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First Post
a day ago
- Health
- First Post
How Gaza's food relief centres have turned into death traps
A US- and Israel-backed aid system in Gaza, meant to ease starvation, has become a new source of horror. At least 80 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured near aid hubs, with witnesses blaming Israeli gunfire read more Recent aid distribution operations in southern Gaza have been marred by near-daily shootings that have claimed the lives of at least 80 Palestinians and left hundreds injured, according to officials at multiple hospitals in the enclave. The violence is unfolding around new humanitarian aid centres established by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group backed by the United States and Israel and made up largely of American contractors. Eyewitnesses say that in multiple incidents, crowds walking toward the aid centres were met with gunfire from nearby Israeli troops. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These shootings have occurred as large groups of Palestinians, facing dire food shortages and near-famine conditions, travel on foot in the predawn hours to access food distributions. GHF began operating on May 26, after a nearly three-month Israeli blockade had brought aid delivery to a near halt. With traditional humanitarian corridors shut down or restricted, the population of over two million has increasingly been forced into high-risk zones to obtain basic food supplies. Hospital sources, including those at the Red Cross field hospital in Rafah and the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, confirm that the overwhelming majority of injuries are from gunshot wounds. Many victims have been children and women, and hospital staff report overflowing morgues and patients filling not only every bed, but also the floors. In one facility, an aid worker described numerous patients with wounds to their legs and buttocks, noting that the scale of the carnage has pushed the hospital beyond capacity, reported AP. The most lethal incidents have been concentrated around a traffic circle known as the Flag Roundabout in Rafah, roughly one kilometre northwest of GHF's Tel al-Sultan aid hub. The distribution centre is located within proximity of an Israeli military base. Witnesses recount that on Sunday and again on Tuesday of the same week, Israeli troops began shooting into the crowd around 3 to 4 am. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thousands had gathered in the darkness to secure food when, according to three individuals present, gunfire erupted from tanks, drones and ground forces. Mohammed Ahmed, a Palestinian who had arrived early in the hope of collecting aid, told AP, 'They may have opened fire because they felt threatened by the thousands of people in the area.' He and other witnesses noted that there were no visible provocations or attacks from the crowd before the Israeli forces fired. How Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid model works The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was launched as an alternative to the United Nations-led system that had previously handled aid distribution in Gaza. According to the Israeli government, the change was needed due to alleged diversions of supplies by Hamas. However, international aid organisations and the UN itself have firmly denied significant interference by Hamas, arguing that the prior system functioned with far greater efficiency and neutrality. GHF's approach centralises aid into fixed distribution sites, each located within military zones and secured by armed contractors. At present, three such hubs are operational: one in central Gaza and two near the deserted outskirts of Rafah in the far south. Not all hubs operate daily, and access routes to them are tightly controlled. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Palestinians seeking food must walk several kilometers to reach these sites, using a single designated road patrolled by Israeli forces. GHF has publicly warned civilians to remain on this route, cautioning that straying from it 'represents a great danger.' Food boxes are typically distributed starting at 5 am, but many Palestinians set out hours earlier to avoid being turned away empty-handed. This results in thousands of people converging in darkness, passing through military checkpoints and near troop encampments. When aid sites open, food parcels are left on pallets within fenced-off enclosures. A video shared by GHF shows a frenzied rush, with crowds sprinting toward the supplies. Witnesses say that individuals often take multiple boxes, leading to shortages and chaos, with many people leaving empty-handed. Tess Ingram of UNICEF remarked that 'our team on the ground reports these boxes are woefully insufficient for ensuring children's well-being,' adding that the scale of aid does not meet the growing needs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The contents of each parcel — usually flour, sugar, canned tuna, cooking oil, and pasta — are meant to last a family of five for three to four days. On Wednesday, following the spike in violence and criticism from aid agencies, GHF paused its food distribution efforts. The group confirmed it was in discussions with the Israeli military regarding ways to improve civilian safety. In particular, GHF requested the development of more precise guidance for foot traffic, enhanced training for Israeli troops, and revisions to military protocols in order to minimise the risk of escalation near aid routes. A spokesperson for the organisation stated that GHF was 'saddened to learn that a number of civilians were injured and killed after moving beyond the designated safe corridor,' referring to areas that extend beyond the controlled aid zones and into declared military regions. What the Israeli military has said The Israeli military has responded by saying that its troops only fired warning shots in several cases, and in others, targeted what it described as 'suspects' who approached military positions despite repeated alerts. On Tuesday, a spokesperson said Israeli forces 'fired to drive away suspects,' while pointing out that the full details are under review. