Archive July 2, 2025

‘Death or food’: The Palestinians killed by Israel at Gaza’s aid centres

Khan Younis, Gaza – At the sight of her son Ahmed’s bullet-riddled body laid out in the courtyard of Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, Asmahan Shaat collapsed on the ground, overcome by grief. Her screams echoed through the air, her voice choked by shock and sorrow.

She kissed the 23-year-old’s face, hands and feet as she cried. Her six other children and relatives tried to hold her back, but she pushed them away.

“Leave me with him. Leave me with him,” she cried. “Ahmed will speak again. He told me, ‘Mom, I am not going to die. I’ll bring you something from the aid centre in Rafah. ’”

Ahmed had left the displaced family’s shelter in al-Mawasi before dawn on Thursday to collect food. He never returned.

His cousin, Mazen Shaat, was with him. Mazen said Ahmed was shot in the abdomen when Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd near the United States-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution centre in Rafah. Others were also killed and wounded.

In just one month, 600 Palestinians have been killed and more than 4,200 wounded by Israeli fire near GHF aid distribution sites, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office, and the number of deaths at these centres climbs on a near-daily basis. What were meant to be lifelines – facilitated by the US while bypassing United Nations agencies – have instead become fatal chokepoints.

Human rights organisations and UN officials have criticised the GHF model as militarised, dangerous and unlawful. A report published by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Friday quoted Israeli army soldiers saying they had been ordered to shoot into unarmed crowds, even when no threat was present.

Asmahan’s grief turned to fury: “Is it reasonable that my son should die because he went to bring us food? Where is the world that calls itself free? How long will this torture go on? ”

Gaza’s population of 2 million people, worn out by 21 months of relentless bombing and displacement, has been pushed to the brink of famine by Israel’s restrictions that have, since March 2, allowed only a trickle of humanitarian items through the sealed crossings it controls.

‘We want you, not food’

Inside the morgue at Nasser Hospital, not far from where Ahmed lay, 25-year-old Shireen threw herself on the body of her husband, Khalil al-Khatib, 29. She was barely able to stand as she sobbed.

“Khalil, get up. Your son Ubaida is waiting for you,” she cried. “I told him this morning, ‘Daddy will come back soon. ’ We don’t want food – we want you. ”

Khalil had also left from al-Mawasi in search of aid. His father-in-law, Youssef al-Rumailat, said Khalil was careful to avoid Israeli tanks and never expected to be targeted.

“He was a gentle man,” Youssef said. “He feared for his safety in a place where everything has become deadly, so he hadn’t been able to provide anything for his children. His son Ubaida, who just turned five, would ask for bread or rice. And he’d cry because he couldn’t provide that or milk for his youngest, born just days into the war. ”

“They use our desperation,” Youssef said bitterly. “Nothing is more painful for a man than not being able to provide for his family. These places are now death traps. This is not aid. This is annihilation. ”

Youssef said the family, like many others, has lost all trust in the new humanitarian mechanism. “We don’t want this blood-soaked aid. Let us go back to the UN system. At least we weren’t being killed trying to eat. ”

Hundreds of Palestinians have gone to GHF sites to get food only to return to their families dead [Mohamed Solaimane/Al Jazeera]

Hunger, desperation and death

The GHF, launched in May with Israel’s coordination, was intended to deliver food directly to southern Gaza. However, its deliveries are not routed through traditional humanitarian agencies like UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, which Israel has accused – without providing conclusive evidence – of ties to Hamas. Critics said this exclusion has contributed to a breakdown in oversight, coordination and safety.

While Israel said it facilitates aid deliveries and targets only perceived threats, testimonies and reports paint a starkly different picture.

Mustafa Nabil Abu Eid, 31, displaced from Rafah to al-Mawasi, was returning from the Rafah distribution point with his friend Abdullah Abu Ghali, 39. They were carrying a few bags of pasta, rice and lentils in their backpacks.

Mustafa described the trip as a “death journey”.

“We walk about 2km [1. 2 miles] just to reach the edge of the zone,” he said. “Then we wait – hours sometimes – until tanks move back. When they do, we run across open ground. You don’t know if you’ll get food or be killed. ”

He said he’s often asked why people still go.

“There’s no choice. If we stay in the tents, we die from hunger, disease, bombing. If we go, we might die, but we might also bring something back for our kids. ”

Mustafa has five children. His eldest, Saba, is 10. His youngest – twins Hoor and Noor – just turned three.

