‘It is killing people': UN chief slams US-backed Gaza aid operation
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said a US-backed aid operation in
Gaza
is 'inherently unsafe', giving the blunt assessment that 'it is killing people'.
Israel
and the
United States
want the United Nations to work through the controversial new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), but the
UN
has refused, questioning its neutrality and accusing the distribution model of militarising aid and forcing displacement.
'Any operation that channels desperate civilians into militarised zones is inherently unsafe. It is killing people,' Mr Guterres told reporters.
Mr Guterres said UN-led humanitarian efforts are being 'strangled', aid workers themselves are starving and Israel, as the occupying power, is required to agree to and facilitate aid deliveries into and throughout the Palestinian enclave.
READ MORE
'People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families. The search for food must never be a death sentence,' Mr Guterres told reporters.
'It is time to find the political courage for a ceasefire in Gaza.'
Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19th, allowing limited UN deliveries to resume, the UN says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid from the UN and GHF operations. A senior UN official said on Sunday that the majority of those people were trying to reach GHF sites.
Responding to Mr Guterres on Friday, Israel's foreign ministry said Israel's military never targets civilians. It accused the UN of 'doing everything it can' to oppose the GHF aid operation.
'In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations,' it posted on X.
A GHF spokesperson said there have been no deaths at or near any of the GHF aid distribution sites.
'It is unfortunate the UN continue to push false information regarding our operations,' the GHF spokesperson said. 'Bottom line, our aid is getting securely delivered. Instead of bickering and throwing insults from the sidelines, we would welcome the UN and other humanitarian groups to join us and feed the people in Gaza.'
GHF uses private US security and logistics firms to operate. It began operations in Gaza on May 26th and said on Friday it has given out more than 48 million meals so far. The US state department said on Thursday it had approved $30 million in funding for the GHF and called on other countries to also support the group.
Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of stealing aid from the UN-led operations, which the militants deny. —Reuters
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Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
Letters to the Editor, June 28th: On lack of action in Brussels, doing the right thing and choice language
Sir, – Your newspaper today (June 27th) provides a stark juxtaposition as to the situation in Gaza, and the hypocrisy of the EU. Your reporters in Brussels set out the lack of action by the EU to sanction Israel for its failure to allow aid into Gaza (' Government briefs 'like-minded' EU states on Occupied Territories Bill '). We see where states who are 'sympathetic' to Israel effectively veto anything more than carefully crafted words, as being the strongest action possible. The hope being that these words will bring the Israeli government to its senses and allow aid, at appropriate levels, to be let into the enclave, and maybe a ceasefire. And as if to show the Israeli government holding two fingers to the EU, your Reuters report sets out how Israel has stopped any aid being allowed into the north of Gaza ('Israel halts aid to northern Gaza as clans deny Hamas is stealing it'). Those strong words from Brussels really hit the mark! READ MORE The hypocrisy of the EU is then laid bare with unanimity easily forthcoming in extending sanctions against Russia for their invasion and ongoing war with Ukraine. While Mr Netanyahu can strong arm those leaders who are 'sympathetic' to Israel, the EU will never take collective action against Israel. It is time for those EU states who are minded to take action against Israel, in the form of concrete sanctions, must do so unilaterally. – Yours, etc, PHILIP BRADY, Donnycarney, Dublin. Sir, – I read with interest Dr Ed Abrahamson's letter (June 26th). His analysis of Ireland's relationship with Israel in light of ongoing events in Gaza and the political discussions of the same in Ireland was revealing. I was particularly interested in his view that the 'deep freeze' he describes between Ireland and Israel may never end. He posits that the fracture in the relationship between the two countries may affect the economy and also gives an example of the welfare of patients in Irish hospitals who may be deprived of medical advances which come from Israel. It is true that the Government and many politicians have spoken out on issues in Gaza and many people in Irish society are very upset and angry about what is unfolding. For many across society, this has meant taking a stand and speaking up for what we consider to be wrong in terms of current events. Surely to be human and to have moral courage and clarity means that taking a stand on any issue should come down to moral considerations alone? The view that being seen as taking a stand against Israel's current actions might affect us in a material way is a factor to be borne in mind, is to totally miss the point and