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GHF-run food distributions in Gaza are sites of “orchestrated killing”

A REPORT BY MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES

The GHF-run food distributions in Gaza, Palestine, have become sites of “orchestrated killing and dehumanisation”, not humanitarian aid.
A new MSF report documents the horrors witnessed by MSF staff at two clinics that regularly received mass influxes of casualties following violence at sites run by the GHF.
MSF calls for the immediate dismantling of the GHF scheme and the restoration of the UN-coordinated aid delivery mechanism.

An analysis of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) medical data, patients’ testimonies, and first-hand medical witnessing at two MSF clinics in Gaza, Palestine, point to both targeted and indiscriminate violence by Israeli forces and private American contractors against starved Palestinians at food distribution sites run by the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

MSF calls for the immediate dismantling of the GHF scheme; the restoration of the UN-coordinated aid delivery mechanism; and calls on governments, especially the United States, as well as private donors to suspend all financial and political support for the GHF, whose sites are essentially death traps.

A new MSF report, This is not aid. This is orchestrated killing, documents the horrors witnessed by MSF staff at two clinics that regularly received mass influxes of casualties following violence at sites run by the GHF, an Israeli-US proxy that has militarised food distribution.

Between 7 June and 24 July 2025, 1,380 casualties, including 28 dead, were received at MSF’s Al-Mawasi and Al-Attar clinics in southern Gaza, located near the GHF-run distribution sites.

During those seven weeks, our teams treated 71 children for gunshot wounds, 25 of whom were under the age of 15. Faced with no alternatives to find food, starved families frequently send teenage boys into this lethal environment, as they are often the only males in the household physically able to make the journey.

In May 2025, the genocide in Gaza, Palestine, took a further disturbing turn as Israeli authorities sought to dismantle the UN-led humanitarian response and replace it with a militarised food distribution scheme run by a previously unknown entity — the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). All four distribution sites operated by the GHF are located in areas under full Israeli military control and “secured” by private American armed contractors.

MSF’s report ‘This is not aid. This is orchestrated killing’ draws on medical data, patient testimonies and first-hand medical witnessing to demonstrate that what has been branded as “aid distribution” is in fact a system of institutionalised starvation and dehumanisation.

MSF calls for an immediate cessation of the GHF distribution mechanism and urges states and private donors to refrain from funding what is essentially a death trap.

This is not aid. This is orchestrated killing.pdf — 2.63 MBDownload

MSF operates two primary healthcare centres in southern Gaza located in close proximity to the GHF distribution sites. Between 7 June and 24 July 2025, these health centres received 1,380 injured people, including 28 dead bodies from the GHF sites.

This represents only a fraction of the total number of people killed and injured at the distribution sites. MSF’s two health centres — due to their sheer proximity to the GHF sites — now place biweekly orders for body bags.

Over a seven-week period in June and July 2025, MSF staff treated 174 people for gunshot wounds originating from the GHF sites. The vast majority of those injured — 96 per cent — were young men. This reflects a grim survival strategy: families are sending the youngest and fittest to retrieve food.

The injured who arrive in our clinics are normally covered in sand and dust from time spent lying on the ground while taking cover from bullets.

A significant number of injured patients coming from the Khan Younis distribution centre (SDS3) had gunshot wounds to the lower limbs. The anatomical precision of these injuries strongly suggests intentional targeting of people within the distribution sites, rather than accidental or indiscriminate fire.

Of the 28 dead bodies received in our health centres, all but one were young men (aged 20–30 approximately) with gunshot wounds to the upper body.

Storm Floris: Delays to SQA Results postal deliveries

SQA ISSUES RESULTS DELAY WARNING

Due to the widespread disruption caused by Storm Floris, Royal Mail has confirmed that there will be delays to the delivery of SQA results in several parts of Scotland.

In particular, we (SQA) know deliveries to the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland will be delayed due to the adverse weather. Further localised delays to deliveries may occur at short notice.

If any affected candidates wish to know their results, they should contact their school or college in the first instance who should be able to help them.

Alternatively, learners can submit an enquiry via the SQA website at:

https://www.sqa.org.uk/learnerenquiry

and their query will be responded to by our team after 12 noon on Tuesday 5 August.

