The humanitarian aid sector is reliant on a relatively small number of large donors, rendering it vulnerable to shocks.

The global humanitarian aid sector is undergoing substantial funding reductions, with the US and European governments making significant cuts to their aid budgets. The US Agency for International Development saw an 80% reduction in contracts, while European countries have redirected funds to defense in response to security concerns. Predictions indicate that government-funded humanitarian aid could decrease by up to 45% compared to the previous year, reversing a decade-long trend of increasing support.

These funding cuts have intensified the disparity between humanitarian needs and available resources, as 70 million more people require aid since 2021. In 2024, 16 of the world's 20 largest donors reduced their aid contributions, highlighting the sector's vulnerability due to its dependence on a small group of major donors.

What's the state of global humanitarian aid?

What is the state of global humanitarian aid? Driven by an America-first approach, US President Donald Trump cut 80% of the US Agency for International Development's contracts in early 2025. European governments have also slashed aid this year, diverting budgets to fund defence and rearmament faced with Russia's military threat. According to predictions, government-funded humanitarian aid could contract between 34% and 45% by the end of the year, in comparison with 2023. Despite 2025 marking a turning point, record cuts to aid already began in 2024, reversing a decade-long upward funding trend. This aid drop has exacerbated the gap between needs and funding. Since 2021, 70 million more people are in need of aid. These are the countries and territories which received the most aid in 2024. The US, the world's top humanitarian donor, reduced its funding by 10%, while funding from EU institutions dropped by 12.7%. Although some European governments increased aid, the majority slashed it. In all, 16 of the world's 20 largest donors reduced aid, alongside a smaller but notable number of private donors. The sector's reliance on a relatively small number of large donors renders the system vulnerable to shocks.

A preliminary report depicted confusion in the cockpit shortly before an Air India jetliner crashed, killing 260 people last month, after the plane's engine fuel cutoff switches almost simultaneously flipped, starving the engines of fuel.

Ahmedabad

Air India crash report shows confusion over engine switch movement

An Israeli airstrike hit Palestinians near a medical center in Gaza on Thursday, killing 10 children and six adults, local health authorities said, as ceasefire talks dragged on with no immediate deal expected. This report contains graphic and disturbing images.

Jerusalem

Middle East Conflict

Israeli strike kills children near medical clinic in Gaza

Russian strikes against Ukraine persisted overnight and reportedly injured at least nine people and caused damage to a maternity hospital, according to officials. This comes as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with European allies in Rome.

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Russia launches more strikes, damages Ukraine maternity hospital

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is returning to Israel without a ceasefire deal with Hamas despite optimism from the Trump administration. CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer reports.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Netanyahu returns to Israel without Gaza ceasefire deal

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Camarillo

Protesters clash with ICE agents over immigration operation

CNN’s Isa Soares explains how a crippling 50% tariff on goods from Brazil may not be all about the economy.

Washington

Global Tariffs

Trump targets Brazil with 50% tariff

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Center Point

Urgent search operations for flood victims stretch miles in Texas

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Trump puts 35% tariff on Canada, eyes 15%-20% levies for others

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Texas

Volunteers dig through Texas flood wreckage ahead of Trump visit

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Kuala Lumpur

Top U.S., Russia diplomats discuss Ukraine on ASEAN sidelines

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Russia’s upgraded drone tactics bring intensified attacks across Ukraine

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Ventura County

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Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order

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Los Angeles

31 trapped workers rescued after tunnel collapse

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Rubio: New Russia sanctions a ‘real option’

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Trump muses missile defence system for Ukraine

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Texas officials to address flood warnings after search complete

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San Francisco

Yaccarino steps down as CEO of Elon Musk's X

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Moscow

Trump calls out Putin for stalled peace talks

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Five African leaders have lunch with Trump

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Kerr County

Recovery operations ongoing in Texas as more than 160 still missing

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that he issued tariff letters to Algeria, Brunei, Iraq, Libya, Moldova and the Philippines.

Trump sends tariff letters to six more countries

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Sana'a

Houthi rebels claim responsibility for attack on ship in Red Sea

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Top European court rules Russia violated international law in Ukraine

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Texas flood death toll hits triple digits, tally of missing tops 180

U.S. President Donald Trump pushed back during his Cabinet meeting about a question regarding Jeffrey Epstein. The DOJ claims Epstein had no list of clients, which is drawing criticism from some of the president's supporters.

Trump questioned over report saying Epstein didn't have client list

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Ontario

Trump threatens 50% tariff on copper imports

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Officials face questions over preparedness for Texas floods

Hundreds of firefighters battled a fast-moving wildfire that reached the outskirts of the southern French city of Marseille on Tuesday, forcing people to stay indoors and the nearby airport to close.

Marseille

France wildfire shuts down Marseille airport

Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota was probably speeding when the Lamborghini car he was driving crashed in northwestern Spain, killing him and his brother, police said in a preliminary report.