“They cry from hunger. I can’t bear it. We search for life through death. ”

Funerals and prayers held at the hospital for the people killed while collecting aid.
A funeral and prayers are held at Nasser Hospital for a Palestinian killed by Israeli forces while collecting aid at a GHF site [Mohamed Solaimane/Al Jazeera]

‘Death trap’ distribution

Aid agencies have warned that famine is already present in parts of Gaza. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported in June that the entire population is facing acute food shortages with more than one million people at risk of starvation. Children are dying from malnutrition and dehydration.

With UNRWA’s operations severely restricted and the GHF offering limited, inconsistent and dangerous access to food, desperate civilians have little choice but to risk their lives for basic sustenance.

Since the American-Israeli aid initiative began on May 27, 39 people remain unaccounted for, presumed missing or killed near the aid zones, according to Gaza’s government. Some have likely been buried in unmarked graves or remain trapped under rubble or in inaccessible terrain.

Call for accountability

The systematic attacks on civilians at aid sites may amount to war crimes, according to international legal experts and human rights watchdogs. Under international humanitarian law, parties to a conflict must ensure the protection of civilians and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.

“Deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian objects, including aid workers and distribution points, are strictly prohibited,” the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a June statement.

But for families like the Shaats and the Khatibs, legal classifications offer little comfort.

Asmahan clings to one hope – that her son’s name will not be forgotten.

“He just wanted to feed his family,” she said. “He did nothing wrong. They killed him like his life meant nothing. Tell the world: We are not numbers. We are people, and we are starving. ”

What’s bringing China and the EU closer?

The two sides are marking 50 years of relations this month, holding talks and pledging deeper cooperation.

China and the European Union are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations this month. At the core of their partnership is trade.

They are the second and third biggest economies in the world after the United States.

The Chinese foreign minister is visiting EU headquarters this week as he seeks closer ties in what he has called a “volatile” world.

Under President Donald Trump, the US has increasingly turned to sweeping tariffs to get what it wants.

Although Beijing and Brussels are hoping to improve their economic ties, they have disagreements on a number of issues.

So what will that mean for global trade and the economic order?

Presenter: Adrian Finighan

Guests:

Karel Lannoo – CEO, Centre for European Policy Studies

Victor Gao – vice president, Center for China and Globalisation

Raducanu beats 2023 champion Vondrousova to set up Sabalenka tie

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British number one Emma Raducanu swept aside 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova to reach the Wimbledon third round.

The 22-year-old produced an outstanding performance marked by authority and intensity on Centre Court to win 6-3 6-3 in 82 minutes.

It was a level the former US Open champion will need to replicate – if not improve – when she meets world number one and top seed Aryna Sabalenka next and equal her best run at the Championships.

Raducanu was the third British player through to the third round on Wednesday, following earlier victories for Sonay Kartal and Cameron Norrie.

Her victory came on a day when 2024 runner-up Jasmine Paolini became the fourth top-five seed to exit the women’s draw as she was upset by Kamilla Rakhimova.

British number one back to her free-flowing best

After regaining her status as British number one following a run to the Queen’s quarter-finals last month, Raducanu spoke about how she is now feeling free to express herself on court.

Her final Wimbledon preparations did not go perfectly, though, and she admitted she needed to get her “head in the game” after losing to Australian teenager Maya Joint in Eastbourne last month.

But, after a comfortable opening victory over compatriot Mimi Xu, this was Raducanu at her free-flowing best.

Following an assured start, she made a deserved breakthrough in the sixth game with a stunning passing winner on the first break point of the match.

Vondrousova offered an immediate response but the Briton regained her composure and pounced again on a fourth break point opportunity for a 5-3 lead, before seeing out the set.

Raducanu did not allow her intensity to drop at the start of the second as, to the delight of her adoring home crowd, she again broke the 26-year-old Czech’s resistance with a third break point for a 2-1 lead.

She began her push for the finish line by avoiding a repeat of the immediate setback in the opening set, battling to a superb hold from two break points down.

Such was the consistency Raducanu had shown on serve, she closed in on victory untroubled, and the chair umpire had to remind the crowd to remain quiet during the points as their excitement increased.

