael Cohen, the one-time lawyer for former President Donald Trump, took the stand in the former president’s criminal trial. And a giant billboard collapses in India, killing more than a dozen people and leaving dozens injured. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
Cohen testifies Trump said ‘Just do it’ about payment to Daniels
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s former attorney, took the stand in New York on Monday, May 13, alleging that the former president not only knew about the $130,000 payment Cohen made to adult film star Stormy Daniels but also authorized it and approved the plan for repayment.
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Cohen alleged that during the final days of the 2016 election, Trump told him, “Just do it,” regarding the payment to Daniels. Cohen said that the payment aimed to prevent Daniels from sharing her alleged affair with Trump in 2006 — a situation Cohen deemed “catastrophic” for Trump’s presidential bid.
According to Cohen, Trump expressed concern about Daniels’ story being published, stating, “Women are going to hate me; guys may think it’s cool. But this is going to be a disaster for the campaign.”
While Cohen maintains that the payment was “all about the campaign,” Trump’s defense suggests it aimed to protect his family from embarrassment. Cohen testified that Trump instructed him to delay paying Daniels until after the election, allegedly saying, “Push it out past the election because if I win, it has no relevance, and if I lose, I don’t really care.”
Trump denies any relationship with Daniels and has pleaded not guilty to charges related to payments made to Cohen. Cohen’s testimony continues today with questioning from the prosecution, followed by cross-examination from Trump’s legal team.
Blinken arrives in Kyiv, meets with Zelenskyy
In an unannounced visit Tuesday, May 14, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv, reassuring Ukraine of America’s continued support as the war with Russia persists.
Blinken emphasized that this aid would “make a real difference” in Ukraine’s fight on the battlefield, with much of it directed toward replenishing the country’s artillery and air defense systems.
I returned to Kyiv today to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Russian aggression. pic.twitter.com/7ruIw6GgVd
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 14, 2024
This marks Blinken’s fourth trip to the Ukrainian capital since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Biden administration unveils new tariffs on Chinese imports, including electric vehicles
The release also highlighted China’s flooding of global markets with artificially low-priced exports.
The new tariffs will take effect over the next three years. Tariffs increasing this year cover goods such as EVs, batteries, solar cells, medical products — including syringes and needles — as well as steel and aluminum. Notably, the tariff rate on EVs will increase from 25% to 100%.
Large billboard collapses, killing at least 14 people in Mumbai
The rain, accompanied by high winds, caused the 100-foot-tall billboard to fall over a gas station in the suburb of Ghatkopar. At least 47 people were rescued late into the night.
Heartfelt condolences to families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate mishap at Ghatkopar today. @MumbaiPolice team is on the spot in the rescue operation. We assure citizens that stringent legal action will be taken against those responsible for this mishap.
India experiences severe floods during the monsoon season, typically from June to September, which is crucial for agriculture but often causes extensive damage.
Largest remaining collapsed Baltimore bridge span demolished
Crews demolished the largest remaining span of a collapsed bridge in Baltimore, clearing the way for the eventual full return of shipping through one of the busiest sea routes in the U.S.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship named the Dali in March, which lost power and veered off course. As a result, a section of the bridge landed on the grounded container ship. Six people were killed in the collision.
The operation was delayed due to bad weather, but the demolition went according to plan Monday, May 13.
‘Doomsday Vault’ creators win major award in fight to save crop diversity
Cary Fowler and Geoffrey Hawtin have been named the 2024 World Food Prize laureates for their pioneering work in agricultural preservation. The announcement, made at the U.S. State Department on Thursday, May 9, celebrates the big role the pair has played in preserving crop diversity.
Around two decades ago, Fowler and Hawtin came up with the concept of a “doomsday vault” — a seed repository nestled within an Arctic mountain. Now, their brainchild, Svalbard Global Seed Vault, stands as a cornerstone of the planet’s emergency food resources.
The prestigious award, accompanied by a $500,000 prize, is meant to show the significance of their contributions. Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended their efforts, highlighting the critical need for preserving the planet’s crop diversity amid climate change.
Fowler and Hawtin’s initiative stemmed from concerns about climate change threatening agriculture. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault serves as a safety net against potential world disasters or changes, ensuring the seeds will be available for future generations.
