ridiculously

IN A lesser-known corner of Europe is an amusement park with its own mini Colosseum, a nightclub on a plane… and a helicopter observation tower.

The park has no traditional rides, replacing thrilling rollercoasters and carousels with giant building bricks, a farming village and 18-metre high slides.

Irrland in Kevelaer, Germany is a huge hit with families – with one parent who goes by thestrongmamaphysio on Instagram describing it as a “kids’ dream” and one of the “best days out we’ve ever done”.

At the park, her kids helped to build an enormous mountain with over-sized Lego-style bricks, and had a rave in a disused plane.

They also enjoyed enormous slides, sand and water play, mazes and a go-karting track.

Plenty of other parents agreed, with one saying: “Best place we have ever been to – we managed to go in the summer and spend two full days at the park.

ALL EARS

I’ve visited Disney World 50 times: here’s what I thought about Legoland Windsor

CHRIMBO WIN

Enter these travel comps before Xmas to win £2k holidays, ski trips & spa stays

“I genuinely think you’ll struggle to find anywhere as good as this and for £10 per head is ridiculously cheap.”

Irrland i park is split into three parts – Irrland-West, North and South, with more than 90 different attractions.

In the West part of the park is where you’ll find the Disco Plane, it also has a huge Trojan Horse climbing frame and jumping pillows.

There’s also a waterslide and an Airport Tower with 18-metre tall slides.

Irrland North has a helicopter observation tower, a toddler play barn, and a huge treehouse.

It’s also home to the world’s largest building construction site – with enormous Lego-style bricks.

In the South is a toddlers’ farming village with pedal tractors and petting zoo, bamboo mazes, even a mini-colosseum, and a small splash park called ‘South Sea’.

The cut off in the park is for children who are 12 years old.

An online day ticket is €12 (£10.53) per person, children under two years old won’t need a ticket.

Any child’s whose birthday it is on the day of their visit can also enter for free – but they will need a form of ID to prove this.

If you’re in a large group and want to spend time together during the day, there are on-site villas which have lockable rooms and fenced areas – perfect for outdoor picnics.

These are available for the day only as the park doesn’t offer overnight stays – you can enter from 10am with the key needs to be handed in by 5.30pm.

During the summer, barbecue areas are available to book too – the cheapest spot being €25 (£21.94).

Before you look at booking a ticket, the park is closed for the winter season.

Currently, it looks like it will reopen on Saturday March 14, 2026. But check back nearer the time as it’s likely to be weather dependent.

The closest airport to Irrland is Weeze, but you can’t get direct flights to there.

For direct flights, head to Eindhoven in the Netherlands and from there it’s just an hour away by car.

FESTIVE FEELS

John Lewis reveals tear-jerker Xmas ad set to nostalgic 90s house track

TRAFFIC CARNAGE

Major motorway shut with TWO-HOUR delays after crash between lorry & van

For more theme park inspo, check out the one in Europe that’s less than three hours from the UK named the best in the world – beating Disney and Universal.

Read more from one travel writer who visited one of Europe’s biggest theme parks with more than 40 attractions and record-breaking rollercoasters.

Fans of the creator’s hit Netflix series have their new favourite show of 2025

A new series being hailed as ‘one of the best shows of the year’ and a ‘ridiculously addictive’ thriller’ which has earned a perfect score is now streaming.

The Chair Company makes its debut via Sky Comedy as well as through the NOW platform for those with an entertainment pass.

It comes from former Saturday Night Live writers Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin, who are also the comedic minds behind Netflix cult favourite sketch show I Think You Should Leave. This time, they are bringing to the screen what is being described as a labyrinthine mystery-comedy.

According to the show’s secretive synopsis, after an embarrassing incident at work, William Ronald “Ron” Trosper (Robinson) finds himself investigating a far-reaching conspiracy. The makers have remain tight lipped around the show’s plot, wanting fans to discover all the unexpected twists and turns for themselves.

Joining Robinson in the cast, who recently starred in Paul Rudd movie Friendship are The Practice star Lake Bell, IT Part One’s Sophia Lillis, Will Price and Lou Diamond Phillips.

Ahead of it making its debut in the US and UK, it has already managed to secure a perfect 100% rating on website Rotten Tomatoes. One critic simply claimed: “One of the best shows of the year, The Chair Company will have you sinking in your recliner.”

