International
The president of Egypt pledges to allow the passage of aid to Gaza by Kerem Shalom
The president of Egypt, Abdelfatah al Sisi, promised this Friday to the US president, Joe Biden, that he will allow the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza through the passage of Kerem Shalom (Israel), the White House said on Friday.
The US Presidency pointed out in a statement that Biden welcomed that commitment to allow the flow of aid from Egypt through the Israeli crossing of Kerem Shalom, border with Egypt and Gaza, “provisionally.”
The president, in turn, pointed out in that phone call that he will support efforts to reopen the Rafah crossing in a way that is acceptable to both Egypt and Israel, and agreed to send a delegation to Cairo next week to advance the discussions.
The telephone exchange served for Biden to thank Al Sisi again for his work since the beginning of the war in October to “ensure a continuous flow of assistance from Egypt to Gaza.”
The entry of aid through Rafah has been paralyzed by the Israeli offensive in that area, which, according to the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shukri, said this week, has become a “battlefield” that puts the lives of humanitarian workers at risk.
On Tuesday, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) announced the suspension of that aid because attacks and the presence of Israeli tanks prevent access to the UNRWA distribution center and the World Food Program warehouse.
Biden and Al Sisi, according to the White House, also addressed “new initiatives to ensure the release of hostages along with an immediate and sustained ceasefire in Gaza,” and stressed their commitment to establishing the conditions for a lasting peace in the Middle East.
This same Friday, Egypt had stressed that Israel has full legal responsibility “for the deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip as an occupying power,” and asked it to put an end to “its systematic policies against the Palestinian people of attacks, hunger and siege, in violation of all the provisions of international law.”
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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