As World Food Prize laureates, Fowler and Hawtin said that they are committed to advocating for increased funding for seed banks around the world. Their vision is a resilient food supply that can withstand global environmental changes.
The World Food Prize awards are given out annually to those whose efforts help combat world hunger.
Israel believes ICC is ready to issue arrest warrants over Hamas war
Israeli officials expressed concerns that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue arrest warrants against Israeli government and military figures for actions linked to Israel’s conflict with Hamas. The ICC has the authority to accuse officials of war crimes, including genocide and crimes against humanity.
According to Reuters, the ICC may seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials for potential violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The ICC is also contemplating warrants for Hamas leaders.
However, Israel and the United States are not ICC members and do not acknowledge its jurisdiction.
“The ICC is an independent organization, and their efforts are undertaken without any contact or interference from the U.S.,” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said on Monday, April 29.
The ICC is investigating Hamas’s deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of hundreds more. The court is also looking at Israel’s subsequent retaliation against Hamas in Gaza, including a ground offensive that led to the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians.
The exact number of Palestinian civilian casualties is uncertain. The Hamas-run Palestinian health agency does not differentiate between Hamas militants and civilian casualties.
ICC officials emphasized that violators of international law will be held accountable.
Israel Foreign Minister Israel Katz anticipated that the ICC will refrain from issuing arrest warrants against Israel’s top officials.
“We will not bow our heads or be deterred and will continue to fight,” Katz said.
If the ICC issues an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, it does not necessarily imply imprisonment. However, Netanyahu and other officials could face arrest in countries that recognize the ICC’s authority. That includes much of Europe.
Netanyahu stated on Friday, April 26, that Israel “will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense.”
The news of potential arrest warrants came as pressure mounts on Israel to stop its ground incursion in Gaza.
Israel is waiting for a response from Hamas militants regarding a new cease-fire proposal. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described it as “extremely generous.” No one involved in the negotiations shared the terms of the potential deal.
As US and China work to ease tensions, US Navy flies through Taiwan Strait
The U.S. Navy flew a patrol aircraft through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, April 17. The flyover happened just one day after discussions were held between the U.S. and China aimed at easing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
While the Taiwan Strait is considered international waters, China views it as part of its sovereign territory. Any passage by foreign aircraft or ships is seen as a challenge to its territorial claims. In response to the flight, China dispatched fighters to monitor and warn the P-8A Poseiden, a maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. It later dismissed the flight as “public hype.”
The Eastern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army issued a statement proclaiming China’s readiness to defend its regional claims.
“Troops in theater are always on high alert and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and security as well,” the command said.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said China often engages in a show of force by sending fighter jets and warships to the region.
The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet released a statement maintaining it followed international law.
“By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” the statement said.
Freedom of navigation was a key topic of discussion between Austin and the Chinese minister, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Pat Ryder.
China froze talks with the United States in November 2022 in protest of Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s, D-Calif., visit to Taiwan. Then, China responded with military exercises including missile launches.
Suspects in Russia concert hall attack appear in court
The U.S. responds to Vladimir Putin’s claims after dozens are killed in a terrorist attack at a Russia concert hall, and—NBC News’ Chuck Todd calls out his own network for a recent hiring during ‘Meet the Press.’ These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, March 25, 2024.
Suspects in Russia concert hall attack appear in court
ISIS has claimed responsibility for a terror attack at a concert hall in Russia on Friday, March 22, resulting in the death of more than 130 people and injuring nearly 200 others.
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In response to the massacre, Russia observed a day of mourning on Sunday, March 24.The four men accused of carrying out the shooting and detonating explosives inside the venue near Moscow were brought to court, displaying visible injuries that Russian media sources suggest were the result of torture during interrogations by security services.
Court documents revealed two of the accused have pleaded guilty, although reports from Russian media indicate three confessions. The suspects, apprehended on Saturday, face life imprisonment. Russian President Vladimir Putin has asserted their intention was to flee to Kyiv, a claim Ukrainian officials have refuted.
The United States, aligning with Ukraine, has made a clear statement attributing the attack solely to ISIS, denying any Ukrainian involvement. Furthermore, U.S. officials disclosed that America had previously warned Russia about a potential terrorist attack targeting Moscow earlier in the month and had issued a public caution to Americans in Russia regarding the threat.
