Latest news with #JamieWilliamson
Al-Ahram Weekly
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
US-backed group eyes control of Gaza aid in Israel-style plan - War on Gaza
A group of American security contractors, ex-military officers, and humanitarian officials has put forward a proposal to take over the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, modeled on plans devised by Israel. The proposal, which was obtained by the Associated Press, calls for a system that would replace current U.N. and international agencies, which have faced significant Israeli interference and attacks. Known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the group aims to implement a framework similar to one Israel has been privately discussing with aid organizations. However, while the U.N. and humanitarian groups have strongly opposed Israel's plans to control aid distribution, it remains unclear whether the GHF's approach will resolve or exacerbate these concerns. Israel's ongoing blockade of Gaza, now in its 10th week, has left 2.3 million Palestinians without access to food, fuel, medicine, and basic supplies, deepening the humanitarian crisis. The Israeli government has maintained that it will not allow aid into Gaza until a distribution system is put in place that gives it oversight. The U.N. has condemned these plans, warning they would 'weaponize aid' and deprive Palestinians of critical relief. A shift in control The 14-page proposal circulated this week lays out plans for GHF to oversee Gaza's aid distribution, positioning itself as a replacement for U.N. efforts. GHF's leadership includes former U.S. military personnel, corporate executives, and individuals linked to private security companies. GHF proposes establishing centralized distribution hubs across Gaza, initially serving 1.2 million people with the eventual goal of scaling up to aid the entire population. The distribution sites would be protected by private security contractors using armored vehicles, raising fears of militarized control over humanitarian efforts and the displacement of large numbers of Palestinians as they are forced to relocate closer to these hubs. Humanitarian concerns Aid workers have expressed alarm over the proposal, warning that it could fail to meet Gaza's urgent needs and entrench the occupation by sidelining Palestinian institutions. Shaina Low, communications adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, described the plan as 'a Trojan horse for military and political goals,' adding that it could lead to the forced displacement of populations from certain areas of Gaza. The use of private security contractors has also drawn criticism. While private firms are often used in conflict zones, experts warn that GHF's reliance on such entities could undermine humanitarian law. Jamie Williamson, executive director of the International Code of Conduct Association, called for full vetting and oversight of all security personnel involved in the operation. The GHF proposal also raises questions about U.S. involvement. Backed by the Trump administration, the foundation is positioned as an alternative to the traditional U.N.-led aid system, with an emphasis on working 'within the confines' of Israel's imposed restrictions. However, many view this as an effort to shift control of Gaza's aid away from international organizations, further consolidating Israeli authority in the region. The proposal's leadership, which includes former Israeli officials and ties to private U.S. companies, would also sideline Palestinian governance, thus undermining prospects for a fair and independent aid distribution process. A dangerous precedent for Gaza For many aid workers, the GHF plan represents a dangerous departure from established humanitarian principles. Tamara Alrifai, communications director for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), called the proposal 'logistically unworkable,' warning that it fails to match the current infrastructure needed to address Gaza's dire humanitarian crisis. Alrifai also raised concerns about the long-term consequences of abandoning existing aid systems, which are grounded in international law and established protocols. The U.N. and aid organizations have consistently emphasized the need for impartial and neutral assistance—values that are hard to reconcile with a plan that involves private contractors and the imposition of Israeli oversight. As such, the proposal risks shifting the balance of humanitarian aid away from international agencies. It has also sparked widespread concern that it will further militarize aid and entrench an occupation that has already inflicted irreparable harm on Gaza's population. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Western Telegraph
05-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Schoolchildren and veterans co-author book of memories for VE Day
