Metro Vancouver motion proposes reductions in directors' compensation and fewer committees
The motion comes as the regional government is under scrutiny for cost overruns and scope creep.
It's part of a nearly 1,500-page meeting package that calls for the Metro Vancouver's meeting stipend to go from $547 for four-hour meetings to $273.50 while also eliminating the additional stipend for meetings longer than four hours.
It also calls for a reduction in the total number of Metro Vancouver meetings for which a stipend is paid by at least 50 per cent from 2024 totals.
Metro Vancouver can have more than a dozen meetings in one month. It currently has 16 committees, populated by its 41 board members, which represent 21 municipalities.
West's motion also calls for a "full-scale, external core service review" of the organization to especially look for duplication or overlap with other levels of government.
Since the price tag to build a new waste water treatment on the North Shore ballooned from $700 million to $3.86 million — with all 21 member municipalities having to absorb the cost — criticism of the regional government has been fierce, mostly from within its own ranks.
Surrey council, which has six board members on Metro Vancouver, voted this week to withdraw from a regional growth strategy that directs the organization's decisions around utilities and the region's agricultural, conservation and recreation and industrial lands.
"The City of Surrey is dedicated to ensuring that our residents have access to the services and resources they rightfully deserve, without facing an unreasonable financial strain," Surrey Coun. Pardeep Kooner said Tuesday in a statement.
Surrey said it's standing up for the interests of its residents because the Metro 2050 strategy "imposes unfair costs and expectations on our community."
WATCH: Beleaguered water-and-waste-treatment provider facing questions over finances:
Touring the site of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant
29 days ago
Duration 2:20
Metro Vancouver chair Mike Hurley, who is the mayor of Burnaby, assumed the role last summer with a promise to review Metro's governance.
He has since initiated two reviews — one for governance, the other an independent review of the North Shore Waste Water Treatment plant.
As for Surrey, Hurley said the regional government wants dialogue.
"Surrey is an important part of our region, and we will be reaching out to them to better understand their concerns," he said in a statement.
Metro Vancouver said over the past 30 years, it has never had a member seek to withdraw from a regional growth strategy.
Surrey did vote to adopt the strategy in February 2023 despite some initial objections, which Metro said were resolved.
The regional government said in addition to speaking with Surrey over its new objections, it would also seek guidance from the province, "which is responsible for the legislation governing regional growth strategies, to better understand how to address the situation."
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CBC
42 minutes ago
- CBC
More than 100 aid groups call on Israel to end 'weaponization' of aid in Gaza
Social Sharing More than 100 non-profit groups warned Thursday that Israel's rules for aid groups working in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will block much-needed relief and replace independent organizations with those that serve Israel's political and military agenda, charges that Israel denied. At the same time, hospital officials reported more deaths from Israeli airstrikes and an increasing toll from malnutrition. The mounting backlash over aid restrictions and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been cited by several countries as a factor in their moves toward recognizing Palestinian statehood. The 108 non-profit groups, including Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders and CARE, were responding to registration rules announced by Israel in March that require organizations to hand over full lists of their donors and Palestinian staff for vetting. They contend doing so could endanger their staff and give Israel broad grounds to block aid if groups are deemed to be "delegitimizing" the country or supporting boycotts or divestment. The aid groups stressed on Thursday that most of them haven't been able to deliver "a single truck" of life-saving assistance since Israel implemented a blockade in March, calling on the international community to press Israel to end the "weaponization of aid, including through bureaucratic obstruction." "Oxfam has over $2.5 million [US] worth of goods that have been rejected from entering Gaza by Israel, especially WASH and hygiene items as well as food," said Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam policy lead. "This registration process signals to INGOs that their ability to operate may come at the cost of their independence and ability to speak out." The aid that the groups provide supplements assistance from the United Nations, airdrops organized by foreign governments and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the Israel- and U.S.