The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, has issued a call to Israel, urging the country to adhere to international law by allowing greater humanitarian aid access to Gaza. Addressing the critical humanitarian situation during a public statement, Archbishop Welby highlighted the severe risk of famine in the region without improved access. He pointed out the extreme measures parents are resorting to, such as feeding their children animal fodder or grass, due to a lack of essential supplies. The Archbishop criticized Israel’s restrictive measures on humanitarian access, attributing them to the escalating dire conditions, particularly affecting children with starvation and dehydration. He called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid to meet the urgent needs of Gaza’s population. This plea aligns with concerns raised by Lord Cameron regarding the obstructions caused by the Israeli government in delaying aid distribution, emphasizing the necessity to increase aid truck access to the region.

In a separate development, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has reminded UK healthcare organisations about the paramount importance of securing patient data. This reminder follows alleged attempts to access the medical records of the Princess of Wales after her surgery in January. Stephen Bonner, a representative from the ICO, emphasized the need for thorough staff training, clear data breach reporting processes, and rigorous technical safeguards like passwords and access controls to protect patient information. The ICO’s statement comes amid speculation and unfounded theories circulating on social media concerning the Princess of Wales’s health. The ICO’s concern over the safeguarding of patient data was further illustrated by its recent enforcement action against NHS Fife, highlighting deficiencies in security measures and staff training that enabled unauthorized access to patient information. This incident underlines the critical need for healthcare organizations to enhance their data protection practices, especially with the increasing integration of new technologies in healthcare systems.