the moral clarity that taking a stand on any issue demands. Moral courage is the willingness to take a potentially costly moral action simply because it is the right thing to do. I learned this lesson very early in childhood when I was visiting Dublin with my parents and ran towards the door of Dunnes Stores on Henry Street and my father gently pulled me back and said 'We are not going in there, never cross a picket, do you hear me now ? never.' He gently explained about South Africa, apartheid and oranges and how these people were doing what was right, even though it would affect them directly in their income. I was fortunate to have such an early lesson and the clarity and admiration with which he spoke about those Dunnes Stores workers has stayed with me as a seminal memory, almost 40 years later. Taking a stand means doing the right thing even if the consequences of that stand affect you directly, the world is often transactional and full of compromise and moral cowardice. Doing the right thing means we abandon such obfuscation and speak with the same clarity and simplicity as though we are speaking to a child, explaining the difference between right and wrong and why doing the right thing matters even if it affects you directly. – Yours, etc, JACKIE GORMAN, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Sir, – Justine Mc Carthy is to be congratulated on her forensic account of how the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, has exceeded her legal mandate and undermined the role of the EU high representative and the rights and responsibilities of individual member states in relation to foreign policy ( 'What gives Ursula von der Leyen the right to egg on Binyamin Netanyahu with his killing crusades ?' June 27th). The big question is what can be done about it? A motion of censure is due to be tabled by a number of MEPs in respect of the 'Pfizergate'controversy. This concerns Ms von der Leyen's professed inability to release copies of texts between her and the Pfizer chief executive officer during the Covid crisis. There are also issues arising in relation to the alleged bypassing of the European Parliament and the increasing centralisation of power in the commission. It is now clear that the Fianna Fáil MEPs who voted against von der Leyen's reappointment were absolutely correct in their judgment. Given the Government's strong position on the recent report on Israel's violations of human rights within the EU trade deal, all our MEPs should now consider supporting this motion and help trigger a substantive and comprehensive debate in the European Parliament on this important issue. – Yours, etc, MARTIN Mc DONALD, Dublin 12. Contactless travel Sir, – Dr Mark Thompson asks why it will take so long to introduce contactless payment on public transport (Letters, June 27th). His question is, however, like the line judges in Wimbledon, redundant (' No line judges at Wimbledon: you cannot be serious ,' June 27th). We don't need contactless payment; we need a simple Berlin-style smart phone ticketing app. Once downloaded you can buy a ticket that lasts for two hours on any form of public transport. You can buy a ticket immediately before you board a bus, tram or train. You don't have to tap machines at stations, on buses or trams. Random inspection polices the time-based system. With a Berlin-style app, payment is easy and foolproof. Unlike the traditional Wimbledon fans upset by the removal of the line judges, the Berlin app does not need to replace the cumbersome existing infrastructure. Better, it does not need the addition of contactless payment which is rapidly becoming a legacy technology. – Yours, etc, SEAN KEAVNEY, Dublin 15. Sir, – Ken Buggy bemoans the delay by the National Transport Authority introducing contactless payment on public transport here (Letters, June 27th). He suggests that if Ryanair were involved it would be in place 'tomorrow' and with 'no shopping bags'. He should be careful what he wishes for; Ryanair might refuse buggys as well. – Yours, etc, PAUL MURPHY, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Sir, – Dr Marc Thompson rightly takes the Government to task regarding the lack of contactless payment on our public transport system. He wonders why there's no joined-up strategy, and why we can't deliver 'infrastructure at a scale and speed which the citizens deserve'. There can hardly be something called 'joined-up strategy', without joined-up thinking, and, regarding what the citizens deserve, that particular horse has long bolted, and the citizens' expectations do not appear to have any purchase in the minds of those in the corridors of power. – Yours, etc, PETER DECLAN O'HALLORAN, Belturbet, Co Cavan. Remembering Mount Charles Sir, – The sad news of the death of Henry Mount Charles brought to my memory a little incident which showed his wide field of interests and concerns, In the 1990s, the issue of the closure of the Phoenix Park racecourse arose. My sister, May, was very concerned about the closure and started a campaign collecting signatures of protest. Without any contact from my sister, Mount Charles wrote to her offering any help he could give. May was surprised and very pleased to receive such unexpected support. That same day, we read the dreadful news that Mount Charles' beloved Slane Castle was on fire. So he didn't get the wished-for opportunity to record his views on the racecourse closure. A man of many streams. – Yours, etc, EILEEN LYNCH, Dublin. Aesthetics and architecture Sir, - The article (' Cost to take priority over 'aesthetics' in future State infrastructure projects ,' June 27th) could be interpreted as the Government abandoning its national policy on architecture published in 2022. 