Latest news with #Gideon
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Hall of fame honour for Canterbury Subway operators
Gideon and Ros outside the Rangiora Subway franchise. PHOTO: JOHN COSGROVE Rangiora Subway franchisees Gideon Aldridge and Roslynne Levell have become the first New Zealanders to be inducted into the Subway Hall of Fame. They were presented with the honour at the recent SUBCON25 Convention in Australia. The award celebrates franchisees who have made a lasting impact on the brand's success across Australia and New Zealand. It is presented during the Gala Awards Dinner, which was attended by more than 1000 Subway franchisees, suppliers and staff. ''Ros and I are absolutely thrilled to receive this honour,'' co-owner Gideon says. ''We've been part of the Subway family in New Zealand for over 23 years and have proudly owned and operated the Rangiora restaurant since 2006.'' He says in that time they have served over 1.6 million customers. ''Being part of the local community and providing great food and service has always been our top priority.'' Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says he knows how hard Ros and Gideon work. ''This award is a truly fitting recognition of the dedication you've given, not just to growing a successful business, but to supporting your staff, serving your customers, and giving back to our community. ''It is wonderful to see the commitment celebrated on such a large stage.'' The director of franchise operations for Subway NZ praised the pair for their outstanding dedication. ''They are incredibly deserving of this honour and we thank them for the enthusiasm and leadership they bring to the Subway brand every day.'' The award highlighted their commitment not only to business excellence but also to the people they serve daily.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Israeli strikes kill at least 60 people across Gaza, report says
TEL AVIV, Israel - Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 60 people overnight, medics told Palestinian media on Tuesday, as Israel presses ahead with its punishing new air and ground offensive against Hamas. The assault came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and take over "all areas" of the densely populated coastal territory. The WAFA news agency reported that 12 people were killed in the city of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip. Further deaths were reported in Khan Younis in the south and near Gaza City. Israel's ramped-up attacks, part of the Gideon's Chariots operation announced late Friday, has killed more than 100 people daily, according to tallies. Israel's stated goal is to dismantle Hamas and free the dozens of hostages still being held by militants, 19 months after the October 7, 2023 attacks. After a nearly three-month blockade, Netanyahu began allowing small amounts of basic aid to enter Gaza on Monday. He cited pressure from international partners who said the 2 million Palestinians living in the territory were being pushed into famine. ----------- Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israeli strikes kill at least 60 people across Gaza, report says
Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 60 people overnight, medics told Palestinian media on Tuesday, as Israel presses ahead with its punishing new air and ground offensive against Hamas. The assault came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and take over "all areas" of the densely populated coastal territory. The WAFA news agency reported that 12 people were killed in the city of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip. Further deaths were reported in Khan Younis in the south and near Gaza City. Israel's ramped-up attacks, part of the Gideon's Chariots operation announced late Friday, has killed more than 100 people daily, according to tallies. Israel's stated goal is to dismantle Hamas and free the dozens of hostages still being held by militants, 19 months after the October 7, 2023 attacks. After a nearly three-month blockade, Netanyahu began allowing small amounts of basic aid to enter Gaza on Monday. He cited pressure from international partners who said the 2 million Palestinians living in the territory were being pushed into famine.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Calls for peace, both abroad and closer to home as well how we should judge society
Let there not be silence The name of Israel's latest offensive in Gaza is codenamed Gideon's Chariots. For some historical context, Gideon was a biblical figure who led the Jews in their battle against the Midianites, who were connected to the Amalekites. To make things clearer, Palestinians are identified as contemporary Amalekites, which means that according to the twisted logic of Israel, the killing of Palestinian women, men and children is somehow justified. Just as Jehovah sanctioned the killing of all Amalekites by the ancient Jews, it appears that Israel feels obliged to do the same. Whether or not the name of the military assault is simply an attempt at dark humour, it doesn't really matter. At the time of writing, Gideon's Chariots has begun, albeit with tanks instead of chariots. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed over the past 48 hours and all functioning hospitals in Northern Gaza are out of service. The details of the latest offensive lack the power to evoke anymore shock or surprise. The military wishes to carve up Gaza into military zones. Over 300 000 Palestinians have been forced to evacuate their homes. For over 75 days, not a single ounce of aid has entered Gaza. Mainstream media is not showing people the bloody and heartbreaking images streaming out of Gaza and thus many people are left in the dark. For many Palestinians, hope has never been fainter. Bisan Owda, the award-winning journalist from Gaza appealed to the people of the world to lobby their governments and the public to put pressure on Israel and its allies to end the war. We need to keep up with the protests, the boycotts and the pressure on our government. The Israeli embassy must be shut down and we must not allow any person entrance into our country if they hold an Israeli passport. For over 18 months the calls have been getting louder and louder. Soon, there will be silence; it will be too late. | Z Khan Durban They should be removed from society The mass shooting of 8 people in Umlazi has jolted the entire country. The latest incidents have left the nation in horror-struck convulsion. These ghastly deeds have shocked the collective conscience of society. This senseless massacre was committed in an extremely brutal, grotesque, diabolical, revolting and dastardly manner. The gravity of these heinous crimes depicts hair-raising, beastly and unparalleled behaviour. These animals must be removed from society. They depict extreme mental perversion not worthy of human condonation. Our courts and the criminal justice system needs to instill faith in society by adopting a zero-tolerance policy. Inaction will have a grave impact on our social order. We have only to feel the volume of empathy and communal suffering that these heinous crimes have kindled. Civilians are inconsequentially in the way of these atrocities. Fear and paranoia have engulfed our inner being. The community must declare criminals who murder, Hostis humani generis (Latin for 'enemy of mankind'). | FAROUK ARAIE Benoni We need to bridge this great divide As a concerned citizen of South