Hard Numbers: Gaza aid point killings climb, Oz slashes student debt, Buddha gems head back to India, DRC launches Big Barça sponsorship
91: Israeli forces killed 91 Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza on Wednesday, according to the enclave’s Hamas-run Health Ministry. A local hospital has confirmed at least 50 of the deaths. The latest toll adds to a string of killings at aid points, as global pressure mounts on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the territory.
$10 billion: On Thursday, Australia’s parliament passed a law wiping out 20% of student loan debt – worth AU$16 billion (US$10 billion). It’s the first major legislative win for center-left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who promised to address the rising cost of living prior to his election in May.
300: Sotheby’s will repatriate 300 jewels from the Piprahwa Gem collection – relics believed to be linked to the Buddha’s burial ground – following pressure on the famed auction house from the Indian government. The artifacts, excavated by English explorer William Claxton Peppé in the 19th century, were initially set to be auctioned off in May.
$50 million: Spanish football giant FC Barcelona has struck a $50 million 4-year sponsorship deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo to display the slogan “DR Congo – Heart of Africa” on the back of their training jerseys. The government hopes the deal will boost DR Congo’s international image, but some Congolese are questioning the decision to invest in global branding rather than domestic economic and social priorities.