'Aesthetics' are not something nice to have but an essential component of public buildings and an easy target to blame for high costs. In fact, the architectural and special quality of the children's hospital is one of the few positives that counterbalances negativity around the high cost. The real drivers of cost are not standards and aesthetics but rather the delays in procurement and planning. Each year a ¤1 billion project is delayed adds about ¤70million to the cost and we regularly see these public projects take countless years to go from the start to commencement of construction. We don't need soviet-style grey boxes to put our sick children in. It won't solve the cost-control issue either. – Yours, etc, JOE KENNEDY, FRIAI, Co Dublin. Sir, – It is well established that the long-term consequences of ignoring aesthetics in the construction of major infrastructure, such as hospitals, include reduced usability, lower satisfaction, and higher costs in the long run. At least Jack Chambers' (Minister for Public Expenditure) false dilemma of cost versus aesthetics adds a new entry to the bingo card of construction costs in contemporary Ireland: Beauty! – Yours, etc, DR CONNELL VAUGHAN, Lecturer in Aesthetics, Technical University, Dublin. Shine on Sir – British prime minister Keir Starmer's Irish chief of staff Morgan McSweeney appears to be losing his shine (' Irish fixer under fire as welfare rebellion looms in U K,' June 27th). According to army protocols and even Collins Dictionary, 'polished shoes make its wearer look more presentable and can elevate a person's public standing'. A tin of black should do it then. – Yours, etc, MARION WALSH, Dublin 4. Capping judicial review legal costs Sir, – Recent commentary blames judicial review for delays in infrastructure and housing projects, prompting proposals to cap legal costs for successful applicants at ¤35,000 (' Government plans for €35,000 fees cap to halt High Court delays to building projects, ' June 20th and ' Failure to tackle objectors will have dire results, ' June 27th). Judicial review exists not to frustrate policy, but to meet Ireland's obligations under the Aarhus Convention which requires access to environmental justice to be 'fair, equitable, timely and not prohibitively expensive'. Given our inordinately expensive legal system, capping legal fees at €35,000 would effectively deny access to justice for many – including individuals, community groups and NGOs. Meanwhile, the State would remain free to spend unlimited sums on its own legal team. This imbalance undermines the constitutional guarantee of equality before the law and the principle of 'equality of arms' in legal proceedings. Instead of undermining this essential right, we should address the real issue: Ireland spends just 0.07 per cent of its GDP on its legal and judicial system – the lowest in Europe. Chronic underfunding, not judicial review, is the main cause of court delays. – Yours, etc, TONY LOWES, Friends of the Irish Environment, Co Cork. GAA and the Mayo board Sir, – The choice of language used by the Mayo County GAA Board in sacking its management team was disgusting. Exactly what might be expected of the owners of an English Premier League club when sacking a manager; and indeed, even then not always so. Gaelic football is an amateur sport. An amateur sport that is now garnished with the worst aspects of corporate professionalism and elitism. Major fixtures behind pay walls. Highly paid officials. Corporate boxes. Exorbitant ticket prices. All totally based on the efforts of unpaid amateur players. GAA president Jarlath Burns needs to have a chat with his full-time permanent officials. Pundits speak of managers losing the dressingroom. If GAA HQ are not careful, they may well lose a lot more than that. Mayo are a proud GAA county. An apology should issue from headquarters . And an assurance that county management teams will be treated with respect in future. An opening phrase that a manager 'has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect' undermines whatever weasel words may follow. – Yours, etc, LARRY DUNNE, Rosslare, Co Wexford. Wouldn't do a tattoo Sir, – Despite multiple back-packing trips to Thailand where guest houses often had tattoo artists in situ, despite several weekends in Amsterdam where impulsivity reigned and despite 40 plus years as a biker surrounded oftentimes by bearded brethren covered in ink, I have never felt the desire, nor the need, to get a tattoo. And now at 62, taking gravity into consideration and looking at my inked friends (bar one who is an ultra marathon runner with a lean taut physique) I am happy I didn't follow the herd. Speaking of which, is that a sheep or a cloud on your shoulder? And why does that wolf on your back look like he got implants in Turkey? – Yours, etc, LORCAN ROCHE, Dublin. Choice language Sir, – My oh my, how far the standards of The Irish Times have fallen. I am still in shock having seen the word 'arse' in one of Fidelia's Crosaire clues in this morning's paper. Where do we go from here? – Yours, etc, MJ Tomlin, Dublin.