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Army spokesman Effie Defrin said, 'The numbers of casualties published by Hamas were exaggerated,' though the military acknowledged that it was investigating the matter. Israeli officials have accused Hamas of attempting to interfere with aid delivery efforts. As part of that narrative, the Israeli military released drone footage claiming to show armed individuals firing at civilians attempting to collect aid in Khan Younis — an area without a GHF distribution centre. However, this footage has not been independently verified by journalists, and its context remains unclear. Notably, in its descriptions of the incidents near the GHF hubs, the Israeli military has not confirmed the presence of armed Hamas members. Meanwhile, GHF has maintained that no violence has taken place within its secured aid sites and that its staff have not been involved in any use of force. This week's incidents are not without precedent. In February 2024, more than 100 Palestinians were killed in a separate episode in which Israeli forces fired on civilians surrounding an aid convoy in northern Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At that time, Israel said its troops had responded to a group of individuals who ignored warning shots and charged at their position. International officials, including those from the UN and the European Union, asserted that most of the deaths in that episode were caused by direct Israeli gunfire. What the UN has said The growing death toll from these aid-related shootings has sparked renewed international outrage. The United Nations has reiterated its longstanding concerns about the new distribution system, calling it dangerous and counterproductive. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, 'It is unacceptable. Civilians are risking – and in several instances losing – their lives just trying to get food.' He criticised the current system, supported by Israel and the US, as 'a recipe for disaster,' warning that it is failing to provide safe, effective humanitarian relief. The United Nations Security Council is now preparing to vote on a draft resolution that demands an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The proposal also calls for the lifting of all restrictions on aid entry and its unrestricted distribution, including through UN agencies. Additionally, the draft includes a demand for the release of all hostages still held by Hamas or other groups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ten of the fifteen Council members have brought forward the motion, with Slovenia's Ambassador to the UN, Samuel Zbogar, stating, 'It is our historical responsibility not to remain silent.' Whether the resolution will pass remains uncertain, particularly as the United States has often vetoed motions perceived as unfavourable to Israel. The conflict which began after the October 7, 2023, attack in which Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took approximately 250 hostages. Israel's subsequent military campaign has resulted in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health authorities in Gaza. These figures include civilians and combatants alike, with thousands more believed to be buried under collapsed buildings. GHF reports that it has distributed over seven million meals since its launch. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Hans India
7 days ago
- Hans India
Illegal LPG cylinder refilling still rampant as govt turns a blind eye
Hyderabad: Despite many accidents, some of which have been fatal, the illegal practice of refilling small cylinders from larger LPG cylinders continues unabated in the city. This illegal activity continues to thrive without any action taken by the authorities. The illegal trade of cooking gas thefts by the illegal refilling of the cylinders is mushrooming across the city, especially in Old City areas. These cylinders are used by small hotels, jewellery stores among others. In areas like Falaknuma, Chandrayangutta, Bandlaguda, Vattepally, Yakutpura, Bahadurpura, Mallepally, Nampally and the localities in slums, the owners of several shops that repair gas stoves are busy doing a dangerous activity that can cause a calamity in the area. Shockingly, these stores are located in most of the densely populated residential and commercial areas. They transfer LPG from regular sized cylinders supplied to homes to small ones of 2-5 kg size. According to law, illegal gas refilling is a crime. These shops are usually cluttered with spares of gas stoves and empty cylinders. The refilling is done using a regular sized cylinder to a smaller one using a poor-quality connector. The entire filling and refilling are done so haphazardly that it is a disaster waiting to happen – not just a gas leak but also the likelihood of cylinder or gas explosion. Mohammed Ahmed, an activist, said, 'These small cylinders are especially used by the Sunars, goldsmiths or gold and silver traders. The entire Gulzar Houz area uses the gas and illegally refills the cylinders. However, several incidents have occurred in the past but still no action has been taken to stop the illegal trade of refilling cylinders.' It has been noted that the large cylinders for the job are bought by the refilling shops from gas agencies, which are paid a handsome commission for it. The small cylinder of five kg is refilled for between Rs 400 and Rs 500, while the normal cylinder in black market costs Rs 1,200. Last month, a 35-year-old man was severely injured when a blast took place when he was illegally refilling LPG cylinders in a store in Kukatpally. He was illegally refilling gas into small cylinders at an electrical and gas services shop. Despite several such incidents, no strict action is being taken by civil supplies and police to curb this menace that is widespread in the city. Citizens alleged that police have failed to control this illegal activity despite many complaints. 'The civil supplies officials should constantly monitor such illegal activities and take necessary action. At the field level, the police should be active enough to identify the illegal activity,' said K Venkatesh, a resident of Lal Darwaza. Besides, most hotels and restaurants use domestic cylinders for commercial purposes, causing a financial loss to the government.
