Gaza Blockade Causes 57 Starvation Deaths; US Air Raids Hit Yemen
Key Takeaways
- Gaza: Blockade caused at least 57 starvation deaths; baby died from malnutrition.
- US launched two air raids on Yemen’s Kamaran Island and as-Salif district.
- Israeli attack on Khan Younis killed 11, including three young children.
- Ukraine: Russian drone attack on Kharkiv injured 46, including a child.
- US labels Haitian gangs Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif as terrorist organizations.
Top Stories
Gaza: Blockade causes starvation, deaths reported
On May 3, 2025, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported at least 57 Palestinians died of starvation due to the blockade, urging international action. Al Jazeera also reported the death of a baby girl in Gaza City from malnutrition and dehydration after more than two months of Israel’s blockade.
US air raids target Yemen's Kamaran Island
On May 3, 2025, Al Masirah TV reported that the US launched two air raids on Yemen’s Kamaran Island and as-Salif district in Hodeidah.
Israeli attack on Khan Younis kills 11, including children
On May 3, 2025, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that an overnight Israeli attack on the Khan Younis refugee camp killed at least 11 people, including three young children.
Ukraine: Drone attack kills one, injures 46 in Kharkiv
On May 3, 2025, in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, a resident was killed by a detonated attack drone. A Russian drone attack on Kharkiv injured at least 46 people, including an 11-year-old child, hitting 12 locations.
US labels Haitian gangs as 'foreign terrorist organizations'
On May 2, 2025, the United States labelled the Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif gangs in Haiti as “foreign terrorist organisations.” These gangs control much of Port-au-Prince, displacing over one million people, and leaving 5.7 million residents without enough food.
African Affairs
Attack on Old Fangak, South Sudan, kills seven
On May 3, 2025, at least seven people were killed and 20 injured in an attack on Old Fangak, South Sudan. The attack, which began around 4:30am (02:30 GMT), involved helicopter gunships bombing the MSF pharmacy and firing on the town, destroying the last functioning hospital and pharmacy.
Brice Oligui Nguema sworn in as Gabon's president
On May 3, 2025, Brice Oligui Nguema, who led a coup in Gabon, was sworn in as the country’s president. His inauguration at Angondje Stadium in Libreville was attended by some 40,000 supporters and more than 20 African heads of state.
South Sudan: Tensions escalate, election postponed to 2026
On May 3, 2025, it was reported that tensions between forces allied with President Salva Kiir and those of First Vice President Riek Machar have escalated in South Sudan. Multiple Western embassies urged Kiir to release Machar and called for dialogue. The South Sudan election, originally scheduled for 2023, has been postponed twice and is now not scheduled until 2026.
Gabon: High youth unemployment, poverty reported
On May 3, 2025, it was reported that according to the World Bank’s 2024 data, about 40 percent of young people in Gabon are unemployed and roughly a third of the overall population lives below the poverty line.
Global View
Zelenskyy criticizes slow air defense; US approves F-16 sale
On May 3, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the latest drone strikes on Ukraine, criticizing the slow response of allies in bolstering air defense. The US Department of State approved a potential $310m sale of F-16 training and sustainment, and related equipment, to Ukraine.
Pakistan test-fires missile amid India tensions
On May 3, 2025, Pakistan's military test-fired the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 450km, amid high tensions with India. Pakistan stated it had credible intelligence that India intends to launch a military strike in response to the killing of tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir, an allegation India denies.
World Disasters
India: Temple crowd crush kills six, injures 80
On May 3, 2025, a deadly crowd crush occurred at a temple in Goa, India, during the annual Shri Lairai Zatra festival, resulting in at least six deaths and about 80 injuries. The incident took place in Shirgao village, approximately 40km from Panaji.
Mideast Tensions
Hamas releases video of wounded Israeli captive
On May 3, 2025, Hamas’s armed wing released a video appearing to show an Israeli captive wounded in an attack on Gaza.
Israeli drone strike hits vehicle in southern Lebanon
On May 3, 2025, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the Israeli military launched a drone strike on a vehicle in Qabrikha, southern Marjayoun district.
Israeli politician denounces government's captive return efforts
Gaza's healthcare system 'on its knees,' says doctor
On May 3, 2025, Dr Mohammad Tahir described Gaza's healthcare system as far worse than when he left in January, stating it was already “on its knees”.
Political Pulse
South Korea: Kim Moon-soo nominated, Han Duck-soo enters race
On May 3, 2025, South Korea’s main conservative party nominated Kim Moon-soo as its presidential candidate for the snap election to be held on June 3, 2025. Yoon’s former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also announced his entry into the South Korean presidential race.
Albanese secures second term as Australian Prime Minister
On May 3, 2025, Anthony Albanese secured a second three-year term as Australian Prime Minister, with his Labor Party gaining a large parliamentary majority. Liberal Party leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat. Labor pledged to ease home buying for young people and cut student debt by 20 percent.
Trump administration plans CIA personnel cuts
On May 3, 2025, it was reported that Donald Trump’s administration is planning significant personnel cuts at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and other major US spy units. The CIA plans to cut 1,200 positions, along with thousands more from other parts of the US intelligence community.
Border Security
US establishes second military zone on Mexico border
On May 3, 2025, the United States military established a second military zone along the border with Mexico, called the "Texas National Defense Area". This zone allows troops to detain migrants and follows a similar zone established in New Mexico last month.