<p>The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) have been urged to release the funds of VDM, a Nigerian entrepreneur who has been wrongfully accused of financial misconduct. It is imperative that both entities adhere to the principles of justice and fairness by conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that VDM's rights are protected. The delay in releasing the funds has caused significant hardship for VDM and his business, hindering his ability to operate and provide for his family.</p><p>As responsible and respected institutions within the Nigerian financial sector, the EFCC and GTBank must demonstrate transparency and accountability in their actions. It is essential that they uphold the rule of law and treat VDM with the respect and dignity he deserves. By releasing his funds promptly and clearing his name of any wrongdoing, the EFCC and GTBank can restore the trust and confidence of the public in their operations and show that they are committed to upholding justice and protecting the rights of individuals within the Nigerian business community.</p>

 TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel approved plans on Monday to capture the entire Gaza Strip and remain in the territory for an unspecified amount of time, two Israeli officials said, in a move that if implemented would vastly expand Israel’s operations in the Palestinian territory and likely bring fierce international opposition.

Israeli Cabinet ministers approved the plan in an early morning vote, hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers.

The new plan, which the officials said was meant to help Israel achieve its war aims of defeating Hamas and freeing hostages held in Gaza, also would push hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, what would likely exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Since a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in mid-March, Israel has unleashed fierce strikes on the territory that have killed hundreds. It has captured swathes of territory and now controls roughly 50% of Gaza. Before the truce ended, Israel halted all humanitarian aid into Gaza, including food, fuel and water, setting off what is believed to the be the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war.

The ban on aid has prompted widespread hunger and shortages have set off looting.

 Israel has blocked aid from entering Gaza for two months and says it won’t allow food, fuel, water or medicine into the besieged territory until it puts in place a system giving it control over the distribution.

 https://apnews.com/article/australia-election-albanese-dutton-251063e866513dfa48b773fb4d6b0d29

 TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Drones attacked a vessel carrying aid to Gaza on Friday in international waters off Malta, the group organizing the shipment said. A fire broke out but was brought under control, according to authorities.

A nearby tugboat responded to a distress call from the Conscience, which was carrying 12 crew members and four civilians, Malta’s government said, adding that those aboard refused to leave the ship. The group was safe and no injuries were reported, it said.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition accused Israel of attacking its ship. The group did not provide evidence for that claim or to show that the fire was caused by drones, but in a video it shared an explosion could be heard. Another video showed a fire blazing.

The Israeli army did not respond to a request for comment.

Israel has cut off Gaza from all imports, including food and medicine, since the beginning of March, leading to what is believed to be the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war with Hamas.

 President Donald Trump’s administration released a lengthy review of transgender health care on Thursday that advocates for a greater reliance on behavioral therapy rather than broad gender-affirming medical care for youths with gender dysphoria.

The 409-page Health and Human Services report questions standards for the treatment of transgender youth issued by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and is likely to be used to bolster the government’s abrupt shift in how to care for a subset of the population that has become a political lightning rod. Medical experts sharply criticized it as inaccurate.

This new “best practices” report is in response to an executive order Trump issued days into his second term that says the federal government must not support gender transitions for anyone under age 19.

“Our duty is to protect our nation’s children — not expose them to unproven and irreversible medical interventions,” National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya said in a statement. “We must follow the gold standard of science, not activist agendas.”

 TOKYO (AP) — Shouting “banzai!” or “live long,” thousands of people marched in Tokyo streets to the banging of traditional drums Thursday as Japan kicked off celebrations to mark May Day.

The holiday, also known as International Workers’ Day or Labor Day, marks the struggles and achievements of workers and the labor movement. Thousands of people are expected to attend rallies and marches across the U.S., including in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia.

“For our children to be able to live with hope, the rights of workers must be recognized,” said Junko Kuramochi, a member of a mothers’ group who marched in Japan’s capital.

U.S. organizers say their message this year is focused on fighting President Donald Trump’s policies targeting immigrants, federal workers and diversity initiatives.

Even in Japan, some said Trump’s policies hung over the day like a shadow. One truck in the Tokyo march featured a doll that looked like Trump.