Memories of the Arctic convoys and the Clydebank blitz were among those shared by veterans from Erskine Veterans Charity, with pupils from Park Mains High School in Erskine, Renfrewshire. Recollections of evacuation, rationing and life after the war have also been documented in the book, My Life Through WW2. The book records the first-hand experiences of people who served and lived through the war, and pupils conducted interviews, transcribed stories and worked closely with veterans to document their memories in their own words, accompanied by restored photographs. Veterans and pupils celebrated the launch of the book on Monday (Jamie Williamson/PA) It will be professionally printed and distributed to schools across Renfrewshire as an educational resource, and will also be available to the public in limited numbers. Albert Lamond, 99, served in some of the most dangerous naval operations of the war, from Arctic convoys to the D-Day landings, and was 18 when he joined HMS Rowley, which was assigned to protect the battleship HMS Warspite during the D-Day landings in June 1944. His role was to spot and signal threats while Warspite shelled German positions along the Normandy coast. Mr Lamond said: 'It's vital we teach the younger ones the true cost of freedom. 'We won't be here forever, but these stories – our memories – must live on. It's vital we tell these stories now. When we're gone, we're gone. If young people don't hear it directly from us, how will they ever really know what happened? 'If this book helps just one young person understand what we went through – what it cost – then it's worth it. We fought so they wouldn't have to. That's what matters.' (PA Graphics) Captain Bryan Warren, 87, a veteran Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, shared memories of being evacuated as a child to Bournemouth, and seeing D-Day aircraft overhead. His lifetime of service included mentoring young cadets and fundraising for fellow veterans, and he praised the project for 'making sure our stories aren't lost'. Capt Warren said: 'The war took so much from so many, but it also taught us the value of small kindnesses. I'll never forget the sailor who gave me a bar of chocolate as a boy. 'It may seem small, but that moment stayed with me for life. Sharing these memories with young people has been an honour and if it helps them understand what we lived through, then it's been worth every word. 'I've always believed in paying that kindness forward. Whether through my time in the cadets, helping veterans return to Dunkirk, or fundraising with my tin, I've tried to give back in any way I can. 'This project is another way of doing that — making sure our stories aren't lost and that the next generation carries them forward with respect and understanding.' This project is a beautiful example of what can happen when generations come together with curiosity and respect Wing Commander Ian Cumming The project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC). Wing Commander Ian Cumming, chief executive of Erskine Veterans Charity, said: 'This project is a beautiful example of what can happen when generations come together with curiosity and respect. 'Our veterans have lived through extraordinary times. Giving them the chance to tell their stories and be heard by young people ensures that history is not just remembered but that it's understood by generations to come.' Evonne McCord, ERMAC deputy manager, said: 'This book captures a moment in time that must never be forgotten. The memories shared within these pages are to be treasured, and on behalf of Erskine, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project. To our wonderful ERMAC members who took part, I thank them for sharing their stories. 'Both of my parents were born in the mid-1930s and are no longer with us. 'Hearing the memories of our veterans gave me a deeper understanding of what they might have experienced. 'I'm certain that many who read this book will reflect on their own family histories and find a personal connection in these pages.' Some editions will be auctioned to raise funds for Erskine Veterans Charity.
The Herald Scotland
05-05-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Schoolchildren and veterans co-author book of memories for VE Day
Recollections of evacuation, rationing and life after the war have also been documented in the book, My Life Through WW2. The book records the first-hand experiences of people who served and lived through the war, and pupils conducted interviews, transcribed stories and worked closely with veterans to document their memories in their own words, accompanied by restored photographs. Veterans and pupils celebrated the launch of the book on Monday (Jamie Williamson/PA) It will be professionally printed and distributed to schools across Renfrewshire as an educational resource, and will also be available to the public in limited numbers. Albert Lamond, 99, served in some of the most dangerous naval operations of the war, from Arctic convoys to the D-Day landings, and was 18 when he joined HMS Rowley, which was assigned to protect the battleship HMS Warspite during the D-Day landings in June 1944. His role was to spot and signal threats while Warspite shelled German positions along the Normandy coast. Mr Lamond said: 'It's vital we teach the younger ones the true cost of freedom. 'We won't be here forever, but these stories – our memories – must live on. It's vital we tell these stories now. When we're gone, we're gone. If young people don't hear it directly from us, how will they ever really know what happened? 'If this book helps just one young person understand what we went through – what it cost – then it's worth it. We fought so they wouldn't have to. That's what matters.' (PA Graphics) Captain Bryan Warren, 87, a veteran Argyll and Sutherland Highlander, shared memories of being evacuated as a child to Bournemouth, and seeing D-Day aircraft overhead. His lifetime of service included mentoring young cadets and fundraising for fellow veterans, and he praised the project for 'making sure our stories aren't lost'. Capt Warren said: 'The war took so much from so many, but it also taught us the value of small kindnesses. I'll never forget the sailor who gave me a bar of chocolate as a boy. 