*Zim Current Affairs Bulletin: Saturday 31 May 2025* *Headlines* *Repeal Outdated Car Radio Tax: Former Information Minister Prof Jonathan Moyo* *Broke Air Zimbabwe Puts Planes On The Market* *Harare City Council Housing In Shambles* *Let’s Help Clear Zim Debt: Outgoing AfD* *Govt To Assess Illegal Settlements For Possible Regularisation* *Drop Charges Against HStv, Mhlanga: IPI* *Domboshava Couple Robbed Of Car Hours After Purchase* *Wicknell Chivayo Pledges US$100K If Scottland Defeats MWOS* *Dynamos Being Run Like A Tuck-shop Says Fuming Supporters* *Mozambique Cuts Interest Rate By 75 bps, Sees Steady Inflation* *Conditions In Gaza Are Catastrophic Despite Renewed Aid, UN Says* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories:* *Repeal Outdated Car Radio Tax: Former Information Minister Prof Jonathan Moyo* EXILED former Information minister Jonathan Moyo— himself once an architect of draconian media laws— has conceded that the latest legislation requiring motorists to pay a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) licence fee before acquiring road authority and insurance fees was not in sync with technological advancements. This is despite the illegality of the entire law, which is based on its discriminatory nature. Moyo, who fled Zimbabwe in 2017 at the height of the military coup that removed former President Robert Mugabe from power and subsequently saw President Emmerson Mnangagwa rise to leadership two weeks later after being dismissed as Vice President by Mugabe, launched a scathing attack on Mnangagwa. Since the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) Amendment Bill was signed into law earlier this week, Zimbabweans have expressed widespread dissatisfaction with the new legislation, particularly clause 15, which mandates that motorists must pay the ZBC licence fee — without which they cannot purchase their ZINARA vehicle licence and insurance. Moyo, who had grown cautious about openly attacking Mnangagwa on platforms like X and in interviews with regional and international news organisations over the past two years, has now waded back into the debate around the ZBC licence fee for motorists. “Basically, the revolution in digital technologies has outdated car radio licences, which is why they have been vacated worldwide,” Moyo wrote on X on Friday. He added that Mnangagwa’s government still has an opportunity to repeal the new law, as it is outdated and has been overtaken by technological progress. “In this connection, the Second Republic had, and still has, an opportunity to repeal the 2001 car radio fee as an outdated, no longer necessary, inconvenient, now unreasonable, and unfair tax burden,” Moyo said. He further commented: “The challenge for a broadcasting licence fee nowadays is how to structure it, perhaps as a tax, taking into account the rapid and massive technological and social transformation taking place.” Moyo implored Mnangagwa to hit the brakes on implementing the controversial law, arguing it must be revised through a digital lens. “It would be in both the public and national interest to pause the implementation of the car radio licence in order not only to rethink it; but to also review the very idea of a radio and television licence in a digital world; with a view to coming up with a more suitable and modernised, user-friendly, alternative model of a single and comprehensive broadcasting licence fee model,” he said. *Broke Air Zimbabwe Puts Planes On The Market* Looking to buy a plane? Air Zimbabwe is finally putting its two long-grounded Boeing 777-200s up for sale. The planes were bought from Malaysia Airlines in 2016 as part of a controversial plan to launch a new national carrier, Zimbabwe Airways. That project never got off the ground - and neither did the planes. They’ve been parked for years. Back in 2022, the airline floated plans to lease the planes or convert them into freighters. Now, according to this notice yesterday , they’re up for sale. *Harare City Council Housing In Shambles* "Harare City Council is dead; it doesn’t need rehabilitation but a complete overhaul," declared Councillor Blessing Duma, former chair of the council’s audit committee, as he walked out of a commission of inquiry investigating corruption dating back to 2017. His voice echoed with frustration, capturing the gravity of a corruption crisis that has left many residents disillusioned. The Harare City Council has found itself entangled in a web of deep-rooted corruption—most notably within its housing department. Allegations have surfaced that land barons and unscrupulous council officials have conned desperate home seekers out of thousands of dollars through dubious pay schemes masquerading as legitimate housing cooperatives. For many, the result has been empty pockets and broken dreams. Documents seen by Business Times reveal that council housing directors allegedly orchestrated fraudulent pay schemes to siphon off substantial sums in areas such as Budiriro, Kuwadzana, Mufakose, and Mabvuku. Some residents reportedly paid up to $1,500 in development fees under false pretenses. A councillor, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to Business Times that officials swindled unsuspecting residents who had deposited money into the Harare City Council’s Mt. Pleasant account. "I am against the corruption that is rampant within the Harare City Council," the councillor stated emphatically. "Those officials in the housing department took people’s money—$1,500—after creating these pay schemes in Budiriro, Mabvuku, and Mufakose." The now-notorious Global Pay Scheme in Glenview serves as a stark example. Since 2017, 230 individuals have reportedly been defrauded, collectively losing $86,000. Despite backing from a full council meeting, affected residents have had to report the matter to the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s commercial crimes unit after discovering they had been duped. "So far, we have paid up to $86,000 for advertisements, surveys, and development fees," lamented one of the leaders of the Glenview pay scheme. "We started processing our papers before 2017, when cooperatives existed. We paid all fees to the council through Mr. Dzehonye, who said he would interview us during the lockdown." However, residents were later informed by Mr. Bare from the Harare City Council that their plots had already been allocated to other individuals. In response, they appealed to the town clerk, who referred the matter to the audit committee. A full council session was convened on November 16, 2023, with a final report expected by October 23, 2024. "While the council called for regularisation, they sent police to harass us, despite our valid papers," the Glenview scheme leader added. Similar frustrations were expressed by a victim from the Tinzwei Pay Scheme in Mufakose, who claimed their land had also been