Trump faces deadline to secure $454 million bond amid fraud judgment
March 25 marks the deadline for former President Donald Trump to secure a $454 million bond to cover a fraud judgment against him or face the risk of asset seizure. The accusation stems from a civil fraud case alleging Trump inflated his net worth.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who issued the judgment, granted Trump a 30-day grace period, which concludes today. Despite the lack of expected immediate action from James, the potential impact on Trump’s financial stability remains significant.
A substantial portion of Trump’s assets are in real estate, a form of collateral that bond companies typically shy away from. Consequently, Trump has encountered difficulties securing the bond, with more than 30 companies turning down his requests.
In a social media post last week, Trump claimed to have almost $500 million in cash. He has filed an appeal against the judgment, but a decision on the matter is still pending.
Kamala Harris says Israeli operation in Rafah would be a ‘huge mistake’
Vice President Kamala Harris has indicated that the United States may consider “consequences” should Israel proceed with its plans to expand military operations into the city of Rafah, amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. In an interview with ABC News, Harris underscored the Biden administration’s opposition to an invasion of Rafah, labeling any significant military action in the area as a grave error.
“We have been clear in multiple conversations and in every way, that any major military operation in Rafah would be a huge mistake,” Harris stated, emphasizing the lack of evacuation options for the city’s residents. “Let me tell you something, I have studied the maps. There’s nowhere for those folks to go.”
The United Nations has reported that over one million people reside in Rafah, a border city, with the majority having been displaced from other parts of the territory due to the conflict.
Despite objections from the U.S., Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his plans for Rafah, recently affirming the necessity of an attack to defeat Hamas. In the coming week, the Israeli Defense Minister and a separate Israeli delegation are slated to visit Washington to discuss the Gaza war and Rafah plans with top U.S. officials.
Chuck Todd blasts NBC News for hiring former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel
Todd, now serving as NBC News Chief Political Analyst, raised concerns about McDaniel’s credibility and potential conflicts of interest given her new role as a paid contributor.
“Because I don’t know what to believe,” Todd remarked, questioning whether McDaniel’s responses in a recent interview were influenced by her contractual obligations to NBC News. He highlighted the difficulty in discerning whether she was speaking for herself or on behalf of her payers, suggesting McDaniel still has credibility issues to address.
The hiring has reportedly caused discomfort among NBC News journalists, with Todd noting their previous experiences with the RNC involved “gaslighting” and “character assassination.” He emphasized the network executives owe Welker an apology, following her interview with McDaniel, which took place just minutes before Todd’s commentary.
Welker, at the start of the show, informed viewers that McDaniel’s booking occurred weeks prior to NBC’s announcement on Friday, March 22, of her hiring. During the interview, McDaniel stated that individuals charged with attacking the Capitol on January 6 should not be released, contradicting former President Trump’s claims of potential pardons. Additionally, McDaniel acknowledged President Biden’s legitimate victory in the 2020 presidential election, while still mentioning there were voting issues.
Ohtani to address media on gambling scandal involving former interpreter
Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is expected to address the media Monday, March 25, for the first time since the firing of his interpreter last week, amidst a gambling scandal shaking Major League Baseball. The incident raises questions about the involvement of the Japanese baseball star’s former interpreter, who was dismissed following allegations of a “massive theft” by Ohtani’s legal team. The accused is said to have diverted millions from Ohtani to cover gambling debts.
Despite the interpreter’s assertion that Ohtani was uninvolved with the gambling charges, the athlete has remained silent on the issue, including the circumstances leading to his friend and interpreter’s dismissal. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts has publicly supported Ohtani’s decision to speak out, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the situation.
Ohtani, who last December signed the largest contract in baseball history — a 10-year agreement valued at $700 million — finds his career at a critical juncture as MLB launches an investigation into the gambling allegations linked to his former interpreter.
The league’s probe aims to uncover the depth of the gambling issue and its impact on one of baseball’s leading figures. Monday’s press conference with Ohtani is highly anticipated, offering potential clarity on his stance and the broader implications for MLB.
Global support pours in for Princess Kate after cancer diagnosis
Worldwide reactions continue to emerge after Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales and wife of Prince William, heir to the British throne, revealed she has been diagnosed with cancer. In a video released on Friday, Kate shared news of her condition and her ongoing treatment.