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Fueling frustration: Why Irish petrol prices stay high, even when oil doesn't
Donald Trump, as he so often does, opted for all capital letters for this post on Truth Social earlier this week. 'EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN,' he said. 'I'M WATCHING! YOU'RE PLAYING RIGHT INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY. DON'T DO IT!' Like he told major retailer Walmart to 'eat the tariffs' he has imposed, the US president was telling oil markets to eat the instability he had directly contributed to in the Middle East with a direct attack on one of the biggest producers of oil in the world. As much as he appears to desire the power to dictate such terms, how much we all pay at the petrol pumps is not at the whim of Donald Trump. So far, however, prices appear to be singing to his tune somewhat, if not for the reasons he may think so, that is, himself. Here in Ireland, it was only three years ago that we saw geopolitical forces brought to bear as Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine saw prices for everything skyrocket, including for petrol and diesel. While the impacts on us pale into comparison when compared to the Ukrainian people, Russia's actions did precipitate a cost-of-living crisis charities say is still biting to this day. But, despite bombs falling in Tehran, Tel Aviv and Doha in recent weeks, the oil markets so far — and this must be stressed, so far — have not reacted like they did back in 2022. Back then, there was a 'perfect storm' of Russia being such a big supplier, coupled with a relative shortage of oil supply coming out of the pandemic, according to transport commentator Conor Faughnan. This time, due to tariff threats and concerns about the global economy, as well as additional supply in the market at the moment, oil prices had been expected to trend down in the second half of this year prior to the recent Israel-Iran hostilities. 'It's been notable to observe when we had the Russian invasion in 2022, there was a very strong and prolonged reaction in world oil prices,' Mr Faughnan said. 'They went up and stayed high. That's different from the current crisis. Conor Faughnan: 'About 55%-60% of the money you pay at the pump goes directly to the Government in taxes. The oil price component is surprisingly small.' 'There hasn't as yet been the sort of extreme reaction we might have expected to see. Over the years, there's been a very serious set of circumstances, there's been multiple geopolitical shocks to the oil price. Often, they'll cause turbulence on a two-to-three day basis. When Russia invaded, we had a sustained effect. This time around, it's different. Mr Faughnan said it was more a case of the markets having 'bated breath', or there being a 'pregnant pause' while they waited to see how events would play out in the Middle East conflict. On Tuesday, oil prices hit their lowest in two weeks after Trump claimed there had been a 'total ceasefire' agreed between Israel and Iran. But, as we know, the bombing did not fully stop there. Later in the week, JP Morgan analysts said global energy prices were 'moderating' following the ceasefire. However, the lobby group for fuel retailers said that prices were already coming from a high base. Fuels for Ireland chief executive Kevin McPartland said even prior to US strikes on Iran, wholesale prices had already surged by nine cent per litre for petrol, eight cent for diesel and seven cent for kerosene. And this is before tax and retailer margin is applied. 'We fully understand the pressure that rising fuel costs put on households and businesses, particularly as we move through a cost-of-living crisis,' Mr McPartland said. These are global effects being felt locally. Fuel retailers in Ireland are not setting prices arbitrarily. They are responding to international costs that are outside their control. One factor that could send the price ballooning even higher is Iran's actions at the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. About a fifth of the world's oil passes through this area, which has Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south. Iran has in the past threatened to close the strait, which would restrict trade and affect global oil prices, but has never followed through on the threat. Mr Faughnan said a shock to the world oil price is 'possible if the situation worsens, or the Strait of Hormuz is involved'. 'It hasn't happened yet,' he said. 'If it does hit, we'll reassess. What's remarkable to note is that post-Israeli attacks on Iran last week, the global oil market was, relaxed is the wrong word, but it wasn't the extreme reaction we might have expected.' Petrol and diesel prices in Ireland Then again, Irish consumers will not need to experience another geopolitical shock to see the cost of filling the car be unwelcomingly high. They have been paying high prices at the pumps for some time. While the cost of a litre of petrol has fallen from its peak of more than €2 in the summer of 2022, it still remains stubbornly high at arobout €1.79, according to figures from AA Ireland. Its figures suggest prices have fluctuated wildly, ranging between €1.50 and close to €1.90 a litre for both diesel and petrol in recent years. Even going further back, and the price at the pumps has been high. Heading into 2020, prices going back five years had been in the range of between €1.20 and €1.50 a litre. If we were to factor in general inflation since then, using data from the Central Statistics Office, it has reached over 25% in that time. So, the €1.31 you spent for a litre of petrol in January 2015 translates to about €1.64 now. While fuel inflation is higher than this, they're in the same ball park. In other words, the prices were high enough then and even higher now. For its part, an AA spokesperson said: 'Any volatility in international markets inevitably can affect wholesale costs and, ultimately, prices at the pump. If tensions escalate or shipping routes are disrupted, it could lead to price increases for Irish consumers. We've already seen some fluctuations this year, and continued instability could keep upward pressure on prices in the months ahead. Mr Faughnan said an increase in the cost of oil would also lead to consumers paying more Vat on the cost of filling the car, as it is calculated as a percentage of the cost. Government taxes 'About 55%-60% of the money you pay at the pump goes directly to the Government in taxes,' he said. 