International humanitarian organizations claim they still encounter violence and practical challenges when attempting to provide aid throughout the famine-threatened region, following the death of World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza due to an Israel airstrike that drew international condemnation.
A week after the World Central Kitchen attack, UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram tells TIME over the phone from Rafah on Sunday about a terrifying and fruitless attempt to deliver aid to north Gaza. While waiting at a checkpoint, the convoy she was traveling in—which had been prearranged with the Israel Defense Forces—was caught in the crossfire. Although Ingram is unsure of the shooter, she believes the shots originated from the direction of the checkpoint, which she calculates to be less than a kilometer (about half a mile) away.
“The IDF works in order to prevent harm to humanitarian teams,” the statement from the IDF tells TIME after an investigation indicates that its forces “were not within firing range of the convoy at the time and place indicated and it was found that no fire was carried out at the vehicle by the IDF.” ”.
In response, Ingram states, “We believe it’s critical that an impartial inquiry be carried out in order to clarify the events that transpired and guarantee that going forward, we have the required security to provide aid.” ”.
The need is dire. One million people in Gaza face an impending famine, according to a warning issued last month by the global authority on food insecurity. The Hamas-run health ministry reported 28 children have died of malnutrition and dehydration as of April 12.
Despite the needs, more than half of recent requested aid missions to north Gaza were unsuccessful, the U. N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported. Between April 6, 2012, and April 7, 2017, Israel facilitated 2041 percent of the missions; the remaining 2041 percent were denied or impeded, including because of hostilities; in 2017, aid groups canceled most of the missions due to logistical constraints.
World Central Kitchen claims that it coordinated its movements with Israel prior to the military attacking its convoy on April 2, demonstrating that even well-planned missions can be risky. Following what Israel described as a “grave mistake,” seven aid workers died as a result, prompting President Joe Biden to issue an ultimatum to Israel: either increase food aid into Gaza and take action to protect civilians, or risk losing U.S. S. support.
In response, Israel declared it would create new channels for the entry of additional aid, including a crossing into the northern Gaza Strip. According to an email sent to TIME by COGAT, the IDF’s humanitarian branch, more than 300 trucks entered Gaza every day last week as part of an increase in aid.
Biden said Wednesday that the number of trucks was still “not enough. ” Data from UNRWA, the U. N. ‘s Palestinian relief organization only slightly increases (the organization counts trucks in a different way than COGAT, according to the Associated Press). COGAT accused the U. N. of failing to gather supplies, sharing a photo of goods stacked inside Gaza on X, and claiming that “the Israeli side is not the bottleneck.” ”.
The U. N. ‘s head has resisted, saying that workers are being threatened by bombardment and fighting because “the real problem is that the way Israel is conducting this offensive is creating massive obstacles to the distribution of humanitarian aid.” Since the war began on Oct. 7, 217 aid workers have been killed in Gaza, according to the Aid Worker Security Database.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X that “the increase in aid is not yet tangible, sustained or uninterrupted.” “Aid also needs to reach safely all those in need. ”.
Here’s what Ingram tells TIME about the challenges to delivering aid and the needs. The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Ever heard of the 15/3 credit card hack? It’s been making waves on TikTok and other social media platforms, promising to boost your credit score by making multiple payments towards your balance each month. But is it all it’s cracked up to be?
Spoiler alert: The answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this “hack” and see how it can actually impact your credit score
The 15/3 Credit Card Hack: What’s the Hype?
The 15/3 credit card hack encourages you to make two payments towards your credit card balance each month instead of just one. The first payment is made 15 days before your statement due date, and the second is made three days before the due date.
The theory behind this “hack” is that it will lead to more on-time payments being reported to the credit bureaus, ultimately boosting your credit score. However, this is where the hack falls short. Credit card issuers only report to the credit bureaus once per month, usually on the billing cycle date. So, making multiple payments won’t actually increase the number of on-time payments reported.
So, is the 15/3 credit card hack useless? Not quite.
The 15/3 credit card hack can improve your credit score by lowering your credit utilization ratio, even though it won’t have an immediate effect on your payment history. This ratio calculates how much of your available credit is being used and how much is still available. Improving your credit score can be largely attributed to lowering your credit utilization ratio.
How the 15/3 Credit Card Hack Can Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio
Here’s the breakdown: Credit card billing cycles typically last around 30 days, but they don’t necessarily follow a calendar month. This means your billing cycle could be from January 14th to February 13th, or any other 30-day period within a year.
Most credit cards offer a grace period, usually at least 21 days, during which you can pay off your balance without incurring interest. By making two payments per month, you can strategically reduce your balance before the end of your billing cycle, resulting in a lower credit utilization ratio being reported to the credit bureaus.