'It may seem small, but that moment stayed with me for life. Sharing these memories with young people has been an honour and if it helps them understand what we lived through, then it's been worth every word. 'I've always believed in paying that kindness forward. Whether through my time in the cadets, helping veterans return to Dunkirk, or fundraising with my tin, I've tried to give back in any way I can. 'This project is another way of doing that — making sure our stories aren't lost and that the next generation carries them forward with respect and understanding.' The project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is supported by the Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre (ERMAC). Wing Commander Ian Cumming, chief executive of Erskine Veterans Charity, said: 'This project is a beautiful example of what can happen when generations come together with curiosity and respect. 'Our veterans have lived through extraordinary times. Giving them the chance to tell their stories and be heard by young people ensures that history is not just remembered but that it's understood by generations to come.' Evonne McCord, ERMAC deputy manager, said: 'This book captures a moment in time that must never be forgotten. The memories shared within these pages are to be treasured, and on behalf of Erskine, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project. To our wonderful ERMAC members who took part, I thank them for sharing their stories. 'Both of my parents were born in the mid-1930s and are no longer with us. 'Hearing the memories of our veterans gave me a deeper understanding of what they might have experienced. 'I'm certain that many who read this book will reflect on their own family histories and find a personal connection in these pages.' Some editions will be auctioned to raise funds for Erskine Veterans Charity.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Champs Crinums bounce back with commanding win over Flames in Telkom Netball League
Rowan Callaghan | Published 3 hours ago Defending champions the Free State Crinums bounced back quickly from their only loss so far of Power Week 1 of the Telkom Netball League (TNL), with a 68-45 win over the North West Flames on day six. The Golden Fireballs had handed the log leaders a shock 50-45 loss in their top-of-the-table clash. The Crinums were back to their imperious best with a commanding performance against the Flames at the Sun City Superbowl in Rustenburg, North West. The team's dominance was evident throughout the game, with the Flames struggling to keep up. The Crinums' attack was relentless, with 80 attempts compared to the Flames' 53. The Crinums' defence was solid, forcing three held balls and eight interceptions. This strong defensive display was a key factor in their victory. Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm said: 'I'm very proud of the girls, it was a big win for us, we needed it.' She also highlighted the importance of giving fringe players opportunities, allowing them to feel the pressure of playing against a big team. The Flames seemed to lose momentum after the first quarter, allowing the Crinums to take control of the game. Coach Elsunet du Plessis acknowledged that her team were inconsistent, but saw positive aspects of their performance. She said: 'I think we were too inconsistent... but still there were passages of play that were very good and we can build on that.' She emphasised the need for her team to refocus and come back stronger. The Gauteng Jaguars, who have won the tournament six times, are slowly finding form after a poor start. They outclassed the Baobabs 65-38, after seeing off the Zambezi Eagles 56-49. The team's early dominance of the Baobabs set the tone for the rest of the game. They pounced on every opportunity with 11 interceptions, shot attempts, and favourable circle feeds. Stand-out performers included Ine-Mare Venter with 49 goal attempts, and solid defensive plays from Jamie Williamson, Zane Bodenstein, and Lungile Mthembu. However, the team faced some setbacks, with Janie van Wyk being temporarily replaced by Jamie Williamson due to concussion protocols. Alice Kenon also sustained an injury. Coach Rozanne Matthyse of the Jaguars said: 'A lot of our players are coachable, and that's important. They know what they want from this competition, and they are always focused on our process.' The Jaguars' mini-revival will face another stern test with a clash against the Flames. Baobabs coach Emily Mathosa reflected on her team's struggles, saying: 'We did not start well, and I think that's why the score went up. 'If we had maintained our own centre passes, the score would never be like this... I am actually happy that we were able to improve in the second and third quarters.' The Baobabs were able to quickly put the disappointment behind them with a narrow 48-47 win over the Aloes on Friday morning. Nokwanda Khumalo scored the winning goal for the Baobabs at the final buzzer in a dramatic end-to-end clash. The first round of Telkom Netball League matches will end on Sunday. Power Week 2 takes place from June 13-17.