Hans India
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Pre-monsoon works face hiccups as water logging grips parts of city
Hyderabad: With the onset of monsoon, the city is witnessing heavy water logging, thanks to the incomplete pre-monsoon preparations. The residents alleged that officials had ignored the seriousness of water logging and had taken no step to prevent the water inundation in localities. Despite repeated warnings and past experiences of flooding of various areas across the city, the monsoon related work appears to be moving at a slow pace. There was no proper desilting of manholes, storm water drains, and nalas which can prevent water logging. In several areas, there was no desilting and if completed following the heavy rains, heaps of desilted mud remained uncleared from the roads. Though the civic body has taken measures to ensure that no rainwater to be inundated, it has been observed that the roads were blocked due to water logging. According to activists, the status of monsoon-related works including desilting and works under the Telangana government's Strategic Nala Development Program (SNDP) in GHMC limits is still underway and nowhere near completion, despite passing the deadline. 'A brief 15-minute downpour is leaving parts of main roads in knee-deep water, which exposed the unpreparedness for the monsoon season,' said Mohammed Ahmed, an activist. Activists said that construction activities must cease during the season. However, the works are continuing in different parts of the city, posing risks to drivers during heavy rainfall, as the entire stretch where the works are going on are dug up, and filled with potholes. Venkat Rao a resident of Surya Nagar colony in Shaikpet said, 'During heavy rainfall, numerous internal roads within our locality see severe water logging, with water levels rising up to the knees. It is a challenge for us in accessing the main road. In these flooded streets, we found ourselves stranded in the middle of a submerged road, unable to proceed further in our vehicles.' During rains, various areas in the city are witnessing water logging including the worst affected colonies in Tolichowki, Attapur, LB Nagar, Uppal, Begumpet, Kukatpally, Miyapur, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Vanasthalipuram, Hayath Nagar, Somajiguda, Ameerpet, Nampally, among others. These areas have been witnessing massive flooding during rains. Also, several localities in the Old City like Talabkatta, Tadbun, Yakutpura, Dabeerpura, Darulshifa, Bahadurpura and Old Malakpet. Moreover, the GHMC identified over 141 locations that are affected by water logging and measures were taken to address the issue permanently.
