World News

Israel’s deadline for Gaza evacuation closes in: What to know on October 14, 2023 at 1:22 am

Published

3 years ago

October 14, 2023

As Israel’s military orders 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to immediately evacuate, questions remain as to what forces are expected to do and when they will officially begin.

The evacuation, ordered by Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF), comes ahead of an apparent ramped-up bombardment in retaliation for Hamas’ attack on Israel, which began Oct. 7.

Israel has already slammed the cramped strip of land with deadly airstrikes for nearly a week — killing at least 1,900 people and injuring thousands more — with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning Friday that “it’s only the beginning.”

And Israeli forces have amassed near the Gaza’s border ahead of a possible ground assault, with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres claiming the situation “has reached a dangerous new low.”

Here’s what to know about the situation as it unfolds.

The deadline remains unclear

Israel gave the civilians 24 hours to leave their homes, with thousands of Palestinians cramming their possessions into vehicles, carts or carrying what they could and walking in a mass evacuation southward, according to media images.

But it’s unclear if Israel will keep with the initial 24 hours.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an independent medical humanitarian organization, wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that Israel has given Al Awda Hospital in northern Gaza just two hours to evacuate.

Staff at the hospital, one of several that MSF supports in Gaza, were “still treating patients,” and are “trying to protect our staff and patients,” the organization said.

There’s also been some confusion as to whether Israel will extend the deadline, with reports that Jerusalem has modified it and left it open.

But Israeli officials have refused to clarify their position, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday declining to answer a question about the deadline at a press conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Instead, Gallant diverted, insisting that Israeli forces “will not shoot civilians on purpose.

“We are asking all the civilians in Gaza City to go south of Gaza. And the reason is that because we don’t want to harm them,” he said, refusing to answer a second, follow up query on the deadline.

Should the deadline hold and Israel moves ahead with a ground invasion, it appears unlikely that 1.1 million people will safely evacuate before forces roll in, with the United Nations saying such a movement was “impossible.”

More on the order

Israel’s order came early Friday ahead of an expected ground invasion, a retaliation for Hamas’ surprise, coordinated attack that killed some 1,300 Israelis and 1,500 Hamas fighters, according to Israel’s government.

Israel said it needed to access and target Hamas’ military infrastructure — with much of it underground — promising “extensive efforts to avoid harming civilians,” Israeli spokesperson Jonathan Conricus said, according to The Associated Press. He also said residents could return once the fighting is over.

“Those who want to save their life, please go south,” Gallant said alongside Austin. “We are going to destroy Hamas infrastructures, Hamas headquarters, Hamas military establishment, and take these phenomena out of Gaza and out of the Earth.”

But the instructions for civilians to evacuate were a surprise to many, including the United States.

“There was no prior consultation that I’m aware of before the [Israel Defense Forces] issued that evacuation warning,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

He added that Washington is “concerned” about civilian casualties as is working on options for those fleeing to do so safely.

“We want to make sure that those who want to leave have the ability to leave. And so we are working very aggressively with the Israelis and the Egyptians to try to find a safe passage out of southern Gaza,” Kirby said. “And we also want to preserve the ability to get humanitarian assistance in.”

Complicating matters, Hamas is reportedly telling residents not to leave and to instead stay in their homes, even going so far as to put up roadblocks

Adding to the confusion is Israel’s siege of Gaza, which has cut off electricity and prevented evacuation messages from reaching civilians.

The world’s response

International organizations have responded to Israel’s orders with alarm, with the International Committee of the Red Cross calling such instructions “not compatible with international humanitarian law.”

United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said such an evacuation was not possible without “devastating humanitarian consequences,” calling on Jerusalem to rescind its orders.

Human rights watchdog group Amnesty International, meanwhile, said the order “cannot be considered an effective warning,” calling for it to be “rescinded immediately.”

The instruction “may amount to forced displacement of the civilian population, a violation of international humanitarian law,” the group said in a statement.

Western officials also reacted with trepidation, with President Biden telling reporters he was working “urgently to address the humanitarian crisis” in Gaza.

And appearing on MSNBC on Friday, Kirby said that the instruction was a “tall order.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) argued the mass expulsion of over 1 million people in a day “is ethnic cleansing.”

Responses also came from unlikely individuals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said the civilian casualties caused by an Israeli ground invasion “will be absolutely unacceptable.”

Egypt under pressure

As the situation grows more dire, there’s been new pressure on Egypt to open its borders to fleeing civilians.

Civilians in Gaza, which sits on the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered by Egypt and Israel, are not able to move freely through border crossings as they are almost all controlled by Israel. Instead, individuals need to be granted special permits, which are rare, to cross into both countries.

Egypt, which so far has resisted to accept a mass exodus of Palestinians, is being called on to make an exception at a time of war.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week said the United States was in “ongoing” talks with Egypt and Israel to set up a humanitarian corridor at the Rafah border crossing, a passage controlled by Egypt, for Americans and other civilians in Gaza.

But Blinken said the situation was “understandably complicated.”

On Friday, the White House revealed that U.S. national security officials held calls with the United Nations on Thursday and Friday about the situation in Gaza, but did not say whether the calls have confirmed a deal to allow foreign nationals to cross into Egypt.

Even if Egypt does open its borders as a humanitarian corridor, that option isn’t necessarily safe — as the Israeli military has bombed crossing at the border several times.

The situation in Gaza now

Israel has relentlessly struck Gaza over the past week, leveling whole neighborhoods even as it has enacted a complete blockage of food, water and medical supplies.

The strip of land is also under a virtual total power blackout, with hospitals and residents relying on generators for power and fuel supplies dwindling.

The siege has caused more than 423,000 Palestinians in Gaza to be displaced internally, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The numbers are only increasing as Israeli airstrikes continue and are expected to jump ever higher with Israel’s expected ground assault.

As Israel prepares for the imminent ground invasion — with troops massing along the Gaza border — its forces have entered the territory to conduct raids in search of some 150 hostages thought to be held by Hamas, according to its military.

Should the more than 1 million Palestinians in Gaza’s north make it to the south, that would cram the territory’s entire population into only a 25-mile strip.

And, even that journey isn’t safe, with Hamas’ media office reporting that airstrikes on Gaza City hit cars in three locations, killing 70 people as residents attempted to flee.

Israel’s army so far hasn’t promised to protect civilian locations such as hospitals, schools and U.N. shelters, with military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari only saying that forces would keep civilians safe “as much as we can,” but he that “it’s a war zone.”

As Israel’s military orders 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to immediately evacuate, questions remain as to what forces are expected to do and when they will officially begin. The evacuation, ordered by Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF), comes ahead of an apparent ramped-up bombardment in retaliation for Hamas’ attack on Israel, which began Oct. 7. Israel has…

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

1 month ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

7 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.