We are not anticipating any impact on the MySQA text and email service.

Over 147,000 young people will receive results today
SQA will offer a free appeals service and a dedicated advice line

Support and guidance are available to the tens of thousands of young people across Scotland awaiting the results of their SQA qualifications today.

Over 147,000 learners across Scotland will receive the result(s) of their SQA Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and Skills for Work Awards on Tuesday 5 August. Learners completing National Progression Awards, National Certificates, and Awards are also certified on Tuesday 5 August and throughout the year.

All learners will receive a copy of their Scottish Qualifications Certificate delivered to their home address by first-class post, while everyone who signed up for and activated a MySQA account will also receive their results by text and/or email the same morning.

If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results and work with SQA to find out what has happened to the certificate.

Guidance and next steps

These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.

Many of those receiving certification have completed vocational courses, qualifications, and apprenticeships in schools, colleges and other training centres, including Skills for Work Awards, National Progression Awards, and National Certificates, in areas ranging from Barista Skills and Beekeeping to Esports and Construction.

Stuart McKenna, Chief Executive of the Scottish Training Federation – which represents over 140 organisations operating in the field of work-based training across Scotland – explains the importance of vocational training and qualifications within schools, and the routes that can open-up to young people as a result:

“Vocational qualifications, awards, and apprenticeships offer young people an invaluable opportunity by combining education with practical experience. hese pathways open the door to further learning, career development, and employment by helping young people gain real-world skills that employers actively seek.

“With a strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning, these courses help young people understand the world of work, explore different industries, and build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in their future careers.”

Appeals service

SQA’s free appeals service opens at 9am on Tuesday 5 August and candidates can submit an appeal directly via the SQA website, or ask their school, college, or training provider to submit one on their behalf.

A senior marker will carry out a marking review of SQA-marked assessments, and a grade may go up, down, or stay the same. Learners are advised to speak to their teacher or lecturer before submitting an appeal.

Priority appeals are available for learners who have a conditional offer for a college or university place or for a training or employment offer.

These must be submitted to SQA by Tuesday 12 August or by Thursday 21 August if the learner’s school, college or training provider submits the appeal for them. All other appeals must be submitted by Tuesday 26 August or by Friday 29 August if the learner’s school, college or training provider submits the appeal for them.

Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at SQA explains: “If you’re concerned about your results for National 5, Higher, or Advanced Higher, you can appeal your grade for free, but I’d encourage anyone considering this to chat with their teacher or lecturer first – they can help you think through your options and what’s best for you.

“Learners can be confident that the qualifications they’ve earned are fair and credible, reflecting the knowledge, understanding, and skills they’ve developed through their hard work.

“Similarly, colleges, universities, and employers can trust that the high standards and integrity of our qualifications have been upheld.”

SQA’s Candidate Advice Line will be available on Results Day from 8am to 6pm, then Wednesday 6 August to Friday 8 August from 8:30am to 5pm. The line can be reached on 0345 279 1000.

Skills Development Scotland’s expert advisers will also be on hand to offer guidance on course vacancies at colleges and universities, Confirmation and Clearing, Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships, jobs, volunteering, or staying on at school.

Their helpline can be reached at 0808 100 8000 and will be open from 8am to 8pm on Tuesday 5 August and Wednesday 6 August. It will be open 9am to 5pm on Thursday 7 August and Friday 8 August.

Annette McKenna added: “I encourage anyone who has any queries or needs advice come Results Day, to call the helplines where dedicated members of staff will be happy to help and guide you.

“Remember, whether your achievements are what you expect, or not, there are many different routes available to shape your future success.”

More information is available on the Results Day pages of the SQA website

Police: Report illegal use of off-road bikes

There have been incidents of off-road bikes being ridden illegally on roads, in parks, on pavements and in other public spaces, resulting in injuries to both riders and members of the public.

There has also been damage to parks, fields, green spaces and private property.

Anti-social off-road bike use is more than just a nuisance, it’s a danger to the rider and the public.

Do you have information about these bikes and those people using them? You can report what you know to us or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

#PoliceScotlandEdinburgh #PoliceScotland

‘Brand Scotland’ Goes To Germany

Young Scottish musicians will help to sell Scotland to Germany on Ian Murray trade trip

Young Scottish musicians will be centre stage in Germany this week as part of Scottish Secretary Ian Murray’s Brand Scotland campaign.

