The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead council is inviting residents of Ascot to provide feedback on proposals aimed at enhancing the village's infrastructure, walking and cycling connectivity, and high street. The draft supplementary planning document outlines design principles for new developments and addresses parking issues. Councillor Adam Bermange emphasizes the importance of aligning future developments with residents' views. The consultation process includes an online questionnaire and drop-in sessions, running until January 19.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary conducted Operation Sceptre, a week-long initiative to combat knife crime, resulting in the confiscation of 338 knives and 20 arrests. The operation included educational visits to 47 schools and the installation of a knife arch at City College Southampton. Acting Inspector Christian Lavin highlighted the operation's success, noting an 8.6% reduction in knife-related crimes. Permanent surrender bins for offensive weapons were also made available to the public.

A child in Surrey was tragically killed by a falling tree branch, prompting expressions of sympathy from local authorities. Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue, responded to the incident, but the child was declared dead at the scene. The Met Police are investigating the circumstances, including land responsibility, and a report will be prepared for the coroner. Councillor Barry Lewis extended condolences on behalf of the London Borough Sutton, emphasizing community support during this difficult time.

Monica Cuenca Langa from Brighton shares the devastating impact of recent floods in Spain on her family, with her brothers losing businesses and personal belongings in the Valencia region. Over 200 people died in the floods, marking one of Europe's worst flood disasters this century. Langa has initiated a fundraising campaign to support her family, as she cannot travel due to a chronic health condition. Her brother Julio Albir lost his hairdressing business and personal items, while Sergi Albir lost his photography studio and is now staying with their parents. The family faces significant economic challenges and emotional distress.

Monica Cuenca Langa from Brighton shares the devastating impact of recent floods in Spain on her family, resulting in the loss of businesses, personal belongings, and a home in the Valencia region. Despite the significant economic loss, she is grateful for her family's safety. Langa has initiated a fundraising campaign to support her family with essentials, as she cannot travel due to a chronic health condition. Her brother Julio Albir and his wife lost their hairdressing business and personal items, while her other brother Sergi Albir lost his photography studio and belongings. The family is struggling to recover, with ongoing challenges such as lack of gas and hot water.

The European Union has been criticized for funding drone technology used by Israel in the Gaza conflict, with observers highlighting that companies like Xtend received EU grants despite prohibitions on military funding. The report by Statewatch and Informationsstelle Militarisierung reveals that millions of euros were allocated to Israeli military projects, raising concerns about the EU's adherence to its own regulations. Human rights groups have urged the EU to reconsider its association with Israel due to the humanitarian impact of the Gaza conflict. The article also mentions previous controversies regarding EU funding for Israeli military and surveillance technologies.

The European Union is reportedly funding Israeli military drone technology through its Horizon Europe program, despite supposed bans on military project funding. Observers Statewatch and Informationsstelle Militarisierung revealed that Xtend, a drone manufacturer supporting Israeli forces, received EU grants. The report highlights other EU-funded Israeli projects with military applications, sparking criticism from human rights groups and politicians. Calls for the EU to reassess its funding policies and suspend agreements with Israel have intensified, emphasizing the need for research and innovation to respect human rights and international law.

The European Union has been accused of funding drone technology used by Israel in its war against Gaza, with monitors Statewatch and Informationsstelle Militarisierung revealing that the drone manufacturer Xtend received an EU research grant. The report criticizes the EU for allegedly violating its own treaties prohibiting military funding and calls for a reassessment of the companies receiving such funds. Human rights groups and some MEPs have urged the EU to suspend its association with Israel due to the humanitarian impact of its military actions in Gaza.

Famine is weeks away in northern Gaza, with half the population facing catastrophic food insecurity, according to Save the Children. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification estimates famine could occur by May 2024. Children are already dying from malnutrition, and families are surviving on wheat, hay, and animal food. One in three children under two in northern Gaza suffer from acute malnutrition due to the Israel-Hamas war and aid restrictions. Humanitarian organizations accuse Israel of deliberately blocking aid, with Oxfam reporting aid trucks delayed by bureaucracy. An UNRWA food distribution centre was recently attacked by Israeli forces. Western countries are attempting to deliver more aid, with the US conducting an airdrop. Save the Children calls for a ceasefire and unfettered humanitarian access to prevent the humanitarian disaster.

Children in northern Gaza are dying of starvation due to severe malnutrition and shortages of essential supplies, as reported by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The WHO's visit to two hospitals revealed dire conditions, with significant destruction and lack of resources. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has led to a blockade and restricted aid deliveries. The UN and other humanitarian organizations have paused aid due to security concerns, while the WHO managed to deliver limited supplies. The crisis has left an estimated 300,000 people in northern Gaza with little food or clean water, and a significant portion of the population faces catastrophic food insecurity.