-backed contractor that since May has been the primary distributor of aid in Gaza. Aid levels remain lower than before Despite those channels, the amount of aid reaching Gaza remains far below what the UN and relief groups previously delivered. "At this point, everyone knows what the correct, humane answer is, and it's not a floating pier, airdrops or the 'GHF.' The answer, to save lives, save humanity and save yourselves from complicity in engineered mass starvation, is to open all the borders, at all hours, to the thousands of trucks, millions of meals and medical supplies, ready and waiting nearby," said Sean Carroll of Anera. UN agencies and a small number of aid groups have resumed delivering assistance, but say the number of trucks allowed in remains far from sufficient. WATCH | U.S. officials visit aid site amid international calls to allow more aid in: COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of humanitarian aid to Gaza, denied the claims in the NGOs' letter. It said 380 trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday. During the two-month ceasefire, aid groups demanded Israel allow entry for 600 trucks a day. "The alleged delay in aid entry … occurs only when organizations choose not to meet the basic security requirements intended to prevent Hamas's involvement," it said. Israel has pressed UN agencies to accept military escorts to deliver goods into Gaza, a demand the agencies have largely rejected, citing their commitment to neutrality. The standoff has been the source of competing claims: Israel maintains it allows aid into Gaza that adheres to its rules, while aid groups that have long operated in Gaza decry the amount of life-saving supplies stuck at border crossings. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff had met with UN humanitarian officials in New York about the "need to, speedily, scale up aid into Gaza." Death toll mounts from airstrikes, malnutrition Hospitals throughout Gaza on Thursday reported casualties from Israeli strikes on Gaza City, which Israel identified as a militant stronghold last week when it announced plans to launch a new offensive against Hamas. An Israeli strike on Gaza City killed one person and wounded three others, an official at Al-Shifa Hospital said. A separate strike killed five people in Gaza City on Thursday morning, according to Al-Ahli Hospital, which received the casualties. Israel's military did not immediately respond to questions about the strikes. The casualties add to the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been killed since the war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 people. WATCH | Airstrikes Wednesday kill at least 123 people, ministry says: Israeli strikes pound Gaza City ahead of planned ground offensive 12 hours ago At least 123 people have been killed in 24 hours, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says people will be given the opportunity to leave Gaza before a planned ground offensive, but no one is being pushed out. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed more 61,700 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not specify how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children. Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals, but 50 remain inside Gaza. Israel believes around 20 of them to be alive. The Health Ministry on Thursday also reported four additional malnutrition-related deaths, raising the total to 239, of whom 106 are children.
Globe and Mail
2 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
LICT CORPORATION REPORTS Solid Second Quarter 2025
LICT Corporation ('LICT' or the 'Company'; OTC Pink ®: LICT), an integrated provider of broadband and voice services, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, and also welcomed Joe Cecin as Chief Operating Officer. Joe is an engineering graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, has earned an MBA from Stanford University and brings over 30 years of telecommunications industry experience spanning operations, infrastructure development, and leadership in private equity-backed businesses. Shareholder Designated Charitable Contribution Program In 2016, the Company established the Shareholder Designated Charitable Contribution Program. Under this initiative, all registered shareholders were eligible to designate a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and the Company made contributions of $100 per share on their behalf. From 2016 through 2024, LICT donated more than $10 million to shareholder-designated charities nationwide, reflecting the generosity of our shareholder base and the Company's ongoing commitment to social responsibility. Pending Board of Director approval, the program will continue with a $100 per share shareholder designated charitable contribution, commencing December 2025. LICT believes that charitable giving is a fundamental obligation for those with the means to make a meaningful impact. By empowering shareholders to direct contributions to causes they value, the program has extended LICT's commitment to community engagement and philanthropy. Results from Operations Revenues Second Quarter 2025 Total revenues were $34.4 million in the second quarter of 2025 compared with $33.7 million in the second quarter of 2024. Non-regulated revenues were $19.2 million, 56% of total revenues, compared with $18.8 million in the second quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher sales of broadband services and high-speed data circuits, mostly in Utah, Kansas and California. Regulated revenues were $15.2 million, representing an increase of $0.3 million, or 2.0%, compared to $14.9 million in the second quarter of 2024. Second quarter 2025 results also include regulated revenues from Manti Telephone Company (MTC), which was acquired on January 1, 2025; MTC contributed $0.9 million in regulated revenue this quarter. This acquisition supports our continued strategic expansion in rural markets. This was offset by reductions in voice service revenues consistent with broader industry trends. Additionally, interstate access revenues declined due to a drop in special access circuits which have been replaced with lower cost broadband services. Six Months ended June 30, 2025 Total revenues were $69.