On Friday, March 22, a video was posted on social media by Kensington Palace detailing Kate’s health journey. “In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London and, at the time, it was believed my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful, but subsequent tests revealed the presence of cancer,” Kate stated. She is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy and is in the early stages of treatment.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden expressed their support on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate.”
Ivanka Trump, daughter of former President Donald Trump, also shared her sentiments: “I am deeply saddened to hear about Princess Kate’s diagnosis. Amidst the trials she faces, her strength and grace continue to shine brightly.”
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, offered their wishes for Kate’s health and healing, hoping for privacy and peace for the family during this time.
Amidst the outpouring of support, some public figures addressed the speculation and rumors that had spread prior to the announcement. Actress Jamie Lee Curtis urged respect and positive wishes for Kate and her family, criticizing the conspiracy theories that had been circulating on social media.
Olivia Munn, who recently disclosed her own battle with breast cancer, thanked Kate for demonstrating grace and determination in the face of adversity.
Over the weekend, Kate and William expressed their appreciation for the global support, stating they were “enormously touched by the kind messages” received from around the world. The couple’s acknowledgment highlights the widespread concern and solidarity from people and notable figures across the globe.
US presses Mideast leaders on cease-fire; Israel says Hamas still uses hospital
The conflict in Gaza continues as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo Thursday, March 21, for high-level discussions about the Israel-Hamas war. The talks, aimed at brokering a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, come amidst escalating violence in the region.
Blinken underscored the urgent necessity to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians, revealing that the United States has proposed a resolution calling for an immediate six-week cease-fire to facilitate the release of hostages held by both sides.
“We actually have a resolution that we put forward right now that’s before the United Nations Security Council that does call for an immediate cease-fire tied to the release of hostages,” Blinken said. “And we hope very much that countries will support that. I think that would send a strong message, a strong signal. But, of course, we stand with Israel and its right to defend itself, to make sure that October 7th never happens again. But at the same time, it’s imperative to the civilians who are in harm’s way and who are suffering so terribly, that we focus on them, that we make them a priority, protecting the civilians, getting them humanitarian assistance. And we’ve been leading the effort to do that.”
The situation in Gaza remains dire as Israel’s military offensive intensifies, particularly targeting the Al-Shifa hospital. Residents report ongoing attacks on the medical facility, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
According to the United Nations, food shortages in Gaza have reached famine levels, affecting over 2.3 million Palestinians. Officials from 36 countries and U.N. agencies convened in Cyprus to discuss expediting humanitarian aid deliveries to the enclave. However, aid shipments are facing logistical hurdles and are falling short of meeting the urgent needs of the region.
El-Sisi stressed the urgent need for a cease-fire to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and cautioned against further military actions in Rafah, which has become a safe zone for more than a million Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its offensive, claiming to target Hamas militants hiding within Al-Shifa hospital.
A spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) asserted the presence of terrorist infrastructure within the hospital facility, stating that IDF troops have neutralized more than 140 Hamas fighters in the precise operation. The IDF also claims to have uncovered $11 million inside that terror infrastructure that the IDF said was earmarked for funding Hamas terror activities in the hospital.
Hamas refutes these claims, insisting that casualties at the hospital are civilians seeking refuge. The group accuses Israel of targeting innocent civilians and vows to continue its resistance.
Amidst the ongoing violence, Blinken remains engaged in diplomatic efforts. He reiterated the United States’ commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state during talks with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince.
The U.S. State Department is urging American citizens to leave Haiti due to recent gang violence and advises those wishing to depart to contact them through their website.
As of Sunday, March 17, the number of U.S. citizens in Haiti seeking a charter flight and the total remaining in the country were unclear.
In an effort to assist its citizens, the U.S. arranged for a limited number of charter flights from the northern city of Cap-Haitien, less impacted by the unrest. However, officials emphasized that Americans needed to make their own way to the airport for evacuation.
Upon arrival in Miami, government officials have begun assisting the evacuees with their immediate planning and next steps.
A State Department spokesperson highlighted the “fluid and quickly evolving situation” in Haiti, noting, “U.S. citizens are not required to register their travel to a foreign country with us, so we cannot accurately track how many U.S. citizens are in any particular country.”
In a related move to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions, the U.S. military has recently increased its presence to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, reflecting ongoing concerns about the stability in the region.