The event is part of the Secretary of State’s Brand Scotland campaign, which is selling the best of Scotland to the world, and encouraging inward investment to Scotland – creating jobs and putting money in people’s pockets. Part of our Plan for Change, our Brand Scotland work overseas will bring real returns for people back home.

Members of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland (NYOS) and their guest soloist, Ryan Corbett, will perform at a business and government breakfast event at the British Ambassador’s residence in Berlin. Hosted by the Scottish Secretary and the UK’s Ambassador to Germany, Andrew Mitchell CMG, the event will put the best of Scotland in front of key business investors, including those from the energy, space, technology, life sciences and food and drink sectors.

While on his two-day trade mission to Berlin the Scottish Secretary will also meet Michael Meister, Minister of State for Federal-State Relations in the German Federal Government. In addition, Mr Murray will visit the Bundersat, the upper house of the German Parliament and meet with representatives from the Lander, the 16 federated states of the German Republic at the British Embassy.

This visit is part of a series of international engagements designed to showcase the very best of Scotland to global audiences and encourage international businesses to invest in Scotland’s economy.

Mr Murray’s visit to Germany comes shortly after the UK and Germany signed a new treaty, which is part of the UK Government’s ongoing work to reset our relationship with our European neighbours. Mr Murray is taking advantage of that reset to drive forward his Brand Scotland campaign.

Later this year he will travel to India and Sweden.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “Scotland’s cultural excellence is one of our greatest assets in attracting international investment and driving economic growth. The National Youth Orchestra of Scotland represents some of our most extraordinary musical talent. I’m delighted that they are able to join me in Berlin, and this performance will demonstrate Scottish culture at its finest.

“My Brand Scotland campaign is about selling all that is fantastic about Scotland to the world, to encourage both exports and inward investment in Scotland, and I’m very pleased that we have been able to fund this event in Berlin. Brand Scotland is a key part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, bringing real rewards for people in Scotland.”

The breakfast event is being put on thanks to a £2,700 grant from the Scotland Office Brand Scotland fund. This is the first of a number of world-wide events which will be funded by Brand Scotland through the UK Government’s FCDO network.

Scotland’s national youth orchestra is performing at the prestigious Young Euro Classic festival under the baton of acclaimed conductor Catherine Larsen-Maguire, presenting the European premiere of a new accordion concerto by Scottish composer Jay Capperauld.

On the morning of their performance, members of the NYOS orchestra will join politicians, politicians, diplomats and business investors at the Scottish “Symphony and Sausages” breakfast. Guests will be served a full Scottish breakfast, including smoked salmon, haggis and black pudding, with the embassy chef learning to make potato scones specially for the occasion. Breakfast will be accompanied by Irn Bru and Walkers Shortbread.

The Berlin visit comes just ahead of a major speech on culture which Mr Murray will deliver in Edinburgh. In it, he will outline how Scottish culture drives social connections while contributing significantly to economic growth.

He will highlight the UK Government’s direct investment in Scottish culture, including the recent £1.5 million contribution to the refurbishment of the much-loved Edinburgh Filmhouse.

Have you seen Calvin?

POLICE are appealing for the assistance of the public in tracing 14-year-old Calvin Whyte who has been missing from his home in Musselburgh since Wednesday, 30 July, 2025.

He is described as white, around 5ft 7ins and of slim build with short, dark-coloured hair. When he was last seen he was wearing a grey Adidas tracksuit with a black, grey and white McKenzie bodywarmer. He wears black framed glasses and was carrying a black satchel.

Calvin is known to frequent East Lothian, Midlothian and Edinburgh. He also visits Glasgow and North Lanarkshire regularly.

Inspector Keith Watson said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Calvin’s safety and wellbeing. We want to trace him as soon as possible to ensure that he is safe and well.

“Officers are carrying out searches and enquiries in Musselburgh, Edinburgh and areas he frequents. I would urge anyone who has seen Calvin to contact us as soon as possible. I would also ask Calvin himself, if he sees this appeal, to please get in contact with police or a family member.”