Another added: “The Chair Company is one of the most offbeat and outlandish shows you’ll see this year.” Meanwhile a different verdict suggested: “There is nothing quite like The Chair Company: a show that is emotionally potent while still delivering the perfect marriage between sketch comedy and conspiracy theory.”

The only issue fans may find is that the series is expected to release episodes on a weekly basis with the premiere made available from October 13. Based on information found on IMDB, new instalments will be added each Sunday in the US and Monday in the UK.

This will lead to the finale airing on November 30. It means fans will need to make a decision to watch as soon as episodes drop or wait to catch up as the show is a much more compelling binge watch. That is coming from a reporter who has watched screeners for the first seven episodes and found them ridiculously addictive.

It is a perfect replacement for any viewer who enjoyed any high paced thriller or offbeat comedy released in the last year. That includes Severance, Paradise, Slow Horses, Dept. Q, The Studio and The Rehearsal. The Chair Company dials up the stakes to absolute ridiculous levels and pokes fun at how even the best in the genre make the most unexpected of connections and leaps in their stories.

In doing this it also simultaneously continues the method of Tim Robinson’s expertly crafted sketch show premise of taking simple misunderstandings or social faux pas and blows them way out of proportion.

Imagine the conspiracy thrills of Severance paired with the awkward humour of Nathan Fielder or Larry David.

Everything becomes so bizarre and compelling you can’t help but remain tight in its grip, needing to know just where the eight-part series will end up. The show proves that Robinson et al can indeed stretch a sketch idea into a lengthy series, while somehow maintaining interest and filling it with memorable character moments they are known for.

The Chair Company is streaming on Sky Comedy and NOW

The UK’s ‘most underrated holiday destination’ boasts over 600 different walks so it’s worth having on your radar if you’re looking for autumn UK holiday ideas

There’s something magical about Britain in the autumn, from the crisp fresh air to the breathtakingly colourful countryside as the leaves change colour.

It’s therefore no surprise that this tends to be a popular season for walking holidays – especially when you throw in villages with cosy pubs and charming cottages where you can rest up after a day of exploring.

There’s one destination that’s well worth having on your radar, with travel pros hailing its ‘extraordinary landscape’ packed with limestone, lakes, gorges and postcard-worthy hiking trails.

The Mendip Hills have been described as ‘Somerset’s best-kept secret’ and while they’re not typically a hidden gem, it’s not difficult to see why locals wouldn’t want to share this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

READ MORE: UK’s ‘most scenic train ride’ has ‘delightful’ views of countryside – and tickets cost £8.30READ MORE: Stonehenge: UK landmark one of world’s ‘top 10 attractions’ and quietest in autumn

There are over 600 walks on offer whether you’re looking for a challenge or just want a scenic stroll that the whole family can enjoy. The Mendip Way tends to be popular for hikers, as the 50-mile trail spans villages including Weston-super-Mare, Cheddar (make sure you leave time on the itinerary to take in the views from Cheddar Gorge), Wells, Shepton Mallet, and Frome, and can be hiked in around three to five days depending on your ability.

The best part is that you won’t have to battle crowds of tourists if you want to take it all in. Earlier this year, the team at Cottages.com conducted a study to uncover the UK’s most underrated staycation hotspots, looking at factors including the number of hiking and biking trails, Instagram-worthy scenery, pubs per 100 square miles, and the availability of holiday homes for last-minute bookings.

Mendip Hills took the gold medal in the rankings, thanks to the wide array of attractions, cosy pubs and beautiful walking trails on offer.

The team behind the study explained: “Dramatic gorges and easy-going trails, the Mendip Hills are Somerset’s best-kept secret. With sites like Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole, this AONB makes for a thrilling last-minute trip full of exploration and family-friendly fun, minus the tourist crowds.

“The Mendips aren’t just beautiful, they’re geologically extraordinary. Whether you’re delving into caves lit like cathedrals or following secret limestone paths carved by water and time, it’s a landscape layered with wonder.

“With 619 hiking trails and routes made for both cycling and walking, the Mendips are a playground for explorers. Climb to Crook Peak for sweeping views to the Bristol Channel, or follow woodland paths lined with wild garlic and bluebells in spring.

“Just 40 minutes from Bristol, and yet worlds away, the Mendips are perfectly placed for a quick reset. With low search volumes and 22 available properties, it’s often skipped by crowds, making it a dream destination for last-minute planners who want exploration without the queues.”

You can also find out more on mendiphills-nl.org.uk.

Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises all offer up some very cool activities and attractions onboard their cruise ships

Long gone are the days when entertainment on cruise ships consisted of lounging around by the pool all day before heading over to the buffet.

Yes, those experiences are still absolutely available for those who want them, but nowadays cruises have seriously upped the ante when it comes to their onboard entertainment. Cruise lines including Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises have pulled out all of the stops with onboard rollercoasters, go-kart tracks and thrill attractions for guests who are after an adrenaline rush during their holidays.

That’s not even including the epic water parks that often boast high speed slides and fun for the whole family (although make sure you’re aware of a little-known pool rule before getting in, or you could face having to leave the pool area!).

We take a look at some of the ridiculously cool attractions you can find on cruises – check out our top picks below!

1. Crown’s Edge, Royal Caribbean

Usually a stroll around a cruise ship involves a dedicated track, or just wandering through the decks; but Royal Caribbean has added a major thrill factor for those who dare to brave Crown’s Edge. Described as a “part skywalk, part ropes course, part thrill ride”, it’s definitely not one for the faint-hearted as you step onto the walkway that takes you right above the water below! The attraction is available on the cruise line’s newest ships, Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, which also happen to be sharing the title of world’s biggest cruise ship!

Find out more on royalcaribbean.com.

2. Robotron, MSC Cruises

If you love a fairground ride, then you’re going to want to check out Robotron onboard MSC Seascape. This terrifying ride involves a giant robotic arm that’s attached with a gondola to seat three guests, and sends them soaring 53 metres above the sea, with 360 degree views of the horizon (just be prepared to be flipped upside down and in all sorts of directions!).

Find out more on msccruises.com.

3. Go-karting, Norwegian Cruise Line

Get ready to show off your competitive side on board Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, where you can find some of the world’s longest race tracks at sea. Passengers can race their electric karts at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, with highlights including a pit lane, viewing spaces for spectators, and engine sounds through the headrest so you feel like you could be joining the F1 line-up.

Find out more on ncl.com.

4. BOLT, Carnival Cruise Lines

Riders who brave the world’s first rollercoaster at sea will not only be treated to epic sea views, but they’ll get to control the speed at which they ride on the motorcycle-style car, with the ability to reach up to 40 miles per hour. The ride is available on ships including Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

Find out more on carnival.com.

5. AquaDuck, Disney Cruise Line

Thrill attractions don’t always have to be for adults and big kids; on Disney’s Cruise Line, the Aquaduck water ride can be ideal for smaller adrenaline-seekers. Families can get propelled along the water tunnels in a dinghy around the ship, across a four-deck drop.

The cruise line’s newest ships including the Disney Wish, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny will feature a similar water ride, although this one is the AquaMouse and features cool features including screens as you join Mickey and Minnie Mouse on their adventures.

Find out more on disneycruise.disney.go.com.

6. Magic Carpet, Celebrity Cruises

Before you get visions of joining Aladdin for a quick-stop flight around the world, this one’s actually a bar! Celebrity’s cantilevered platform is a firm favourite with holidaymakers as you can enjoy a tipple or two while moving up and down the ship. Plus, as it’s on the edge of the ship, you can get unrivalled views of the ocean! You’ll find this very cool feature on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond, and Celebrity Ascent.

Find out more on celebritycruises.com/gb.

7. Zip line, Royal Caribbean

If you’re not afraid of heights, then this suspended zip line that zooms over the Boardwalk, offering you brilliant views of the ship (if you dare keep your eyes open that is). You’ll typically find this attraction on the cruise line’s Oasis Class ships, including Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.

Find out more on royalcaribbean.com.

Want to join our cruise community? Sign up to Anchors Away for a weekly dose of cruise news, sneak peeks inside ships and travel tips we think you’ll love.

Do you like low-cost stocks? If so, you’re not alone. So does legendary stock-picker and Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A 0.20%) (BRK.B 0.24%) CEO Warren Buffett. His company is currently holding about four dozen value stocks, which collectively account for one-third of the conglomerate’s total market cap.

One of these names is absurdly cheap right now, and could make you measurably richer at some point in the foreseeable future. That stock? The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC -0.15%).

Surprised? Just hear me out.

Yes, that Kraft Heinz

Anyone keeping tabs on Kraft Heinz for the past few years might be more than a little shocked at the suggestion. While hopes were high for the merger of then-separate Kraft and Heinz that Warren Buffett helped orchestrate back in 2015, by 2017 it was clear the pairing was a bust. Buffett eventually conceded in 2019 that “we [Berkshire Hathaway] overpaid for Kraft,” although the assessment still understated the ultimate problem. Delivering that ugly truth is the fact that KHC stock — including Berkshire’s 325.6 million shares — continued to fall well after that confession, recently hitting a multiyear low that’s more than 70% below 2017’s peak.

