Latest news with #NGOs
Fox News
6 hours ago
- Business
- Fox News
Israeli ambassador slams UN's 'mafia-like' tactics against US-backed Gaza foundation
Print Close By Rachel Wolf Published May 28, 2025 UNITED NATIONS — Israeli United Nations Ambassador Danny Danon condemned what he called a "shakedown" by the U.N. to prevent Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) from working with the new U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). While addressing the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday, Danon claimed that the world body was using "threats, intimidation and retaliation" against NGOs that dared to defy the international body's call to boycott GHF. The Israeli diplomat described the U.N.'s response to NGOs cooperating with GHF as "mafia-like." "Without any discussion, without due process, the U.N. removed those NGOs from the shared aid database. That database is the central system for tracking aid deliveries into Gaza," Danon told the Security Council. "This is the gravest violation of the U.N.'s own principles. It is extortion of well-meaning NGOs that refuse to kiss the ring." In the same Security Council meeting, Acting U.S. Alternate Representative John Kelley urged the U.N. to work with GHF and Israel "to reach agreements on how to operationalize this system in a way that works for all." Kelley also emphasized the need to ensure that Hamas cannot benefit from any humanitarian aid distribution system that is established. NEW US-BACKED AID GROUP BEGINS DISTRIBUTING FOOD IN WAR-TORN GAZA On Wednesday, GHF said in a statement that it had opened another secure aid distribution site "without incident." The organization also addressed some claims about its operations. GHF said that, contrary to reports, no Palestinians have been questioned or detained while receiving aid. Additionally, GHF said that no Palestinians had been shot or killed while trying to get aid. GHF disputes reports that its sites were overrun on Tuesday: "GHF anticipated that the [safe distribution sites] may experience pressure due to acute hunger and Hamas-imposed blockades, which create dangerous conditions outside the gates. "According to established protocol, for a brief moment the GHF team intentionally relaxed its security protocols to safeguard against crowd reactions to finally receiving food. No beneficiaries were injured, no lives were lost and all food available was distributed without interference. Order was restored without incident. As in all emergency response situations, particularly in conflict zones, this type of reaction from stressed beneficiary populations is expected and we remain prepared to continue providing lifesaving assistance should disruptions occur. "Unfortunately, there are many parties who wish to see GHF fail. Conditions remain very difficult and the lives of both Gazans and aid workers are at stake," GHF said in a statement. ISRAELI AMBASSADOR LASHES OUT AT UN OFFICIAL, CONDEMNS UK, FRANCE, CANADA STATEMENT ON AID The international community has not relented in its push against GHF. U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher — who once called the plan behind GHF a "fig leaf for further violence and displacement" of Palestinians in Gaza — has made his objections to the program clear. Fletcher made an appeal in a post on X to let the U.N. take control of aid distribution in Gaza. "We have the supplies, plan, will, and networks to deliver massive amounts of lifesaving aid to civilians in Gaza, in line with humanitarian principles, as the world is demanding," Fletcher wrote. ISRAEL TURNS TABLES ON UN OFFICIAL CLAIMING 'GENOCIDE' IN GAZA WITH BASIC QUESTIONS Earlier this month, Fletcher urged the international community not to "waste time" with a new plan when the U.N. already had one in place. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP On Wednesday, as Israel marked 600 days since the Oct. 7 massacre, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) noted that "121 trucks belonging to the U.N. and the international community" were allowed into the Gaza Strip. The IDF said that the trucks were carrying food and other aid. Print Close URL
CBC
a day ago
- Business
- CBC
How will Gaza aid distribution work under controversial U.S.-backed group? Here's what we know
Social Sharing In the wake of the resignation of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation chief on Monday, questions have arisen surrounding the controversy behind the U.S.-backed group that has drawn criticism and widespread condemnation from other aid agencies operating in the territory. Who is behind this newly-formed humanitarian organization, and what is this group expected to do? Why is it considered so controversial? And why did the head of the group suddenly resign, just before the new aid efforts were set to begin in the war-torn enclave? The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), said it began operations this week. On Tuesday, the GHF said Hamas caused delays in civilians accessing the distribution site, but "normal operations" have since resumed with 8,000 food boxes distributed so far, according to a statement. This comes after a nearly three-month-long complete blockade on medical, fuel and food supplies imposed by Israel, that was only partially lifted in recent days, following international criticism and a famine warning from a global hunger monitor. Here's what we know about the organization, how its new aid distribution plan will work and the criticism it is facing. What is the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation? The U.S.