Africa, I'm writing to urge, in fact I pray for, peace and reconciliation between India and Pakistan. The ongoing tensions between the two nations have led to immense human suffering, economic losses, and geopolitical instability. So unnecessary. It's essential to acknowledge the shared cultural heritage, historical ties, and geographic proximity that bind our nations. Dialogue, empathy, and cooperation can pave the way for a peaceful resolution of disputes. I appeal to leaders on both sides to prioritise diplomacy, people-to-people contact, and mutual understanding. By working together, we can address common challenges like poverty, climate change, and terrorism. Let's strive for a brighter future where Indians and Pakistanis can live in peace, prosperity, and harmony. | SABER AHMED JAZBHAY Durban Teach children to care for animals IT IS SO sad to read about animals being cruelly treated. As Gandhi said 'you judge a country and its people on how it treats its animals'. We can't hold our head up in South Africa. We read on a monthly basis about dreadful cruelties to man's best friend and of course other animals such as cart horses etc. A recent newspaper article about Jack, a black cross breed who has known nothing but suffering his whole life, is a case in point. He has lived his life on a chain tethered to misery at a Grassy Park, Cape Town, home. I never understand the point of having a dog chained all day. It can't act as a watch dog as it can't get loose. But the sad thing is over the years this poor dog has been on a tight chain biting into his neck with a festering wound (how painful), had anaemia, was underweight and infested with parasites. Why did no one ever blow the whistle to the authorities? Visitors must have come to the home, neighbours must have seen what was going on? Communities need to be more involved when they see cruelty. They can ring authorities without giving their name if they are worried about retribution. We need to have more classes at schools that teach children how to look after their animals. I've always said in this world we live in today we just need to have one commandment we all abide by: 'Do unto others as you would have done unto you'. Life would be so much better. | Barbie Sandler Constantia DAILY NEWS
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Israel eases Gaza blockade amid heavy strikes, talks stall
CAIRO/JERUSALEM: Israel will ease its blockade and let limited amounts of food into Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Sunday, after the military announced it had begun 'extensive ground operations' in the northern and southern parts of the enclave. Facing mounting pressure over an aid blockade it imposed in March and the risk of famine, Israel has stepped up its campaign in Gaza, where Palestinian health officials said hundreds have been killed in attacks in the past week, including 130 overnight. 'At the recommendation of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), and out of the operational need to enable the expansion of intense fighting to defeat Hamas, Israel will allow a basic amount of food for the population to ensure that a hunger crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip,' Netanyahu's office said. Eri Kaneko, a spokesperson for U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher confirmed the agency had been approached by Israeli authorities to 'resume limited aid delivery,' adding that discussions are ongoing about the logistics 'given the conditions on the ground.' Israel made its announcement after sources on both sides said there had been no progress in a new round of indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Qatar. Netanyahu said the talks included discussions on a truce and hostage deal as well as a proposal to end the war in return for the exile of Hamas militants and the demilitarisation of the enclave - terms Hamas has previously rejected. The Israeli military suggested in a later statement that it could still scale down operations to help reach a deal in Doha. Military chief Eyal Zamir told troops in Gaza that the army would provide the country's leaders with the flexibility they need to reach a hostage deal, according to the statement. Israel's military said it had conducted a preliminary wave of strikes on more than 670 Hamas targets in Gaza over the past week to support 'Gideon's Chariots', its new ground operation aimed at achieving 'operational control' in parts of the enclave. It said it killed dozens of Hamas fighters. Gaza's Health Ministry said in the week to Sunday alone, at least 464 Palestinians were killed. 'Complete families were wiped off the civil registration record by (overnight) Israeli bombardment,' Khalil Al-Deqran, Gaza health ministry spokesperson, told Reuters by phone. The Israeli campaign has devastated Gaza, pushing nearly all of its two million residents from their homes and killing more than 53,000 people, many of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try to pressure Hamas into freeing its hostages and has approved plans that could involve seizing the entire Gaza Strip and controlling aid. International experts have warned of looming famine. QATAR TALKS Asked about the Qatar talks, a Hamas official told Reuters: 'Israel's position remains unchanged, they want to release the prisoners (hostages) without a commitment to end the war.' Hamas was still proposing to release all of its Israeli hostages in return for an end to the war, the pull-out of Israeli troops, an end to a blockade on aid for Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners, the Hamas official said. A senior Israeli official said there had been no progress in the talks so far. Israel's declared goal in Gaza is the elimination of the military and governmental capabilities of Hamas, which attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seizing 251 hostages. In Israel, Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, said Netanyahu was refusing to end the war in exchange for the hostages for political reasons. 'The Israeli government still insists on only partial deals. They are deliberately tormenting us. Bring our children back already! All 58 of them,' Zangauker said in a social media post. TENTS ABLAZE One of Israel's overnight strikes hit a tent encampment housing displaced families in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing women and children, wounding dozens and setting tents ablaze, medics said. Later on Sunday, Gaza's health ministry said the Indonesian Hospital, one of the largest partially functioning medical facilities in northern Gaza, had ceased work because of Israeli fire. Israel's military said its troops were targeting 'terrorist infrastructure sites' in northern Gaza, including in the area adjacent to the Indonesian hospital. Hamas neither confirmed nor denied reports on Sunday in Arab and Israeli media that its leader, Mohammed Sinwar, was killed in last week's airstrikes on a tunnel below another hospital further south in Gaza. Gaza's healthcare system is barely operational and the blockade on aid has compounded its difficulties. Israel blames Hamas for stealing aid, which Hamas denies. 'Hospitals are overwhelmed with a growing number of casualties, many are children,' said Al-Deqran, the health ministry spokesperson. The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said 75% of its ambulances could not run because of fuel shortages. It warned that within 72 hours, all vehicles may stop.