What went wrong? A handful of things. Chief among them is that these two companies should have never been combined in the first place.

Corporate culture is a real thing. That’s arguably even more the case for older, bigger, and more complex companies like Heinz as well as Kraft, each of which also managed in-house departments like advertising and product development. Although Heinz’s then-CEO Bernardo Hees thought he had the right plan in place to successfully meld the two companies into one when he took the helm in 2015, in retrospect he clearly didn’t.

Hees was replaced by Miguel Patricio in 2019, who was replaced by Carlos Abrams-Rivera in 2023, neither of whom was able to rekindle the magic of either iconic brand. (That being said, in their defense it’s worth pointing out that both companies were struggling with relevancy and marketability prior to the merger. It may have been a lost cause no matter who was in charge.)

Fast-forward to today… or, at least earlier this month. After 10 torturous years, Kraft Heinz announced in early September that it would be splitting back into two separate publicly traded entities in an effort to unwind the disastrous merger.

It’s not quite a reversion back to pre-merger Kraft and Heinz. One of the companies will own Heinz, Philadelphia cream cheese, and Kraft macaroni and cheese. The other will own Oscar Mayer, Kraft singles cheese slices, and Lunchables. But this divvying up allows for at least a bit more focus than is currently possible. That can only help.

Shrinking its way to success

Not everyone agrees this is what the struggling combined company needs at this time. In fact, given the stock’s stumble following the announcement, most interested parties aren’t enthusiastic about the split. Buffett is reportedly disappointed as well, implying he thinks what’s not working can still be fixed without breaking the company up. Or if nothing else, as independent food industry analyst Nicholas Fereday noted, “The very fact they’re splitting up doesn’t change any of it and explain how they’re going to inject energy, excitement and clarity.”

And maybe these criticisms are fair.

Consider this, however: After more than five (and really, seven) years of poor performance, what could have been fixed arguably should have been and would have been fixed by now. If nothing else, separating the complex food behemoth into two better-focused players certainly can’t make matters any worse — once the disruption stemming from the split is in the rearview mirror anyway.

Image source: Motley Fool.

That’s the crux of the argument for stepping into a position of this beaten-down stock while its forward-looking dividend yield stands at 6.2% and the stock is priced at only about 10 times this year’s and next year’s projected per-share earnings. Most of any risk is already reflected here, leaving only upside even if that upside is modest for now.

Bolstering this bullish thesis is what’s likely to happen once Kraft Heinz becomes two companies and two stocks. Although it’s only speculation at this point, Mizuho Securities’ managing director John Baumgartner writes: “Asset sales (notably Oscar Mayer) could prune material underperformers and enhance portfolio growth prospects. We believe strategic acquirers exist, and that asset sales can prove accretive for shareholders.”

That being said, it’s worth adding that the sweeping bearishness surrounding this ticker now also makes it something of a contrarian prospect. That won’t keep it moving higher forever, but it could get it moving in that direction.

Not your typical buy-and-hold investment

It’s admittedly unusual to tout the breakup of a food giant as a means of unlocking value. Technology and industrial companies? Yes. But consumer staples? Not so much. It’s an industry that’s historically benefited from scale rather than been crimped by it.

The marketplace is changing, though. So are consumers. People are generally eating more pre-prepared and processed food these days, or eating more restaurant-prepared meals; the made-at-home meal space that Kraft Heinz operates in is a shrinking no-man’s land. And to the extent the company’s products are still relevant, technology and consumers’ interest in exploring brands other than the ones they grew up with are making it possible for smaller players to compete with giants like Kraft Heinz.

So, perhaps a breakup followed by the sale of some of both new companies’ brands to smaller, nimbler food companies is what’s needed to unlock the value that’s buried deep within Kraft Heinz.

Just don’t lose perspective on the kind of trade you’d be taking on. The Kraft Heinz Company is anything but a foundational holding for anyone’s portfolio. There’s no certainty here, but there’s sure to be plenty of volatility as long as splits, sales, and spinoffs are being considered.