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared with $67.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Non-regulated revenues were $38.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared with $37.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024, an increase of $1.4 million, or 3.8%, driven by higher sales of broadband services and high-speed data circuits while at the same time encountering increased competition and pricing pressures in our expansion markets. Regulated revenues were $30.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared with $29.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. These results also include regulated revenues of $1.7 million from the Manti Telephone Company (MTC), which was acquired on January 1, 2025. This was offset by reductions in voice service revenues consistent with broader industry trends. Additionally, interstate access revenues declined due to a drop in special access circuits which have been replaced with lower cost broadband services. EBITDA Second Quarter 2025 EBITDA for the second quarter of 2025 was $13.5 million compared to $14.2 million for the same period in 2024, representing a decrease of $0.7 million, or 4.9%. The year-over- year decline primarily reflects higher operating expenses, particularly in labor, professional services, and maintenance activities supporting our ongoing network expansion. Importantly, as a greater number of capital expenditure projects transition from planning to execution in the second half of the year, a larger portion of labor and professional services expenses is expected to be capitalized. This shift is anticipated to reduce the impact of these costs on operating expenses going forward, supporting improved EBITDA margins in future periods. Non-regulated EBITDA for the second quarter of 2025 was $7.1 million, unchanged from the same period in 2024. Regulated EBITDA for the second quarter of 2025 was $6.4 million, compared to $7.2 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting a decrease of $0.8 million, or 11.1%. The decline was primarily driven by lower regulated revenues due to mandated pricing adjustments and by higher operating expenses. Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $27.3 million, compared to $28.9 million for the same period in 2024, representing a decrease of $1.6 million, or 5.5%. The decline in EBITDA is consistent with the increase in operating costs, particularly higher personnel-related and professional service expenses tied to operational expansion. Although revenue growth in certain markets provided a partial offset, the net impact of these cost pressures resulted in a modest decline in EBITDA, which, along with higher depreciation and amortization expense, contributed to the overall decrease in net income. Non-regulated EBITDA for the first six months of 2025 was $14.4 million, compared to $14.4 million in the first six months 2024. Regulated EBITDA for the first six months of 2025 was $12.9 million, compared to $14.5 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting a decrease of $1.6 million, or 11.0%. The decline was primarily driven by increased operating costs, including higher expenses for expanded staffing and professional services related to our operational expansion, as well as elevated repair and maintenance activity in the Company's New Mexico and Utah operations. The following table is a reconciliation of EBITDA to Operating profit from operations: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, (in thousands) 2025 2024 2025 2024 Operating profit from operations $ 5,616 $ 7,230 $ 11,196 $ 14,627 Adjustments: Corporate expenses 1,439 1,158 2,852 2,437 Depreciation and amortization 6,418 5,803 13,245 11,807 Total adjustments 7,857 6,961 16,097 14,244 EBITDA from operations $ 13,473 $ 14,191 $ 27,293 $ 28,871 Net income and Earnings per Share Second Quarter 2025 Net income for the second quarter of 2025 was $3.2 million, or $198 per share, compared to $4.9 million, or $293 per share, for the same period in 2024. The $1.7 million, or 34.7%, year-over-year decrease in net income was primarily driven by higher operating and non- operating expenses. Total costs and expenses increased by $2.3 million, largely due to a $1.1 million rise in cost of revenue, which reflected expanded staffing, increased use of professional services, and higher repair and maintenance activity, particularly in the Company's New Mexico and Utah operations. Depreciation expense also increased by $0.6 million, driven by recent investments in network infrastructure. Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $7.3 million, or $453 per share, compared to $9.9 million, or $586 per share, for the same period in 2024. The $2.6 million, or 26.3%, decrease in net income was primarily driven by a $5.2 million increase in total costs and expenses. This increase was largely due to a $2.6 million rise in cost of revenue— reflecting expanded staffing, professional services, and increased repair and maintenance activity in the Company's New Mexico and Utah operations—as well as a $1.4 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense associated with recent infrastructure investments. These higher operating and non-cash expenses were partially offset by a $1.8 million increase in revenue, driven by continued growth in broadband services in the Utah and Kansas markets. Leadership Additions Strengthen Operational and Strategic Capabilities During the quarter, LICT materially strengthened its leadership team. Joe Cecin joined LICT as Chief Operating Officer to support the company's continued network and geographical expansion and the execution of its long-term strategy. Additionally, Christopher Nossokoff joined us to support and accelerate our interest in non-organic growth. With a background in finance, accounting, and transaction due diligence—including roles at LGL Group and PricewaterhouseCoopers—Mr. Nossokoff enhances LICT's ability to evaluate strategic opportunities and support disciplined capital deployment. These appointments further bolster LICT's management team as the company continues to scale its broadband footprint and pursue long-term value creation. Tax Reform Bill Enlarges LICT's Cash Flow On July 4, 2025, the new tax bill was signed into law, delivering several key tax reforms with positive implications for LICT's financial position, notably 100% bonus depreciation, changes in R&D expensing and interest deductions. The legislation reinstates 100% bonus depreciation for qualified property placed in service after January 19, 2025. This provision is expected to meaningfully reduce near-term cash tax obligations and enhance after-tax returns on our broadband infrastructure investments, mostly through the capital expenditures planned through 2028. While we are still evaluating the full financial statement impact of these provisions, the enactment of the new tax bill strengthens LICT's ability to invest in network expansion, manage capital efficiently, and deliver long-term value to our shareholders. In addition, the continuation of lower corporate tax rates under the Act supports stronger after-tax cash flow, further enhancing our financial flexibility. Government Programs & Funding Update: Momentum Accelerates for Rural Broadband Expansion LICT continues to benefit from federal and regulatory momentum supporting rural broadband deployment. Recent developments across the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program are removing barriers, streamlining funding mechanisms, and creating new opportunities for providers like us to expand high-quality, cost-effective service across our footprint. U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Universal Service Fund On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decisive 6–3 ruling in FCC v. Consumers' Research, affirming the constitutionality of the USF under Section 254 of the Telecommunications Act. This long-awaited clarity secures the foundation for key programs, including High-Cost and Enhanced ACAM, providing uninterrupted support for rural broadband initiatives. For LICT, the decision directly supports our long-term capital plans and commitment to deliver at least 100/20 Mbps service in our RLEC territory. The plan calls for 50% of locations completed by December 31, 2026 and 100% by December 31, 2028. The ruling also reaffirmed the FCC's oversight of USF contributions and fund allocation, bringing regulatory consistency that allows rural carriers, like LICT, to invest. A newly reactivated bipartisan USF Working Group in Congress is driving efforts to modernize the contribution system and broaden the funding base—efforts we actively support through our leadership in USTelecom and WTA - Advocates for Rural Broadband (formerly known as Western Telecommunications Alliance). Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment ("BEAD") Program We're encouraged by the recent 'Benefit of the Bargain' reforms to the BEAD program, which represent a welcome shift toward greater practicality and provider participation. These updates eliminate several non-statutory requirements—such as labor mandates, climate reporting, and net neutrality rules—that previously increased complexity and risk for rural projects. The revised framework also introduces a simplified Low-Cost Service Option ("LCSO") to ease compliance for low-income offerings, and a streamlined environmental review process aimed at achieving two-week NEPA approvals. Most importantly, the new rules emphasize lowest-cost, performance-sufficient solutions, providing greater flexibility for providers like LICT to leverage technologies such as fixed wireless, often the most efficient and economical option for reaching remote areas. With these improvements in place, we are actively re-engaging in BEAD applications. Together with the strengthened USF platform, these updates enhance our ability to expand affordable, high-speed broadband in underserved areas—delivering lasting value to our customers and our