-backed GHF was established in February in Switzerland, according to the Geneva commercial registry. The organization is the linchpin of a new aid system that would wrest distribution away from aid groups led by the United Nations, which have carried out a massive operation moving food, medicine, fuel, tents and other supplies across Gaza since the war began in October 2023. The group, which began as an Israeli-initiated plan and was approved by Israel to take over aid distribution in Gaza, said it aimed to start work by the end of May. Israel has said it will facilitate the GHF's work without being involved in aid deliveries. It's unclear who is funding the GHF. It claims to have more than $100 million US in commitments from a European Union government but has not named the donor. The U.S. and Israel have said they are not funding it. On Sunday, Swiss authorities said they were exploring whether to open a legal investigation into the GHF's activities, after Trial International, a Switzerland-based NGO, submitted a request for a probe into GHF's aid plan. The NGO said it had filed two legal submissions asking Swiss authorities to investigate whether the Swiss-registered GHF complies with Swiss law and international humanitarian law. How will its aid distribution plan work? The group plans to centralize distribution through hubs. It says each of its initial four hubs would serve meals for roughly 300,000 people and says it will eventually be able to meet the needs of two million people. The GHF said it will create more hubs within 30 days, including in northern Gaza, but did not specify their exact locations. Aid will be delivered with the help of private subcontractors transporting supplies in armoured vehicles from the Gaza border to the hubs, where they will also provide security. WATCH | WHO warns of starvation and famine in Gaza earlier this month: Gaza's population faces starvation and famine, WHO warns 14 days ago Duration 2:01 Also, GHF has said each meal it distributes would have 1,750 calories. That is below the 2,100-calorie per day standard for meals in emergency situations used by the UN's World Health Organization, UNICEF and the World Food Program. Satellite photos from May 10 obtained by The Associated Press show what appear to be construction of the hubs. The photos show one in central Gaza, close to the Netzarim Corridor, a strip of land held by Israeli troops. Three others are in the area of Rafah, south of the Morag Corridor, another military-held strip. Almost the entire population is currently in northern Gaza — where no hub is currently located — or in central Gaza. Palestinians would have to cross through Israeli military lines to reach the hubs near Rafah. Israel is in charge of vetting all aid entering Gaza and regularly rejects a wide array of items it claims could be put to military use by militant group Hamas. Israel said the new system is aimed at separating aid from Hamas, which it accuses of stealing and using food to impose control over the population. Hamas has rejected Israel's claim, saying it protects aid convoys from gangs of armed looters. The 19-month-long war was triggered after Hamas-led militants stormed Israeli communities on Oct. 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251 as hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's offensive has killed more than 53,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to its health authorities, and it has destroyed much of the territory, razing it to rubble. What prompted group's head to unexpectedly resign? Jake Wood, the executive director of the GHF, resigned on Monday. Wood said he stepped down because the group could not adhere "to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence." His unexpected and sudden departure underscores the confusion surrounding the foundation. WATCH | Head of GHF resigns as Israeli strikes kill dozens of Palestinians Monday: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill at least 50, displacing dozens more, health authorities say 20 hours ago Duration 6:27 Palestinian health officials have confirmed at least 50 people are dead following overnight airstrikes across Gaza. One strike hit a school being used as a shelter for the displaced. Officials say ramped-up Israeli offences have made aid delivery increasingly difficult. Until resigning, Wood, a U.S. military veteran and co-founder of a disaster relief group called Team Rubicon, was the face of GHF. It's unclear who will take over Wood's role at the foundation. A proposal circulated by the group earlier this month and obtained by the AP included several names, including the former director of the UN World Food Program, David Beasley. Neither Beasley nor GHF have confirmed his involvement. Why are other aid organizations opposing this group? The UN and other aid groups said the new plan will "weaponize aid" for Israel's military and political purposes. They say the change is simply not necessary, as a number of their own aid trucks remain at crossing points, not allowed to enter. The groups said under this new program, Israel would have power to determine who receives aid and would allow it to force the population to move to where aid is being distributed, emptying large parts of the territory. That would potentially violate international laws against forced displacement. "We cannot take part in a system that violates humanitarian principles and risks implicating us in serious breaches of international law," said Shaina Low, communication adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, a leading aid group operating in Gaza. WATCH | Gazans storm aid trucks after monthslong Israeli blockade: Gazans storm aid trucks carrying badly needed food, supplies 6 days ago Duration 2:14 With the risk of famine growing, many Gazans stormed aid trucks filled with food and supplies after the Israeli military, at least temporarily, lifted a ban on aid for the region. The UN said the private organization tasked with distributing aid in Gaza is a distraction from what is needed, such as the opening of crossing points, and has called the plan neither impartial nor neutral, adding that it will not be involved. The groups also say the GHF plan cannot possibly meet the needs of Gaza's large and desperate population. The UN and other aid groups "have shown absolutely that they can meet the needs of that population, when allowed to," UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said Monday. "We need to just keep reverting back to what works." Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that under the aid mechanism, Gaza's population would eventually be moved to a "sterile zone" in Gaza's far south. He said it was for their protection while Israeli forces fight Hamas elsewhere. He also said once the Palestinians enter the area, "they don't necessarily go back." Israel also says that after Hamas is defeated, it will implement a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to relocate the territory's population outside Gaza, a proposal that has been widely condemned by international groups.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Minister Seethakka lauds transgender traffic assistants
