The Institute for Fiscal Studies warns that to balance the books, benefits cuts may reach up to £1,200 a year for disabled and long-term sick individuals. Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall plans to cut around £5bn in benefits, focusing on working-age welfare claimants, with fears that the annual bill for these benefits could reach £70bn by 2030. Despite the OECD downgrading the UK’s growth forecasts, the government insists that benefits cuts are not necessary, but the IFS director Paul Johnson warns of limited room for maneuver in the upcoming spring statement.
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Israel resumes airstrikes on Gaza, five Palestinians killed
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least five Palestinians, with the Israeli military targeting a Hamas military location in the north. The attacks were renewed after both sides accused each other of violating a ceasefire, leading to increased tensions and casualties. Israel dropped evacuation leaflets in Gaza, warning residents of "dangerous combat zones" and stating that the onslaught was "just the beginning" as the conflict escalated further. Full Article
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