communities. Government Grants and Capital Expenditures Enhanced Alternative Connect America Cost Model ("E-ACAM") Program LICT's voluntary participation in the E-ACAM program became effective on January 1, 2024. The program aims to accelerate broadband deployment and improve speeds in rural areas across the U.S. Under this initiative, LICT entities will receive a total of $37.2 million annually through 2038, subject to a one-time true-up determination by the FCC by December 31, 2025. Reconnect III and Reconnect IV As previously announced, LICT has been awarded $157.5 million for seven United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") ReConnect III and ReConnect IV grants awarded in Kansas, California and New Mexico with a total project cost of $171.2 million, of which our share of cost will be approximately $13.7 million. These grants require us to provide 1 Gig of fiber broadband speed. Fiber construction is already underway for the Kansas grant and the New Mexico ReConnect projects. The five remaining grants—three in New Mexico and two in California—have also secured environmental clearance and are currently in the pre-construction phase, pending commencement of build-out activities. Strategic Initiatives The Company continues to implement strategic measures aimed at lowering the cost structure of its capital investment programs. By leveraging fixed wireless solutions and alternative access technologies, the Company is focused on achieving more capital-efficient network deployments while maintaining service quality and coverage targets. FIXED WIRELESS/5G — Under the leadership of Dylan Larmore, Sound Broadband LLC, the wireless subsidiary of LICT Corporation, has completed several 5G deployments in its existing markets and is expanding into new regions, including New Mexico, California, Kansas, and Utah. The company is currently identifying sites in California, Iowa and Kansas for new expansion markets, with the plan to deliver the highest speeds at the best possible cost to customers. Sound Broadband remains committed to bridging the digital divide and delivering next-generation connectivity across diverse sectors and underserved regions, both in our existing operations as well as outside of our historical territories. Operating Statistics / Broadband Deployment LICT owns and operates 7,483 miles of fiber optic cable, 8,945 miles of copper cable, 847 miles of coaxial cable, 103 towers and 301 spectrum licenses (1,216 million MHZPoP). The table below provides a comparative summary of the Company's subscriber and line metrics as of June 30, 2025, versus December 31, 2024. Liquidity and Balance Sheet Highlights Liquidity In October 2024, the Company enhanced its financial flexibility by securing a $100 million five-year term revolving credit facility with CoBank. As of June 30, 2025, the Company had drawn $53.8 million under this facility, with an average interest rate of 6.4%. As previously disclosed, in August 2024, the Company entered into an $11 million credit facility with First Central State Bank ("FCSB") to support construction of its Iowa NOFA 6 project. The project was successfully completed in March 2025, and on March 31, 2025, the Company received $7.2 million in grant funding from the State of Iowa. The FCSB facility was fully repaid in early May 2025. As of June 30, 2025, the Company's net debt balance was $67.7 million, compared to $57.1 million as of December 31, 2024. The Company maintains sufficient liquidity under its $100 million credit facility, allowing it to balance strategic investments, acquisitions, and return of capital to shareholders. Capital Expenditures In the second quarter of 2025, capital expenditures totaled $17.6 million, up from $11.8 million in the second quarter of 2024. Spending this quarter was primarily directed toward the continued build-out of E-ACAM broadband infrastructure and early-phase ReConnect III and IV initiatives. The Company also allocated capital to fixed wireless and 5G network expansion under the direction of its Sound Broadband subsidiary. Capital investments remain integral to achieving regulatory commitments and expanding high-speed broadband services across LICT's rural markets. Share Repurchase Program For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 275 shares of its common stock for a total of $3.5 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 441 shares of its common stock, totaling $6.1 million. On July 1, 2025, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 250 shares, reflecting the Company's continued commitment to enhancing long-term shareholder value. As of June 30, 2025, LICT had 15,732 shares outstanding. About LICT Corporation LICT Corporation (OTC Pink ®: LICT) is a holding company with subsidiaries in broadband and other telecommunications services that actively seeks acquisitions, principally in its existing business. LICT has operations in California, Kansas, Iowa, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wisconsin. Additionally, the company holds investments in wireless spectrum, MachTen Inc., Aureon Network Services, CVIN LLC, and the Kansas Fiber Network. Cautionary Note Concerning Forward Looking Statements This release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including without limitation anticipated financial results, financing, capital expenditures and corporate