Any information should be passed to 101 quoting incident number 2477 of 30 July.

Scotland heading into fourth month of water scarcity

For over three months, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have been closely monitoring and supporting Scotland through a prolonged period of water scarcity.

Despite recent rainfall easing conditions in some areas, six catchments remain at Moderate Scarcity, with a further four at Alert and 11 at Early Warning. This week Shetland has moved to Early Warning. The Conon catchment has improved to normal conditions. Elsewhere conditions remain unchanged.

Since the first warning about the increasing risk of water scarcity back in March, SEPA have been working to support abstraction licence holders, ensuring they have the information and guidance needed to adapt.

While public attention may shift with the weather, the underlying risks remain. Extended periods of dry weather, like those seen twice already this spring and summer, have made recovery difficult and remind us that water scarcity is a long-term challenge.

SEPA’s ongoing monitoring has enabled the agency to anticipate risks and engage early with abstracters, ensuring that any next to restrictions on water abstraction were implemented only when absolutely required. This proactive approach meant that, despite coming very close twice so far this year, no unnecessary restrictions have been imposed safeguarding both water users and the environment.

Catrin Thomas, Senior Scientist in SEPA’s Water Resources Unit, said: “Water scarcity isn’t just a one-off event – it’s a long-term challenge, and we’re here for Scotland throughout.

“Our staff have been monitoring conditions, sharing updates weekly and engaging directly with those who rely on our water resources. Twice this year we’ve experienced spells of prolonged dry weather, and due to the dry autumn and winter, that has made it harder for catchments to recover. Another period of warm dry weather could quickly push some areas back into more serious levels of scarcity.

“We understand the pressures that come with managing water, and our role is to provide timely reliable information so no one is caught off guard. As the weather shifts, we urge all abstractors to continue using water efficiently, especially those in at risk areas, and keep informed through our website and reports. We’ll continue providing timely information and expert advice to help manage Scotland’s water resources sustainably.”

SEPA’s water scarcity situation reports are published weekly. The network of Drought Risk Assessment Tool (DRAT) stations is also available for people to track the areas that are most at risk.

All information is available on our website at sepa.org.uk/waterscarcity

Living Streets objects to two-way cycling on Rose Street

We object to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO/24/27 bit.ly/3IFOQQ6) allowing two-way cycling on Rose Street.

The idea of promoting two-way cycling on the street was raised in a report to the Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) on 30 January 2025, as a means to facilitate cycling across the city while the CCWEL route through George Street is not yet in place. We made our objection to this proposal at that time.

The Council’s own report recognised that “integrating cyclists into a space primarily designed for pedestrians presents challenges. The narrow width of Rose Street, combined with the high footfall at certain times, could lead to safety concerns between cycling and walking/wheeling. With no dedicated cycling infrastructure, conflict could be created between users.”

It is not appropriate in our view to encourage Rose Street – the closest thing Edinburgh currently has to a pedestrianised street – as a major cycle route.

The proposal does not respect the Council’s agreed travel hierarchy which places walking and wheeling first. The TRO is especially inappropriate given that the TEC recently decided that two way cycle access should be maintained on George Street itself during any redevelopment works.

You can object to the order by 1st August – details here: http://bit.ly/3IFOQQ6.

Heroes on the Hill: Tattoo welcomes global heroes to Edinburgh

Against the iconic backdrop of Calton Hill, performers from across the globe, strike heroic poses, capturing the essence of this year’s theme: The Heroes Who Made Us.

The milestone event promises to celebrate the past, while imagining the future of the Tattoo. Taking audiences back to where it all began in 1950, with the British Army taking on the prestigious role of the Lead Service, the Show will present music, dance and performance that make up the last 75 years of the Tattoo story and beyond.

Featured in the photography are The Massed Band of the British Army, The Orchestra of the Naval Forces of the Defence Forces of Ukraine, The Representative of the Polish Border Guard, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Performers, Top Secret Drum Corps, United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team and United States Old Guard Fife and Drums.

Tickets for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s 75th anniversary Show are now on sale and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk/tickets or on the phone, 0131 225 1188. The Show will run from 1-23 August 2025.