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Teenage darts star Luke Littler in surprise money-spinning business move

World champion Luke Littler has set up a new project away from the sport, which is expected to see him rake in a very heft bank balance, the Mirror can reveal

Luke Littler launches unexpected new venture which could earn him millions

Darts sensation Luke Littler is aiming to hit the bullseye with his new side hustle – as he ventures into property development. We can reveal the 18-year-old world champ has set up a new firm.

It’s called D16 Property Group Ltd. Luke – whose nickname is The Nuke – has taken inspiration for the company’s name from his World Darts Championship win in January. That’s when he defeated Michael Van Gerwen with a winning throw from a double 16 to become the youngest ever PDC World Champion, aged just 17. According to filings, Luke is the sole shareholder in the investment firm.

READ MORE: Luke Humphries going to hospital after fan injured him at US Darts Masters

Luke Littler playing darts
Talented Luke has set up a new business property as he looks other business opportunities(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

His agent Martin Foulds is named as director. It states the nature of business as “buying and selling of own real estate” – plus letting and management.

Luke moved into a fancy £6,000-a-month rental mansion in Warrington’s “Millionaire’s Row” last October. Taking his parents with him, they previously lived in a more modest £180,000 two-bed semi. The five-bedroom detached pad is in a leafy village on the outskirts of his hometown in Cheshire. It boasts a swimming pool, large garden, home cinema and six bathrooms.

Considered one of the most exciting young players darts has ever seen, Luke has enjoyed huge success since bursting on the scene at the World Darts Championship in 2023. Since then, he’s won more than £1. 5million in prize money and another £1. 5 million from other events – plus his lucrative sponsorship deals and telly appearance on top of that.

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The indoor pool at the £6,000-a-month house Luke is currently renting in Cheshire
The indoor pool at the £6,000-a-month house Luke is currently renting in Cheshire(Image: Right Move)

A source said: “A multi-millionaire at just 18, Luke’s earning potential knows no bounds. It comes as no surprise he wants to invest in property, like a lot of successful businessmen and sportspeople do. ”

Luke has just returned from the US, where he was competing in the US Darts Masters. The world number two was sent packing in the quarter-final.

The opportunities just keep rolling in for Luke, who is topping the bill at the first pro and celebrity darts match of its kind in London’s Hyde Park. Luke will play alongside Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Fallon Sherrock – along with singer Olly Murs, radio Roman Kemp, footballer-turned-presenter Dion Dublin and actor Joe Swash on Tuesday.

Luke Littler with his family celebrate one of his many victories
Luke Littler is close to his family and tare often in the crowds at his competitions (Image: PA)

Luke was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List last month for his services to darts. One person who wasn’t impressed was darts legend Dennis Priestley, who said he and fellow player Luke Humpries hadn’t “done enough to earn their MBEs just yet.” “Littler has been recognised for raising the popularity of darts which is great, but he can still do so much more. If he is getting an MBE this soon then you’d have to think he is on the right path to a knighthood, nothing would surprise me now.”

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Littler responded in an Instagram post: “Don’t deserve the MBE but done more in 12 months than he ever did…that’s what I would say anyway.”

Del Monte seeks bankruptcy protection as consumers turn away

Del Monte Foods, the 139-year-old company best known for its canned fruits and vegetables, is filing for bankruptcy protection as consumers in the United States increasingly bypass its products for healthier or cheaper options.

Del Monte announced the bankruptcy filing late Tuesday.

Del Monte, which also owns the Contadina tomato brand, College Inn and Kitchen Basics broth brands and the Joyba bubble tea brand, has secured $912. 5m in debtor-in-possession financing that will allow it to operate normally as the sale progresses.

The Walnut Creek, California-based brand has assets and liabilities ranging from $1bn to $10bn, according to a filing in a New Jersey bankruptcy court.

“After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods,” CEO Greg Longstreet said in a statement.

The company has seen sales growth of Joyba and broth in the 2024 fiscal year, but not enough to offset weaker sales of Del Monte’s signature canned products.

“Consumer preferences have shifted away from preservative-laden canned food in favour of healthier alternatives,” Sarah Foss, global head of legal and restructuring at Debtwire, a financial consultancy, told the news agency The Associated Press.

Grocery inflation also caused consumers to seek out cheaper store brands. Last month, the consumer price index report showed a 0. 3 percent increase in the price of food and 2. 2 percent compared with this time last year.