'The oil price component is surprisingly small. You've the oil price, refinery cost, shipping cost, wholesale margin, retail margin. On top of that then the price is doubled. 'A big move in the oil price translates to a more modest move at the pump price.' Mr McPartland, whose organisation represents fuel retailers, said when fuel prices go up the tax on them goes up too, which he said warranted a 'comprehensive review of how fuel for heating and transport is taxed'. 'We are calling on the minister for finance to establish a group of experts to undertake this review as a matter of urgency,' he said. We've been here before. To help mitigate cost-of-living rises, the Government temporarily reduced excise rates on fuel at a 'significant cost to the exchequer', according to officials from the Department of Finance. It said last year this measure had effectively been a fossil fuel subsidy and was a 'climate negative measure'. It appears any measures to ease the taxes paid at the petrol pumps remain unlikely. On carbon taxes — which make up about 13c-14c of the €1.79 litre of petrol — finance minister Paschal Donohoe told the Dáil that if 'we want to invest more in a greener and lower carbon future, we need to have a way of paying for it'. At the same time, in terms of an alternative, take-up of electric vehicles is accelerating but not yet at the kind of critical mass needed to significantly reduce our transport emissions. Just last week, the Climate Change Advisory Council said new EV grants of €10,000 should be given to the lower-paid to encourage them to make the switch. 'The benefits and savings from existing policies and measures are not keeping pace with the causes of increased emissions, including increasing transport demand in terms of fuel sales and vehicle kilometres, and corrective action is needed in the sector,' it said. CSO data tells us despite 16% of new car sales so far this year being EVs, with similar market shares for plug-in hybrids, a further 44% were for petrol and diesel cars. For now, the reliance on the petrol and diesel car remains strong in Ireland. And while it does, so too will we be reliant on factors outside of our control. Read More Fuel prices rise again putting further pressure on motorists, AA warns
Irish Times
5 hours ago
- Irish Times
‘It is killing people': UN chief slams US-backed Gaza aid operation
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said a US-backed aid operation in Gaza is 'inherently unsafe', giving the blunt assessment that 'it is killing people'. Israel and the United States want the United Nations to work through the controversial new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), but the UN has refused, questioning its neutrality and accusing the distribution model of militarising aid and forcing displacement. 'Any operation that channels desperate civilians into militarised zones is inherently unsafe. It is killing people,' Mr Guterres told reporters. Mr Guterres said UN-led humanitarian efforts are being 'strangled', aid workers themselves are starving and Israel, as the occupying power, is required to agree to and facilitate aid deliveries into and throughout the Palestinian enclave. READ MORE 'People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families. The search for food must never be a death sentence,' Mr Guterres told reporters. 'It is time to find the political courage for a ceasefire in Gaza.' Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19th, allowing limited UN deliveries to resume, the UN says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid from the UN and GHF operations. A senior UN official said on Sunday that the majority of those people were trying to reach GHF sites. Responding to Mr Guterres on Friday, Israel's foreign ministry said Israel's military never targets civilians. It accused the UN of 'doing everything it can' to oppose the GHF aid operation. 'In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations,' it posted on X. A GHF spokesperson said there have been no deaths at or near any of the GHF aid distribution sites. 'It is unfortunate the UN continue to push false information regarding our operations,' the GHF spokesperson said. 'Bottom line, our aid is getting securely delivered. Instead of bickering and throwing insults from the sidelines, we would welcome the UN and other humanitarian groups to join us and feed the people in Gaza.' GHF uses private US security and logistics firms to operate. It began operations in Gaza on May 26th and said on Friday it has given out more than 48 million meals so far. The US state department said on Thursday it had approved $30 million in funding for the GHF and called on other countries to also support the group. Israel and the United States have accused Hamas of stealing aid from the UN-led operations, which the militants deny. —Reuters