The area of Notting Hill is known for streets lined with tall townhouses that are splashed with a vibrant selection of paint, lending the London borough a cheerful and upbeat look

Notting Hill is probably one of London’s most popular and well-known neighbourhoods. And for good reason. Not only is the West London spot home to the three-day street carnival every August bank holiday, but it also helped catapult Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant to even greater levels of stardom than they had previously managed with the iconic 90s romcom.

Unlike many of London’s best-known attractions (the lastminute.com London Eye certainly being among the culprits), Notting Hill does live up to the cinematic hype. The whole West London neighborhood has a great energy, which is no doubt fostered in part by the neighborhood’s iconic painted houses that leave it considered one of the prettiest in the country.

The area is known for streets lined with tall townhouses that are splashed with a vibrant selection of paint, lending the London borough a cheerful and upbeat look. The most famous of those streets is Portobello Road, which has been highlighted by Emperor Paint as one of the most colourful areas in the UK.

READ MORE: Europe’s ‘prettiest’ country that costs ‘a fraction’ of Spain holidayREAD MORE: Sun-soaked island with 27C weather in September is just 3.5 hours from the UK Sun-soaked island with 27C weather in September is just 3.5 hours from the UK

Portobello Road is definitely Notting Hill’s busiest street. On Fridays and Saturdays, much of the road transforms into a vibrant and eclectic street market. If you’re hunting for bric-a-brac and unpolished diamonds on market day, begin on the Golborne Road end of the street.

There, you will find some very cheap pavement sellers who dump boxes of china, pictures, trinkets, and all sorts of other bits and bobs that are broken in transit on the pavements. It may take a little while, but amongst the tat, you’ll be able to find some treasure.

When the market isn’t on and the stalls have been cleared away, Portobello Road remains a bustling place replete with plenty of independent shops, cozy cafés, and, of course, famously colorful painted houses.

READ MORE: You can currently book Northern Lights holidays from £345pp including flights and an Aurora tourREAD MORE: Tourists warned to swerve Europe’s ‘most overrated city’ and head to quieter alternative instead

If your goal is to admire and photograph the houses, avoid market days—they tend to get too crowded. Instead, visit around sunset for some truly breathtaking shots. Don’t hesitate to wander off the main street, as some of Notting Hill’s most charming and colorful spots are tucked away along the small cobbled mews streets.

St Lukes Mews has some lovely painted homes, including one painted pink that has become a hotspot of Instagrammers on photoshoots. If you recognise the street, it may be because St Lukes starred in Love Actually.

While most of Notting Hill’s houses are painted in pretty pastel shades, if you’re after something brighter, head east on Lancaster Road, right where it intersects with Portobello Road. There, things get loud. The houses here are splashed with primary coloured paint that can light up even the grayest of autumn days.

Michelle Cranston filmed three tourists setting out a long line of deck chairs and beach brollies right in front of the shore in Benidorm, Spain at the crack of dawn

A Brit was left stunned after seeing tourists putting their towels on a Benidorm beach at 6.30am.

Michelle Cranston spotted the group claiming their spot as she prepared to fly home. The 52-year-old had enjoyed a sunny holiday in the Benidorm resort with her husband.

The couple were waiting for their airport transfer when they noticed the group placing their towels on the sand at what Michelle called a “ridiculously early time.” She filmed three tourists setting out a long line of deck chairs and beach brollies right in front of the shore.

The rest of the beach appeared deserted at the time—Sunday, July 6.

“My husband and I woke up early to get ready for our airport transfer pick-up at 8:30 a.m. for our flight to Newcastle,” said Michelle, who lives near Middlesbrough, Teesside, in an interview with What’s The Jam.

READ MORE: UK Foreign Office issues ‘highly dangerous’ Portugal warning

“We were staying at the H10 Porto Poniente Hotel in the old town of Benidorm, in a room with uninterrupted, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Poniente Beach. It was our second stay here—it’s perfect for people-watching.

“After getting ready, we sat on the balcony with a coffee and noticed some people were already setting up their chairs and parasols along the water’s edge. It was just before 6:30 a.m.”

Michelle posted the video online. She said: “After a giggle about what a ridiculously early time it was to be setting up for a prime spot on the beach—I mean, you’re not going to run out of beach in Benidorm—I took a short video and wasn’t thinking any more of it. On my return to the UK, I checked my phone, and to my amazement, it had gained a lot of interest, reactions, and replies. I never anticipated the post would be this popular.”

Michelle and her husband aren’t the only Brits frustrated by early risers “reserving” sun spots.

A group of irate holidaymakers recently told how they thwarted a cunning plan by fellow Brits to bag sunbeds seven hours before their hotel pool opened.

