Gaza accuses Israel, US of lacing flour aid with opioids, calls it ‘soft weapon’ in war
Gaza: In a startling allegation amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Gaza’s Government Media Office has claimed that humanitarian flour bags distributed in the region contain narcotics, specifically the opioid Oxycodone. The statement, issued Saturday, accused Israel and the United States of weaponizing humanitarian aid to deliberately inflict social harm on the besieged Palestinian population.
According to the Hamas-run authority, at least four civilians reported finding narcotic pills inside flour sacks provided through aid channels linked to US- and Israeli-supported distribution centres. It further alleged that in some cases, the opioids may have been ground and mixed directly into the flour, posing a grave threat to public health.
In a Telegram post quoted by Al Jazeera, Gaza’s Government Media Office stated: “We hold the Israeli occupation fully responsible for this heinous crime of spreading addiction and destroying the Palestinian social fabric from within. It is part of a systematic policy that constitutes an extension of the genocide it is waging against our Palestinian people.”
The office accused Israel of deploying narcotics as a “soft weapon in a dirty war against civilians,” labelling it a war crime and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
The claims have triggered serious concerns about the integrity of humanitarian operations in Gaza. The involvement of US-run distribution networks has deepened the controversy, especially as Palestinians already argue that current aid meets less than 1% of Gaza’s basic needs.
The Israeli government has not issued an official response to these claims. However, Israeli media reports indicate that authorities plan to establish alternative aid routes in southern and central Gaza, bypassing UN-led efforts, a move criticized by the United Nations and global relief organizations.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that since May 27, Israeli forces have killed at least 549 Palestinians and injured over 4,000 near food trucks and aid centres. Since the start of the Israeli military offensive in October 2023, the total death toll in Gaza has surpassed 56,300—most of them women and children.
The growing list of war crime allegations includes ongoing investigations by international judicial bodies. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Simultaneously, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing a genocide case against Israel.
Gaza's statement concluded with an urgent appeal: “This is not just about humanitarian aid being corrupted. It is about a deliberate attack on the minds and bodies of our people. The world must take notice and act.”
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
