SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2025
Weekend Reading
Hi Friend,
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, we want to share a rare piece of positive news from our staff on the ground. Our team has resumed relief efforts to support displaced Palestinians after a temporary pause in operations. They are collaborating with local farmers who have managed to grow tomatoes, onions, zucchini, and other vegetables despite overwhelming obstacles. Recently, our team was able to deliver much-needed food relief to hundreds of Palestinians in northern Gaza. Read more from AFSC staffer Firas. [link removed]
This week, AFSC joined 54 other international organizations in speaking out against severe new restrictions on aid groups working in Israel and Palestine. These restrictions, if enforced, would politicize humanitarian aid provision and likely result in the closure of most development and humanitarian programs benefiting Palestinians at a time of increasing need. Read our statement here. [link removed]
MIGRANT RIGHTS
From detention to freedom [link removed]
By Marcia Aguiluz Soto
When I visited Costa Rica's immigration detention center last month, I met migrants from as far away as Afghanistan, Russia, and China. They had all been deported from the U.S. and detained against their will. But today, I am happy to share some good news. The Costa Rican government has granted temporary humanitarian status to all who were detained, allowing them to move freely in the country. We celebrate their freedom. And we recognize that much more needs to be done.
TAKE ACTION
Tell Congress: Demand lifesaving aid for Gaza! [link removed]
Thank you to everyone who sent a message to Congress last week about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. For the past two months, Israeli authorities—with full support from the U.S.—have blocked all food, water, medicine, and humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. Palestinians, including children, are dying from starvation, malnutrition, and disease. Please continue to join us in demanding immediate humanitarian access to Gaza to help save lives. Send a message today! [link removed]
IN THE MEDIA
Spain terminates multimillion-dollar deal with Israeli weapons maker [link removed]
Spain has canceled a $7.5 million contract with Israel's largest weapons manufacturer, Elbit Systems. The Spanish government had committed not to sell weapons to Israel amid the genocide in Gaza. Weapon parts were still flowing to Israel through Spain. A report by Progressive International, Palestinian Youth Movement, and AFSC brought attention to the issue and helped prompt the change. Read more in The Cradle. [link removed]
Special thanks to our monthly donors, our Partners for Peace, for their ongoing support to make all our work possible.
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