While having a late-night chinwag on their balcony, Mandy Boyd spotted some lads she thought were sneaking in for a cheeky swim. But on closer inspection, the 34-year-old realised the young men were actually trying to nab the best loungers at 2:00 a.m.—despite the pool not opening until 9:00 a.m. the next day.

READ MORE: Anti-tourist protests turn violent as holidaymakers harassed and shops smashedREAD MORE: Brit warns others as he’s slapped with £150 fine after returning from holiday

The quartet of girls watched as the lads dragged out sunloungers to secure prime spots. Mandy and her mates patiently waited on the balcony for the perfect moment to dash down and swipe the towels.

The comical “sunbed wars” sabotage took place around 2:00 a.m. at the Aquasol Aparthotel in Palmanova, near Magaluf, Spain.

“We’re just doing the Lord’s work,” said Mandy, from Bridgend, South Wales, speaking to Luxury Travel Daily. “I can’t stand it when people reserve sunbeds and don’t use them all day. I find it really inconsiderate. It was shocking to see them reserving beds at 2 a.m., especially when there was no chance of those lads being up to enjoy them. We kept the towels but made sure we left them where they would find them.”

At least 52 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, medical sources told Al Jazeera, as pressure mounts on Tel Aviv to allow significant humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave to avert a looming famine.

Israeli air strikes and tank fire continued to pound the besieged territory on Wednesday. Among those killed were at least eight people in Gaza City, two people in central Gaza’s Nuseirat camp and two people in the Maghazi camp in central Gaza, according to Al Jazeera reporters in Gaza.

The attacks come after Israel began allowing dozens of humanitarian trucks into Gaza on Tuesday, but the aid has not yet reached Palestinians in desperate need.

Jens Laerke, the spokesperson for the UN’s humanitarian agency, said no trucks were picked up from the Gaza side of Karem Abu Salem crossing, known as Kerem Shalom to Israelis, in southern Gaza.

Israel announced that 93 aid trucks had entered Gaza from Israel following an 11-week blockade.

Reporting from Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum explained that most of those trucks had only received military clearance to enter the Palestinian side of the crossing.

“They are still stuck at the border crossing. Only five trucks have made it in,” Abu Azzoum said, adding, “This could be another sign of the systematic obstruction of aid in Gaza.”

Aid groups have said that the amount of aid that Israel is allowing is not nearly enough, calling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts a “smokescreen to pretend the siege is over”.

“The Israeli authorities’ decision to allow a ridiculously inadequate amount of aid into Gaza after months of an air-tight siege signals their intention to avoid the accusation of starving people in Gaza, while, in fact, keeping them barely surviving,” said Pascale Coissard, the emergency coordinator in Khan Younis for Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF.

The Israeli military body that oversees humanitarian aid to Gaza said trucks were entering Gaza on Wednesday morning, but it was unclear if that aid would be able to continue deeper into Gaza for distribution.

A few dozen Israeli activists opposed to Israel’s decision to allow aid into Gaza while Hamas still holds Israeli captives attempted to block the trucks carrying the aid on Wednesday morning, but were kept back by Israeli police.

Israel is facing growing international pressure over its renewed offensive on Gaza.

The United Kingdom has suspended talks with Israel on a free trade deal, and the European Union said it will review a pact on political and economic ties over the “catastrophic situation” in Gaza. Britain, France and Canada have threatened “concrete actions” if Israel continues its offensive.

Pope Leo on Wednesday also appealed for Israel to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

“I renew my fervent appeal to allow for the entry of fair humanitarian help and to bring to an end the hostilities, the devastating price of which is paid by children, the elderly and the sick,” the pope said during his weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday urged world leaders to take immediate action to end Israel’s siege on Gaza, issuing the appeal in a written statement during a visit to Beirut, where he is expected to discuss the disarmament of Palestinian factions in Lebanon’s refugee camps.

“I call on world leaders to take urgent and decisive measures to break the siege on our people in the Gaza Strip,” Abbas said, demanding the immediate entry of aid, an end to the Israeli offensive, the release of detainees and a full withdrawal from Gaza.

“It is time to end the war of extermination against the Palestinian people. I reiterate that we will not leave, and we will remain here on the land of our homeland, Palestine,” Abbas said.

Since the war began in October 2023 following the Hamas attack that killed 1,139 people in southern Israel, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed 53,573 people and wounded 121,688 others.