09-05-2025
US Ambassador to Israel says Gaza aid set to resume 'very soon'
The United States Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, announced on Friday the initiation of a new system for the delivery of humanitarian aid and food to Gaza, with operations expected to commence 'very soon'.
Recognising reports of starvation and the dire humanitarian crisis, Huckabee stated that various charities, nonprofits, and multiple governments would collaborate on this new aid distribution framework, intended to supersede the current United Nation-led effort.
'Notable amount of effort, and it is going to require the partnership not only of governments, but of NGOs, charitable organisations, nonprofits from around the world,' said Huckabee.
'There are several partners who have already agreed to be a part of the effort. We're not prepared to name them as of yet because some of the details of their participation are being worked out,' he continued.
Huckabee did not offer much detail on the logistics of this new initiative, but emphasised that Israel would ensure the security of the deliveries.
'The first is that food be distributed efficiently, but also that it's distributed safely inside Gaza to the people who desperately need it. The other factor, and this is an important one, that all of this be done in a way so that Hamas is not able to get their hands on it.'
Huckabee asserted that Israel will only provide security details to ensure aid reaches the people it's intended to reach. The system at large however, is to be managed independently.
Israel has expressed worries about looting and diversion of intended to Hamas fighters, allegations that have been refuted by UN officials and humanitarian workers.
In light of these concerns, Israel continues to enforce its blockade on essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medicine.
Although Israel has declared that it will permit aid to enter Gaza only under a system that allows it to oversee distribution, Huckabee stressed that this new system should not be labelled as Israel's.
The UN have routinely rejected any plans which hand over control of the distribution of aid to Israel.
UN officials say any arrangement in which Israel decides who receives what and how much violates the organisation's humanity principles which vow to ensure humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.
Welcome to Kazakhstan for the first day of judo at the 2025 Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam.
Hosted in the Martial Arts Palace, the event featured some spectacular entertainment from local performers, and was officially opened by the President of International Judo Federation, Mr Marius Vizer, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Yermek Kosherbayev and President of the Kazakhstan Judo Federation, Mr Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev.
Local fans filled the arena in anticipation of what was to be an action-packed day of Judo.
At -48kg Junior World Champion Xinran Hui showed her class with some incredible ground work, forcing her opponent to submit, earning her the gold medal.
IJF President Mr Marius Vizer awarded the medals, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ERG Mr Shukhrat IBRAGIMOV, awarded the prize money.
At -60kg Iznaur SAAEV took on home favourite Talgat ORYNBASSAR, clinching the victory with a dynamic ko-uchi attack.
He was awarded his medals by Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Yermek Kosherbayev.
In -52kg, Mascha BALLHAUS of Germany fought Ayumi LEIVA SANCHEZ of Spain. With the fight going into golden score, Ballhaus utilised a great change direction, switching from her signature technique uchi-mata, to o-uchi-gari.
Scoring a Yuko, she earned Germany their first gold of the tournament.
She was awarded her medals by IJF General Treasurer Mr Naser Al Tamimi.
The -66kg final saw A perfectly-timed footsweep from 4 time grand slam winner Ramazan ABDULAEV against Kazakhstan's Gusman KYRGYZBAYEV.
The medals were awarded by Kazakhstan Judo Federation President, Mr Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev
At -57kg Faiza MOKDAR of France met Momo TAMAOKI of Japan in a high energy final. It was MOKDAR who took gold, with waza-ari from a well executed seoi-otoshi.
She was awarded the gold medal by Harvest Group CEO Mr Almaz Alsenov.
There were more medals for the home nation with bronzes for both Magzhan SHAMSHADIN and Aman BAKYTZHAN in the -60kg category as well as a whole day filled with action packed judo keeping the fans up on their feet.
