In a significant policy shift, the Department of Homeland Security announced it will not renew a humanitarian parole program that has allowed migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua to enter the United States over the past two years. This decision will affect hundreds of thousands of individuals who were previously cleared to arrive at U.S. airports, contingent upon passing health and background checks and securing a financial sponsor in the U.S. The parole for Venezuelans is set to expire later this month, while those from the other countries will see their parole end in January 2025.
During a press conference at the White House, President Biden addressed various pressing issues, including Israel's military response to recent Iranian missile attacks. He emphasized the strong support his administration has provided to Israel, asserting that no previous administration has been as supportive. Biden also expressed uncertainty regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's potential influence on U.S. elections.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with a quarter of the population displaced due to Israeli airstrikes and ground invasions. Reports from the southern coast of Lebanon depict a dire situation, with many residents seeking shelter in overcrowded schools and makeshift accommodations. The violence has left families devastated, with stories of loss and survival emerging from the chaos.
In Gaza, the toll of the conflict continues to mount as the region marks one year since the October 7 Hamas attacks. The Israeli military campaign has led to significant civilian casualties, with estimates suggesting that one in every twenty residents has been killed or wounded. Families recount harrowing experiences of loss, displacement, and the struggle for basic necessities amid ongoing airstrikes.
As the situation evolves, both Lebanon and Gaza face immense challenges, with civilians caught in the crossfire of a conflict that shows no signs of abating. The humanitarian implications of these developments are profound, raising urgent questions about the future for those affected by the violence.