Multiple Tragedies Strike Worldwide: Gaza Health System Collapses, Japan Snowfall Kills Dozens, Migrant Boat Sinks
Multiple tragedies unfolded across the globe this week, with a collapsing health system in Gaza, deadly snowfall in Japan, and a fatal migrant boat collision dominating headlines.
In Gaza, the health system is on the brink of collapse due to ongoing Israeli attacks, according to Al Jazeera. Advocates emphasize the urgent need to rebuild the ravaged infrastructure. "The core priority must be to rebuild the health system in Gaza," Al Jazeera reported. Even with the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt to allow medical evacuations, the situation remains dire. Israeli attacks on Gaza killed at least 18 Palestinians on Wednesday, one of the deadliest days since the October ceasefire, Al Jazeera reported. The Rafah crossing evacuation of Palestinian patients and wounded was suspended on Wednesday. Since the US-brokered ceasefire, Israel has killed 529 Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera. At least 71,803 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the war began on October 7, 2023, Al Jazeera reported.
Meanwhile, in Japan, weeks of heavy snowfall have claimed the lives of at least 35 people, with nearly 400 injured, Sky News reported. Government officials warned that more severe weather is expected. "Nearly 400 more have been injured, 126 people seriously," Sky News stated. The worst-hit areas, primarily in the northern and central regions, have seen snowfall reaching up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). As of Wednesday, 15 prefectures were affected, according to Sky News.
Off the coast of Greece, a collision between a speedboat carrying migrants and a coastguard vessel resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, Sky News reported. The bodies of 11 men and three women were recovered from the sea near the eastern Aegean island of Chios, while another woman died in hospital, coastguard officials said. A search and rescue operation is underway in the area, according to Sky News.
Amidst these tragedies, a story of heroism emerged from Australia. A 13-year-old boy swam for four hours to save his family after they were swept out to sea, Sky News reported. Austin Appelbee was with his mother, brother, and sister on an inflatable kayak and paddleboards when strong winds picked up, causing them to get into difficulties. Appelbee described battling "massive" waves to swim around 4km to shore and raise the alarm. "Austin Appelbee says he was thinking happy thoughts to get him through his gruelling swim to shore through rough seas, while the rest of his family were singing and joking to keep their spirits up while they waited for rescue," Sky News reported.
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