Hyderabad: Minister for Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Women and Child Welfare Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) commended the transgender traffic assistants for their commendable performance in City, which has garnered widespread satisfaction. She noted that other State governments and the Centre are also initiating similar measures. The minister announced the transgender community would be allotted Indiramma houses under the disability quota. She mentioned the establishment of Maitri Clinics in districts and assured efforts to create more opportunities for them in other departments. During the review meeting following completion of six months for transgender traffic assistants, City Police Commissioner CV Anand proudly mentioned that not a single complaint has been registered against them in the past six months. He emphasised that they will serve as role models for the entire nation. Telangana will lead the country in providing employment opportunities to transgenders. Anand offered assistance to those interested in private security jobs and urged them to perform duties responsibly to earn a good reputation, which would encourage further government support. He congratulated everyone for their cooperation with the government's decision and for earning a good name in society. He stated that the process of recruiting transgenders was completed within 10 days in December, following the directives of CM A Revanth Reddy. Currently, 38 traffic assistants are serving the City police traffic department. Traffic officials present highlighted that the traffic assistants were working harmoniously with the police station staff and were diligent in duties. They also participate in traffic bandobast duty with other personnel. Having faced numerous challenges in society, they are performing the traffic duties with ease. The traffic assistants and NGOs expressed gratitude to CM for giving them recognition that they had not received in the past 76 years. They affirmed that they are performing duty without any difficulty and are respected by their fellow police personnel. They shared that while they once feared the police, they now feel honoured to work with them. They also requested that they be provided facilities similar to those offered to home guards. They appreciated being given the same uniform as home guards, instead of a separate colour, signifying their equal treatment. The government appointed 44 transgenders as traffic assistants in Hyderabad in December 2024. Telangana is the first State to take such a decision to include transgenders in government jobs.
Russia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Here's what they don't tell you about ‘massive Russian strikes on Ukraine'
In the current media frenzy surrounding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a glaring double standard continues to distort public perception: the nature and impact of drone warfare. Western outlets, politicians, and NGOs are quick to pounce on Russia for retaliatory actions, yet remain eerily silent about Ukraine's increasingly reckless and escalatory drone campaign. This selective outrage has not only undermined serious dialogue on peace – it has shielded Ukraine from accountability as it wages what can only be described as a campaign of terror against Russian civilians. Over the past few weeks, Ukraine's use of drones has surged in both frequency and range. On a near-daily basis, dozens – sometimes hundreds – of drones are launched toward Russian territory, many targeting civilian infrastructure or flying indiscriminately toward dense urban centers like Moscow. While Russia's air defense systems have performed admirably in intercepting the majority of these threats, the falling debris poses an unavoidable risk to civilians, including children and the elderly. Russian regions far from the frontlines have been forced into a state of constant vigilance, air raid alerts disrupting the normalcy of everyday life. What's most alarming is the strategic logic – or lack thereof – behind these strikes. Unlike military-grade precision operations, Ukraine's drone attacks appear designed less to achieve tactical objectives and more to instill fear. The targets are often electrical substations, communication towers, or simply proximity to residential areas. This cannot be framed as mere collateral damage; it is a campaign whose effects are felt most deeply by civilians. Despite this escalating threat to Russian civilians, international reaction has been resoundingly one-sided. There is no UN condemnation of Ukraine's drone strikes. There are no emergency meetings in Brussels, no CNN specials about Russian children running to bomb shelters. Instead, the focus is singular: Russia's every response is dissected, denounced, and demonized. The same countries that cheer on Ukraine's technological advancements in warfare turn a blind eye to the human cost – so long as the humans in question are Russian. This selective outrage creates a moral vacuum in which Ukraine is emboldened to continue its drone war with impunity. Zelensky, backed by his Western sponsors, is not held accountable for the reckless escalation he fuels. Worse