Hamilton Spectator
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
BD Mart in Sudbury a gateway to foods of South Asian subcontinent
Meet Mohammed Ahmed and you have to smile. He is engaging and clearly delighted with how Sudbury has welcomed his business venture. His service and selection of products at BD Mart saves many the down-and-back trip to Toronto's Danforth Avenue for cultural-specific prepared foods and essential ingredients. BD Mart's mission is to provide high-quality, halal-certified meats and groceries. This one-off supply site is sure to grow to other Northern Ontario locations. 'Yes, it's my first store,' said Ahmed, but you can discern a twinkle in his eyes as he describes the future. 'I have a dream. I am business thirsty. I aggressively looked for a location to establish a store. 'I believe where there is a will, there is a way. I was born a businessman always, before I came to Canada.' Here in Sudbury, he saw an opportunity and a need. 'I am a poor man, but my heart is big. I have good intentions. I believe if you have faith, God will help you. I am here to serve. I have determination.' His market is for everyone who needs specialty halal meat in Sudbury. 'I'm from Bangladesh, so, yes, definitely there is an extra focus on the demand of Bangladeshi food items, along with fish, halal meat, Bangladeshi vegetables and Bangladeshi imported sweets too.' Halal food is food that is permissible to consume according to Islamic dietary laws. Ahmed offers me a selection of desserts that remind me of my years as a student at the University of Toronto, when Gerrard Street was my go-to for affordable eats. The extensive selection of confectionery include fudge-like, milk-based Burfi, and Gulab Jamun. 'I'm offering pure, fresh Ontario halal beef, goat, lamb, chicken and frozen goat and lamb, and fish,' said Ahmed. 'We have white shrimp and sought-after Hilsha, and Tilapia. It's a very prospective market here as there is a university and two colleges … where many South Asian students are studying.' Is Ahmed's store exclusively for Bangladeshi and Muslim people? 'No. I am here for everyone in Sudbury.' All basic daily needs can be met when you examine the shelves and freezers. 'We work with the best partners to ensure top-quality products,' he said. 'Our trusted suppliers share our commitment to excellence and sustainability. Together, we bring fresh, reliable and affordable goods to your doorstep.' Ahmed has fresh mangoes by the case, mango chutney, jars and bags of savoury and fragrant condiments, and soon Kulfi (an ice cream-like dessert). There are large bags of rice and other staples. Ahmed also sees Sudbury as very diverse: 'It's as multicultural city as I have seen. I have got customers from at least 19 counties so far.' His list includes Benin, Togo, Jamaica, Tunisia, Indonesia and Malaysia. Ahmed came to Canada in 1999 and quickly noted how the country was changing, even in Northern Ontario. He says advertising is not necessary to promote his business; word-of-mouth brings customers. 'Sudbury is a central point, too, for Ste. Sault Mary, North Bay … Longlac and the Highway 11 corridor. Yes, the location is very important for this type of business I believe. 'Here at BD Mart they not only find the things they need but meet others. There is friendship here. I want to win your heart. I think I have met most of my customers.' Go to this site for more information and there are links to the full product profile. Visit the store at 7 Elgin St. from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Note the store is closed Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for worship. The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government. Bluesky: @ X: @SudburyStar
Hans India
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Ear-splitting bands, blaring DJ music irk residents in Hyd
Hyderabad: While a celebration brings joy, it can be a source of distress for nearby residents who have to endure the disruptive sounds of bands and DJs blaring beyond permissible hours. Many weddings and events are now celebrated on a grand scale, often accompanied by noisy bands, baaja and DJ systems throughout the city. The organisers of wedding baaraats or processions seek police permission, and the deadline of the blaring bands and other music systems is 9 pm. However, the playing of such systems continues till late night and the sound disturbs the people in the residential areas. The residents rue that they are facing a precarious situation, as they are being troubled by loud bands and DJ music during functions being held every other day. 'On all occasions, people are playing music loudly. Due to the use of loud music, senior citizens, children, including infants, students and patients are facing serious problems,' said Mohammed Ahmed, a resident of Shalibanda in Old City. As per the Environment (Protection) Rules 1986, the decibel levels that need to be maintained in residential areas are – day time (55 dB) and night time (45 dB). In various residential areas across the city, wedding processions begin in the evening and go on till late night, attracting many complaints. During weddings, blaring sound of heavy bands can be heard, which disturbs the neighborhood in residential areas. 'We do not get proper sleep and peace of mind after coming home from a hectic day at the office. We have a baby and an aged parent at home. Residents have been complaining about the noise to police, but nothing has been done,' said Kaparthi Srikanth, a resident of Gowlipura. 'The city police must take serious note of such events in the city and stop the nuisance of loud bands, baajas and music,' added Srinath. Ahmed said, 'Function halls rented out for functions are being approved in residential zones by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, even though the Supreme Court has categorised residential areas as silent zones, with low decibel levels up to 55 dB,' Ahmed pointed out. 'The drum beating is continuous and extremely harsh to the ear. There are times when the baaraat begins at 11 pm,' said Mohammed Tajuddin, a sexagenarian resident of Tolichowki. 'The sound of music and bands is usual, but it starts at any time, even at 4 am. This is purely a residential area,' he added. At Nampally, Santoshnagar, Bandlaguda, Saifabad, and other areas there are a few function halls near police stations. But hardly any action is taken against organisers for creating nuisance.
