Al Jazeera News Updates Gaza humanitarian crisis, Trump calls drug cartels ‘ISIS of the Western hemisphere’
Oct 24, 2025
An urgent call for aid as pressure mounts to open the Rafah Crossing in Gaza highlights the struggle for humanitarian relief. US officials grapple with challenges to enforce a ceasefire in the region. Meanwhile, President Trump stirs controversy by designating drug cartels as terrorists. Putin downplays the impact of new US sanctions on Russia's economy. The EU commits to increased aid while debating the use of frozen assets for military support. Together, these discussions paint a complex picture of global political dynamics.
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Urgent Aid Bottleneck At Rafa Crossing
- Gaza faces severe shortages despite a ceasefire meant to scale up aid deliveries.
- The UN urges Israel to open the Rafa crossing so hundreds of trucks can deliver life-saving supplies.
U.S. Engagement Faces Implementation Hurdles
- High-level U.S. officials visited Israel but warned major obstacles remain to fully implement the ceasefire plan.
- Visits by Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance signal sustained U.S. engagement without immediate resolution.
Trump Labels Cartels As Terrorist Threat
- President Donald Trump designated several drug cartels as foreign terrorist organisations, equating them to 'the ISIS of the Western Hemisphere.'
- The move signals a hardline U.S. stance linking organised crime to terrorism rhetoric.