For example:
- Let’s say your credit card statement balance is $1,350 and your payment due date is October 28th.
- By making a payment 15 days before (October 13th) and another one three days before (October 25th), you can significantly lower your balance before the billing cycle ends.
- This lower balance will then be reported to the credit bureaus, potentially boosting your credit score.
Recall that in order for the 15/3 credit card hack to work, you must settle your balance in full, or as near to it as possible, before your statement closes. In this manner, your credit report will reflect the lower credit utilization ratio.
Is the 15/3 Credit Card Hack for Everyone?
While the 15/3 credit card hack can be beneficial, it’s not a magic bullet for everyone. Here are some things to consider:
- It’s more of a guideline than a strict rule. The numbers “15” and “3” are arbitrary. You can achieve the same effect by making a single larger payment before your due date or by making multiple payments throughout the month.
- It requires discipline and organization. Keeping track of multiple payments can be challenging. Consider setting up automatic payments or using a spreadsheet to stay on top of things.
- It’s not a substitute for responsible credit card use. The best way to improve your credit score is to use your credit card responsibly, pay your bills on time, and keep your credit utilization low.
Alternatives to the 15/3 Credit Card Hack
In case the 15/3 credit card trick doesn’t seem suitable for you, you can try these alternative methods to raise your credit score:
- Become an authorized user on a credit card with good credit history. This can help you build your credit without having to open a new account.
- Become a co-signer on a loan with someone who has good credit. This can also help you build your credit, but be aware that you’ll be responsible for the debt if the primary borrower defaults.
- Dispute any errors on your credit report. Errors can negatively impact your credit score, so it’s important to correct them as soon as possible.
- Use a credit monitoring service. These services can help you track your credit score and alert you to any changes.
In summary, while the 15/3 Credit Card Hack may be helpful in reducing your credit utilization ratio, it is not a surefire method of raising your credit score. Keep in mind to use your credit card sensibly and look into additional ways to raise your credit score.
Additional Tips:
- Pay more than the minimum payment each month. This will help you pay off your debt faster and reduce the amount of interest you pay.
- Avoid maxing out your credit cards. Aim to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%.
- Only apply for new credit when you need it. Too many hard inquiries on your credit report can lower your score.
You can start down the road to a higher credit score by paying attention to these pointers and making strategic use of the 15/3 credit card hack.
Do you know what instigated it or where it came from?
I don’t know what instigated it. It appeared to be coming from the checkpoint’s direction, heading south, and it appeared to be directed at civilians, or what appeared to be civilians, who subsequently turned and fled in the opposite direction. I would say I saw a dozen (apparent civilians).
Can you describe the impacts on your convoy from the gunfire?
We were a convoy of three cars and two trucks. Only one vehicle was hit, that was the one I was in. Three bullets hit us: one hit the car’s hood, two struck the right-hand rear passenger door where I was sitting, one hit the window, and one hit the door. My colleague in one of the other cars, he saw bullets ricocheting off the ground. Ahead of us at the holding point there was another U. N. convoy from the World Food Programme and the United Nations Office for Project Services. They had a bullet go through the windshield of their fuel truck.
We’re very fortunate that we were in an armored vehicle…Fortunately, we were unharmed.
15/3 Trick : Is it the Best Day To Pay Credit Cards to Increase Credit Score or a worthless hack?
FAQ
Does paying credit card twice a month help credit score?
Can I pay half of my credit card bill before due date?
Can you pay off credit card multiple times a month?
What is the 15/3 rule for credit cards?
With the 15/3 rule for credit cards, instead of making one payment each month on or near the credit card payment due date, you make two payments every month.
How does the 15/3 credit card payment method work?
With the 15/3 credit card payment method, you make two payments each statement period. You pay half of your credit card statement balance 15 days before the due date, and then make another payment three days before the due date on your statement. What Is the 15/3 Credit Card Payment Method? How Does the 15/3 Credit Card Payment Work?
When do I make a 15/3 credit card payment?
You make the first payment about 15 days before your statement date (about halfway through the statement cycle), and the second payment three days before your credit card statement is actually due. How Does the 15/3 Credit Card Payment Work? The way credit cards work in most cases is that you make purchases throughout the month.
Should you use a 15/3 credit card?
Ultimately, the 15/3 credit card approach can be effective if you’re making your payments before your statement date because it reduces the balance that your card issuer reports to the credit bureaus. If making multiple payments per month using the 15/3 hack as a guide makes it easier for you to keep your balance low, it could be a good move.