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.
The black card has captured the attention of many people as a symbol of luxury and status. What is the credit limit on a black card, and more importantly, what is the definition of a black card and what makes it special?
Unveiling the Mystery: What is a Black Card?
A black card is an ultra-exclusive credit card offered by select issuers, typically reserved for their most affluent clientele. These cards are not just a means of payment; they represent a lifestyle of luxury and unparalleled access to premium benefits.
Although there are many cards with black designs, the American Express Centurion® Card is the true black card because it is exclusive to invitation-only recipients. The Centurion Card requires a high amount of spending on other American Express cards and an excellent credit score, in contrast to other cards for which you can apply.
The Elusive Black Card: Who Can Get One?
The requirements to qualify for the Centurion Card are shrouded in secrecy. American Express doesn’t publicly disclose specific criteria, but reports suggest that you must spend $250,000 to $450,000 or more on another American Express card to be considered Additionally, an excellent credit score of 800 or higher is likely required.
Previously, American Express allowed existing cardholders to express interest through an online form. However, this form is currently unavailable, leaving the exact process of acquiring a Centurion Card shrouded in mystery.
Black Card Benefits: A Glimpse into a World of Luxury
The Centurion Card offers a world of exclusive benefits that cater to the discerning tastes of its cardholders, These include:
- Access to over 1,200 Global Lounge Collection VIP airport lounges.
- Fine Hotels and Resorts program benefits.
- Complimentary elite status with major hotel and airline loyalty programs.
- Global Dining Collection access.
- Crafted travel experiences through Centurion Travel Services.
- Dedicated 24/7 customer service.
- Purchase and travel insurance protections.
Unlike traditional credit cards, the Centurion Card doesn’t have a pre-set spending limit. This means cardholders can, in theory, spend as much as they want, provided they can afford it. However, it’s important to remember that the Centurion Card is a charge card, meaning the balance must be paid in full each month.
The Cost of Exclusivity: The Centurion Card’s Fees
The Centurion Card comes with a hefty price tag. The initiation fee is a staggering $10,000, followed by a $5,000 annual fee. Additionally, authorized users are charged $5,000 annually.
Beyond the Centurion: Other Black Card Options
Although the most well-known black card is the Centurion Card, there are other issuers that provide comparable premium cards with different features, conditions, and costs. These include:
- J.P. Morgan Reserve® Card
- Citi Chairman® American Express® Card
- Coutts Silk Charge Card
- Merrill Lynch Octave Black Card by American Express
- Stratus Rewards Visa Card
Luxury Card also offers three premium credit cards with exclusive benefits:
- Mastercard® Gold Card™
- Mastercard® Black Card™
- Mastercard® Titanium Card™
For those with truly exceptional wealth, the Dubai First Royale Credit Card from the Bank of Dubai offers unparalleled exclusivity. This card features a real gold design with a .235-carat diamond embedded in its center.
Alternatives to Black Cards: Luxury Within Reach
Even without a black card, you can still access premium benefits and rewards. Several other credit cards offer excellent perks and rewards for qualified applicants. These include:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
Should You Accept a Black Card Invitation?
If you receive an invitation for a black card, carefully consider the benefits and fees involved before accepting. While the perks are undeniably enticing, the high cost may not justify the value for everyone.
Is a Black Card Right for You?
The Centurion Card’s unique structure and privileges make it difficult to compare with other cards. If you receive an invitation, weigh the benefits against your spending habits and lifestyle to determine if it aligns with your needs and financial situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which is the most expensive black credit card?
The most costly is the American Express Centurion Card, which has an annual fee of $5,000 and an initiation fee of $10,000.
Q: Are there drawbacks to having a black credit card?
A: The main drawbacks are the high initiation and annual fees, the high income requirement to be invited, and the hefty minimum spending requirement.
Q: What is the limit on a black credit card?
A: The limit varies depending on the card. The Citi Chairman® American Express® Card has a limit of $300,000, while the Amex Centurion Card doesn’t have a traditional credit limit. Instead, Centurion cardholders work directly with American Express on a case-by-case basis for larger purchases.
Q: Can I apply for a black credit card?
A: No, black cards are invitation-only. You cannot apply for one directly.
Q: What are the benefits of a black credit card?
A: Black cards offer a wide range of benefits, including access to exclusive airport lounges, luxury hotels, travel experiences, and concierge services. They also often come with high rewards rates and insurance protections.
Q: What are the requirements to get a black credit card?
A: The requirements vary depending on the card issuer, but generally, you need to have a high income, excellent credit, and a history of spending a significant amount of money on other credit cards.
Q: Are black credit cards worth it?
A: Whether a black credit card is worth it depends on your individual circumstances. If you can afford the high fees and meet the spending requirements, then the benefits may be worth it. However, if you don’t travel frequently or use the other perks, then a less expensive card may be a better option.
The black card remains an enigmatic symbol of wealth and exclusivity. While its benefits are undeniably alluring, the high cost and stringent requirements make it an option reserved for a select few.
What happened after the gunfire ?
We decided that we would continue with the mission. And basically, that just meant continuing to hold until we got the green light. Unfortunately, we held there for at least another two hours. And by that point, it was about 1 p. m. the mission could no longer be carried out because, even if we had been given the go-ahead, we would still have needed to travel to the checkpoint, through the checkpoint, and up north, and we would not have had the time to finish the mission. So we decided that we would turn back and try another day.
Today, we had our redo of our mission to the north. It was a 13-hour mission, and almost six of those hours were spent waiting for the green light. We didn’t get to complete everything, and that’s really disappointing. We were only able to conduct the nutrition and medical aspects of the mission at Kamal Adwan Hospital. We had 45 minutes on the ground at the hospital, that’s it.
We delivered a whole truck of medical and nutrition supplies. It included ready-to-use therapeutic food, which is a treatment for malnutrition, and high energy biscuits.
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.