The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a stark warning regarding the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
According to a recent statement, 14.8 million people in the country are currently facing food insecurity, with 3.1 million of them experiencing emergency-level conditions.
With the arrival of Ramadan, the situation has become even more dire, with millions of Afghans now uncertain about where their next meal will come from. OCHA has underscored the urgent need for $1.09 billion to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to the Afghan population. However, the international response has been severely lacking, with only $9.9 million secured to date, a mere fraction of the required amount.
The humanitarian crisis has been further compounded by the political and economic instability that followed the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. In November 2024, OCHA reported that 23.7 million people, including 9.2 million children, remain in need of humanitarian assistance. Despite OCHA’s appeal for $3.1 billion in humanitarian funding for 2024, only $1.15 billion were received, a significant shortfall that severely hampered relief efforts.
Compounding the challenges, the United States, one of the largest contributors of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, has suspended all foreign aid since the new U.S. President took office in January 2025. This decision has had a devastating impact on humanitarian operations, as U.S. funding has historically been critical in supporting food, healthcare and education programs.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump linked the resumption of aid to Afghanistan to the return of military equipment left in the country following the withdrawal of U.S. forces. The Taliban, however, has refused to comply with this demand, creating a stalemate that further delays the delivery of much needed assistance.
The suspension of U.S. aid, coupled with the lack of contributions from other donors, has left humanitarian organizations struggling to address the overwhelming needs of the Afghan people. The situation remains dire, with millions at risk of starvation and without access to basic necessities, underscoring the urgent need for increased international support and funding.
In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck the border area between Afghanistan and Tajikistan on Saturday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 92 kilometers (57 miles).
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Afghanistan’s Hindu Kush region on Wednesday, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), with tremors felt in nearby areas.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported on Monday that six children in the Samos migrant camp in Greece are suffering from acute malnutrition, spotlighting worsening humanitarian conditions in the EU-funded facility.
Iran and Afghanistan are working to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties as the Taliban seeks greater engagement with the United States. The discussions focus on trade, security, and regional stability, highlighting shifting alliances in the region amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
A top envoy from President Donald Trump’s administration arrived in Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, just hours after a high-ranking Russian general was assassinated in a rare car bomb attack in the capital.
Poland has submitted a judicial reform plan to European legal experts, aiming to reverse PiS-era changes criticized by the EU and unlock frozen funds. The move comes ahead of presidential elections, with a Tusk-backed candidate leading in polls.
The U.S. has proposed a final peace framework to end the Russia-Ukraine war, offering a ceasefire, territorial compromises, security guarantees for Ukraine, and renewed economic ties with Russia, according to talks held in Paris.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Pakistan shut the Wagah border, expelled Indian defence attachés and warned of war over water on Friday after rejecting India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Citing sustained cross-border terrorism and a recent deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a decision that marks a significant shift in regional water diplomacy.
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) is set to be held in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, said Rovshan Mirzayev, Deputy Head of the Economic Cooperation Department of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Israel warned on Thursday it will unleash an even wider offensive in Gaza unless Hamas frees its remaining hostages, a threat issued as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 55 people across the enclave, according to local medics.
China, Russia and Iran held a joint meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Thursday, focusing on Iran’s nuclear programme.
A top envoy from President Donald Trump’s administration arrived in Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, just hours after a high-ranking Russian general was assassinated in a rare car bomb attack in the capital.
Poland has submitted a judicial reform plan to European legal experts, aiming to reverse PiS-era changes criticized by the EU and unlock frozen funds. The move comes ahead of presidential elections, with a Tusk-backed candidate leading in polls.
The U.S. has proposed a final peace framework to end the Russia-Ukraine war, offering a ceasefire, territorial compromises, security guarantees for Ukraine, and renewed economic ties with Russia, according to talks held in Paris.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Pakistan shut the Wagah border, expelled Indian defence attachés and warned of war over water on Friday after rejecting India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
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