Police action at protest events

PEACEFUL PROTESTS – ONLY FOUR ARRESTS ACROSS SCOTLAND

Police officers took action at demonstrations and protest events across the country yesterday (Saturday, 26 July, 2025).

In Aberdeen, an 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with a number of outstanding warrants and will appear at court at a later date.

A 56-year-old man will be subject of a report to the Procurator Fiscal following an alleged assault in Aberdeen city centre.

In Glasgow, a 49-year-old woman was arrested in connection with an alleged obstruction of the police following an incident in George Square. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A 50-year-old woman was issued with a Recorded Police Warning in connection with alleged threatening behaviour in Regent Terrace, Edinburgh.

Red tape slashed to revamp high streets with new cafes and bars

Communities and town centres across the UK set to benefit from a wave of new cafes, bars, music venues and outdoor dining options

Government to overhaul planning and licensing rules to make it quicker and easier for new cafes, bars and music venues to open in place of disused shops.
New ‘hospitality zones’ will fast-track permissions for alfresco dining, pubs, bars and street parties.
Reforms will also protect long-standing venues from noise complaints by new developments.
Part of the Small Business Plan, which will show how the Plan for Change will rejuvenate smaller businesses and put more money in people’s pockets.

Communities and town centres across the UK are set to benefit from a wave of new cafes, bars, music venues and outdoor dining options, as the Government slashes red tape to breathe new life into the high street.

The government will introduce a new National Licensing Policy Framework, which will modernise outdated planning and licensing rules—cutting the cost, complexity, and time it takes to open and operate hospitality venues, and helping small businesses grow and communities reconnect.

The reforms will make it easier to convert disused shops into hospitality venues, and protect long-standing pubs, clubs, and music venues from noise complaints by new developments – ensuring the buzz of the high street can thrive without being silenced.

As part of this, the Government will introduce the ‘Agent of Change’ principle into national planning and licensing policy – meaning developers will be responsible for soundproofing their buildings if they choose to build near existing pubs, clubs or music venues.

New dedicated ‘hospitality zones’, will also be introduced where permissions for alfresco dining, street parties and extended opening hours will be fast-tracked – helping to bring vibrancy and footfall back to the high street.

The new National Licensing Policy Framework will streamline and standardise the process for securing planning permission and licences, removing the patchwork of local rules that currently delay or deter small businesses from opening. This means that entrepreneurs looking to turn empty shops into cafes, bars or music venues will face fewer forms, faster decisions, and lower costs.

This transformation is already underway through the High Street Rental Auction Scheme, which gives councils the power to auction off leases for commercial properties that have been vacant for over a year—bringing empty shops back into use and turning them into vibrant community hubs where people can enjoy a meal, drink, or night out.

The plans come ahead of the launch of the UK Government’s Small Business Plan which will deliver on the Plan for Change by setting out further steps to unlock the full potential of the UK’s 5.5 million SMEs – who collectively contribute £2.8 trillion in turnover and provide 60% of all private sector jobs.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “This Government has a plan to replace shuttered up shops with vibrant places to socialise turning them into thriving cafés or busy bars, which supports local jobs and gives people a place to get together and catch up over a beer or a coffee.

“Red tape has stood in the way of people’s business ideas for too long. Today we’re slashing those barriers to giving small business owners the freedom to flourish.

“From faster café openings to easier alfresco dining, our Plan for Change will put the buzz back into our town centres and money back into the pockets of local entrepreneurs, because when small businesses thrive, communities come alive.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Whether it’s cheering on the Lionesses or catching up with friends, our pubs and bars are at the heart of British life.

“For too long, they’ve been stifled by clunky, outdated rules. We’re binning them – to protect pavement pints, al fresco dining and street parties – not just for the summer, but all year round.

“Through our Plan for Change, we’re backing small businesses and bringing good times back to the high street.”

Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “With the Women’s Euros final bringing communities together to watch and enjoy in our pubs, bars, cafes and community venues tonight, this move is a welcome win for small firms.

“By cutting red tape this enables small business to serve more customers outdoors. Let’s hope this is just the kick-off to a bold, long-term small business strategy.”

All these plans, subject to an initial Call for Evidence in due course, will be delivered as soon as possible as part of the Government’s commitment to reduce the administrative costs of regulation by at least 25%.