Another blow is expected from US President Donald Trump’s 50 percent tariff on imported steel. This went into effect in June and will also push up the price that Del Monte and others pay for cans.

Del Monte Foods, which is owned by Singapore’s Del Monte Pacific, was also hit with a lawsuit last year by a group of lenders that objected to the company’s debt restructuring plan. The case was settled in May with a loan that increased Del Monte’s interest expenses by $4m annually, according to a company statement.

Gill century holds up battling England against India

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Second Test, Edgbaston

India 310-5: Gill 114*, Jaiswal 87; Woakes 2-59

England: Yet to bat

England currently lead five-match series 1-0

England were held up by India captain Shubman Gill’s patient century as their bowlers fought admirably on day one of the second Test at Edgbaston.

After captain Ben Stokes opted to bowl first again, his bowlers battled against Gill’s calmness and another flat pitch to limit India to 310-5 at the close.

Chris Woakes bowled KL Rahul off the inside edge in a fine new-ball spell and Brydon Carse found extra bounce to have Karun Nair caught at slip for 31 shortly before lunch.

But opener Yashasvi Jaiswal complied an elegant 87 and after he was caught behind off Stokes, Rishabh Pant put on 66 with Gill as the new-ball zip faded in the Birmingham sunshine.

England hung in, however, and Pant’s patience broke after tea when he hit Shoaib Bashir to long-on for 25. Nitish Kumar Reddy was bowled shouldering arms to Woakes in the next over.

That left India at risk of collapse but Gill remained unflustered and reached three figures for the second match in a row in 199 deliveries. He put on 99 with Ravindra Jadeja to see out the final 90 minutes of play.

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Familiar feelings in Birmingham

Stokes continues to defy all cricketing convention.

There were clouds overhead when he chose to bowl but the surface looked slow and favourable for batting even before the sunshine arrived after only a couple of overs.

In his mind – and India’s – will be England’s record chase of 378 against the same opposition here in 2022.

India were 359-3 at the end of day one in the first Test last week and still lost, meaning there will be no panic in England’s camp even if the Jadeja-Gill partnership ensured the day was shaded by their opponents.

Their patience in the field in the afternoon was impressive while Woakes and Carse threatened throughout.

A short-ball ploy attempted before lunch was quickly shelved and instead Stokes hunted wickets through clever field placements.

India’s changes appear an attempt to consolidate their lower order, which could yet prove crucial as they look to go beyond the 465 they made last week.

England play the long game

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Woakes was excellent with the new ball, finding a hint of movement off the seam while being relentless with his lines outside off stump.

Rahul tentatively played on, and had two tight lbw decisions – first against Jaiswal on 12 and the second against Nair on five – gone England’s way the day could have had a different complexion. Both were given not out on the field and shown as umpire’s call when England reviewed.

The hosts bowled more bouncers in the morning than in any opening session of a Test in England but this only allowed runs to flow for Jaiswal, who cut and drove.

Afterwards England corrected, dried up the runs and Jaiswal chased a wide delivery to be caught behind.

Pant was drawn in in similar fashion. A swashbuckling century-maker in both innings in Leeds, he only hit one four and one six in his 42 balls.

Gill holds firm

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When Reddy, one of the three players brought into India’s XI alongside spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar and Akash Deep, played an inexplicable leave, India were 211-5.

Gill, though, did not offer a chance all day. The closest England came was an lbw decision they attempted to overturn when Gill had 17 but there was a big inside edge.

The 25-year-old did not play like the flowing batter seen in white-ball cricket.

Despite some elegant drives and clips through mid-wicket, the 125 balls he took to reach 50 was the most of his career. This was also his slowest century.

‘Scoring 450 is India’s best chance of winning’ – what they said

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Former England captain Michael Vaughan: “Shubman Gill said he’d have bowled but I think this is the way India can beat England – if they score 450.

“India should’ve won the first Test match if they held their chances. India are doing what they need to do to win this game.

“England bowled well enough to get two or three more wickets but the rub of the green with the umpire’s calls has gone the way of India.

“This is a flat wicket and there’s not a lot there for the seamers or spinners and England should score a lot on here if it doesn’t crack. “

England bowler Chris Woakes, speaking to BBC Sport: “I think we’ve put in a really good shift. I feel it was a good day, we asked questions on a good batting surface. Had things gone our way this morning, I feel like the day could’ve been very different but that’s the game we play.

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