still, this impunity undermines any real incentive for dialogue. Why negotiate when your side is never blamed? What is most striking in this dynamic is Russia's restraint. Despite the volume and severity of the attacks on its territory, Moscow's drone strikes remain focused on disrupting military logistics and strategic assets within Ukraine – often near the frontlines. Russia has refrained from matching Ukraine's willingness to launch indiscriminate aerial barrages deep into population centers. If anything, it has used this period to demonstrate its commitment to a diplomatic resolution, responding from a defensive posture while signaling that its hand remains extended toward the peace table. At some point, however, enough is enough. A nation cannot allow its citizens to be terrorized indefinitely while posturing for peace. The Kremlin has an obligation to protect its people. And that means pushing back against these drone incursions with the seriousness they deserve. Critics will claim Russia's posture is inconsistent with its actions, but the facts tell a different story. Moscow remains open to dialogue. It is not demanding one-sided ultimatums, nor is it setting artificial deadlines as Western capitals often do. Contrast this with the theatrics of Zelensky and his handlers in Washington and Brussels, who have turned negotiations into performative exercises rather than serious efforts to end the conflict. It is not Russia who walked away from Istanbul in 2022. It is not Russia who ignored the Minsk process when it was politically inconvenient. Russia enters any future negotiations not as a supplicant, but as a state that has demonstrated both military strength and diplomatic maturity. It does so knowing full well that any peace must be just, balanced, and grounded in the lessons of the past – chief among them, that appeasement and naïveté only invite betrayal. There is indeed a stark difference between Ukraine's and Russia's drone strikes. One is a campaign of terror, reckless and civilian-targeted, encouraged by Western silence. The other is a reluctant defense, carried out with discipline and restraint. If peace is to be achieved, it must begin with honesty about who is escalating, who is suffering, and who continues to act like a responsible power even while under attack. Until the world is ready to admit that, Russian civilians will rely on their nation to do what must be done – and rightly so.
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
A fibre-rich diet could help reduce PFAS levels in the body
Researchers say a diet rich in fibre could help reduce levels of PFAS, otherwise known as forever chemicals, in the body. (Envato Elements pic) PARIS : A diet rich in fibre could help reduce levels of toxic PFAS – otherwise known as 'forever chemicals' – in the body, according to two recent US studies involving mice and a small group of humans. The scourge of NGOs and environmental associations alike, PFAS – or forever chemicals – are virtually unavoidable. Composed of a powerful combination of carbon and fluorine that makes them highly resistant, PFAS exist in their thousands, and are known as forever chemicals because of the very long time they take to degrade (hundreds, even thousands of years). They are found in many everyday products, like paints, varnishes, pesticides, textiles, food packaging, waterproofing, Teflon coatings, toilet paper, etc. And this is not without consequences. Considered to be endocrine disruptors, PFAS are increasingly highlighted in scientific literature as risk factors for human health. In particular, they are thought to be linked to certain cancers (testicular, breast, kidney). Significant and prolonged exposure to PFAS can also promote obesity, raise cholesterol levels and cause complications during pregnancy, particularly an increased risk of miscarriage or high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia). The more PFAS people ingest, the more problematic they can become. Several scientific studies have shown that certain foods, such as fish and seafood, contain high levels of PFAS. This is particularly true of shrimp and lobster, according to an American study published in April 2024, as well as eels, according to research carried out in the Netherlands, published in 2019. But it seems that there are other foods that could help reduce levels of forever chemicals in the body. This is the case of fibre-rich foods, according to a study published in the journal, Environmental Health. Researchers at Boston University collected blood samples from 72 men living in Canada, from a clinical trial testing the efficacy of a dietary fibre-based intervention to reduce cholesterol. The researchers re-analysed these samples, this time to determine whether the blood was contaminated with PFAS. A protective gel in the gut After four weeks of observation, the researchers found that eating fibre-rich foods was associated with a reduction in PFOS and PFOAS – two of the most widespread and dangerous types of forever chemicals – in the participants' blood. One of the explanations put forward by the study's authors to explain this phenomenon is that dietary fibre favours the formation of a protective gel that lines the gut, potentially hindering the absorption of these chemicals. Another study, published last December by the same team of scientists, this time involving mice, came to a similar conclusion. 'This observation suggests that a sustained dietary fibre intervention may reduce long-chain PFAS body burden, but future intervention studies need to control for PFAS exposure sources and extend the dietary supplement intake beyond four weeks,' researchers cautioned. In any case, fibre-rich foods such as fruit (especially dried fruit), vegetables, wholegrain cereals, legumes and nuts have many proven health benefits: they are known to regulate appetite, improve intestinal transit, strengthen the microbiota, reduce blood sugar peaks and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