transactions. It should be recognized that such information is based upon certain assumptions, projections and forecasts, including without limitation, business conditions and financial markets, regulatory and other approvals, and the cautionary statements set forth in documents filed by LICT on its website, As a result, there can be no assurance that any possible transactions will be accomplished or be successful, or that financial targets will be met. LICT Corporation Balance Sheet (Unaudited) (in thousands) June 30, 2025 December 31, 2024 Assets: Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 14,149 $ 9,546 Restricted cash 1,244 1,835 Accounts receivable, less allowances of $196 and $190, respectively 8,507 7,834 Grants receivable 7,836 12,759 Materials and supplies 12,429 12,581 Prepaid expenses, and other current assets 4,418 4,681 Total current assets 48,583 49,236 Property, plant, and equipment, net 196,133 179,910 Goodwill 48,501 48,251 Other intangibles 34,371 34,100 Investments in affiliated companies 6,293 6,723 Other assets 11,029 10,836 Total assets $ 344,910 $ 329,056 Liabilities: Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 6,193 $ 8,908 Accrued interest payable 351 105 Accrued liabilities 9,547 9,227 Current maturities of long-term debt 7,727 80 Total current liabilities 23,818 18,320 Long-term debt 74,146 66,556 Deferred income taxes 31,913 31,289 Other liabilities 10,239 9,301 Total liabilities 140,116 125,466
CTV News
3 hours ago
- CTV News
Aid groups call on Israel to end ‘weaponization' of aid in Gaza
Trucks carrying humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza move along the border with the Gaza Strip in southern Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) JERUSALEM — More than 100 nonprofit groups warned Thursday that Israel's rules for aid groups working in the Gaza Strip and occupied West Bank will block much-needed relief and replace independent organizations with those that serve Israel's political and military agenda — charges that Israel denied. A letter signed by organizations including Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders and CARE accused Israel of 'weaponizing aid' as people starve in war-torn Gaza and using it as a tool to entrench control. The groups were responding to registration rules announced by Israel in March that require organizations to hand over full lists of their donors and Palestinian staff for vetting. The groups contend that doing so could endanger their staff and give Israel broad grounds to block aid if groups are deemed to be 'delegitimizing' the country or supporting boycotts or divestment. The registration measures were 'designed to control independent organizations, silence advocacy, and censor humanitarian reporting,' they said. The letter added that the rules violate European data privacy regulations, noting that in some cases aid groups have been given only seven days to comply. COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of humanitarian aid to Gaza, denied the letter's claims. It alleged the groups were being used as cover by Hamas to 'exploit the aid to strengthen its military capabilities and consolidate its control' in Gaza. 'The refusal of some international organizations to provide the information and cooperate with the registration process raises serious concerns about their true intention,' it said in a statement on Thursday. 'The alleged delay in aid entry … occurs only when organizations choose not to meet the basic security requirements intended to prevent Hamas's involvement.' Israel has long claimed that aid groups and United Nations agencies issue biased assessments. The aid groups stressed on Thursday that most of them haven't been able to deliver 'a single truck' of life-saving assistance since Israel implemented a blockade in March. A vast majority of aid isn't reaching civilians in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed, most of the population has been displaced and famine looms. UN agencies and a small number of aid groups have resumed delivering assistance, but say the number of trucks allowed in remains far from sufficient. Meanwhile, tensions have flared over Israel and the United States backing the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to serve as the main distributor of aid in the besieged territory. The American contractor, meant to replace the traditional UN-led aid distribution system in Gaza, has faced international condemnation after hundreds of Palestinians were killed while trying to get food near its distribution sites. Israel has pressed UN agencies to accept military escorts to deliver goods into Gaza, a demand the agencies have largely rejected, citing their commitment to neutrality. The standoff has been the source of competing claims: Israel maintains it allows aid into Gaza that adheres to its rules, while aid groups that have long operated in Gaza decry the amount of life-saving supplies stuck at border crossings. 'Oxfam has over US$2.5 million worth of goods that have been rejected from entering Gaza by Israel, especially WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) items as well as food,' said Bushra Khalidi, an aid official with Oxfam in Gaza. Aid groups' 'ability to operate may come at the cost of their independence and ability to speak out,' she added. ___ Sam Metz, The Associated Press