reallocated—contrary to established council resolutions. "Harare City Council, through the audit committee chair, approved our land rights, not those smuggled in by council officials," he asserted. Councillor Duma, who earlier this year took senior council officials to the High Court over the issue of double allocations, described the council as a "breeding ground for corruption." "They will attempt to silence anyone who exposes the truth," he warned. Duma, who has played a central role in the regularisation of informal settlements, emphasized that his responsibility was to ensure public funds and council assets were used responsibly. He highlighted alarming incidents of double allocations, particularly in Mabvuku. "The scenario was evident in Mabvuku, where the Vimbiso Pay Scheme paid for land that did not exist. Similar cases occurred in Budiriro," he explained. "We also noted individuals were offered land, made to pay for it, but unfortunately, such land did not exist. This amounts to the council defrauding residents." Despite his recommendations to suspend implicated officials, Duma expressed disappointment that his proposals have been ignored. Mayor Jacob Mafume has blamed the persistent corruption on the absence of a robust Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which he says has failed to properly track housing allocations and backlogs. While he acknowledged the need for a coordinated government response, he neither confirmed nor denied the extent of corruption allegations. "In every system, there are some rotten apples, and we, as a council, do not condone corruption. We are actively seeking those responsible, and the law will usually catch them," said Mafume. Reuben Akili, Director of the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), also weighed in, highlighting the role of pay schemes in enabling organized corruption by cartels operating within the council. "Corruption is deeply entrenched among officials operating as cartels," Akili said. "Previously, housing cooperatives managed land development, but the system became corrupted. The introduction of pay schemes, initiated during Kasukuwere’s tenure as local government minister, has exacerbated the situation." He added, "Land barons are entrenched within Harare City Council offices. These individuals are simply extensions of those working within the system." Akili called for structural reform in housing governance: "What we need is a comprehensive overhaul of housing governance in Harare. Local authorities are formulating a housing settlement policy, and we hope these guidelines will close the gaps exploited by corruption." As the scandal unfolds, what becomes increasingly evident is a system that has betrayed the very residents it is meant to serve. With trust eroded and millions lost, Harare’s housing crisis reflects a broader governance failure—one that will require more than apologies and inquiries to resolve. *businesstimes* *Let’s Help Clear Zim Debt: Outgoing AfD* AFRICA and the world should appropriately support Zimbabwe to clear its arrears as has been done for other nations, outgoing African Development Bank (AfDB) Group president Dr Akinwumi Adesina has said. He promised to continue working with Zimbabwe, mainly on the arrears clearance and debt resolution process. Elections for his successor were held on Thursday, with Mauritanian "super banker", Dr Sidi Ould Tah, romping to a commanding victory after garnering 76,18 percent of the vote. He beat four contenders: Dr Samuel Munzele Maimbo of Zambia (20,26 percent) and Mr Amadou Hott of Senegal (3,55 percent). The other two candidates were Ms Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa and Mr Tolli Abbas Mahamat of Chad. Dr Adesina will remain in office until August 31, with president-elect Dr Ould Tah assuming office from September 1. As he concluded his remarks at a side event on Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution process on Monday, Dr Adesina implored stakeholders to "make sure that we appropriately support Zimbabwe to clear the arrears". "We have done it for Somalia, we have done it for Sudan; we need US$2,6 billion of bridge finance. Let’s get that done and support these folks who have worked so hard to come this far," he said. "You have heard testimonies (from former farmers, Ambassadors from Europe), so let’s get this done. And we are in the process of the ADF (African Development Fund) 17th replenishment; I would like to urge all of our donors on ADF, the ADF pillar 2 which is what we use for arrears clearance, please help us make sure we have that (money) so that we can support these great guys to do the work. "We have already supported them to have the sovereign finance institution advisory to help on the arrears clearance roadmap to help them with the legal issues. The work should continue going on and finally, I may be ending my time as Africa Development Bank president, but I am not ending my support for Zimbabwe." Dr Adesina added that the new AfDB leader "will take the button". "It has been a great pleasure working with the Minister (of Finance Professor Mthuli Ncube) and everyone involved including President Mnangagwa," he said. In an interview yesterday to mark the end of the annual meetings, Prof Ncube said he was optimistic they will work well with Dr Ould Tah, adding that he previously did so during his time as president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). At the formal opening ceremony of the 2025 AfDB annual meetings on Tuesday, Dr Adesina said he had never treated the post of AfDB president as a job, but "a mission" to uplift the continent, reiterating his efforts for Zimbabwe’s benefit. He chronicled his successes in the last 10 years, including the work he is doing with former Mozambique President Joachim Chissano on the clearance of arrears and debt resolution. "We are also standing with Zimbabwe to clear its arrears to the Bank and other creditors," he said. "As champion of the debt arrears process, working with former President (of Mozambique Joachim) Chissano, we have supported Zimbabwe to make significant progress. "I am pleased that the IMF Staff Monitored Programme will be concluded this month. Yesterday (Monday at the side event) was an emotive day where we saw the remarkable efforts we are putting in addressing Zimbabwe’s arrears and debt," he said. Touched by a touching presentation by a former farmer, Ms Lisa Nislev, who spoke at the side event about how other farmers are happy to be receiving compensation after 23 years for the developments made on the farms they used to till, Dr Adesina left his seat and embraced her. Turning to his last 10 years as AfDB president, Dr Adesina said he was honoured to be "given the responsibility, resources, mandate, support and the platform to help transform Africa, the continent of my birth". "In the past decade, the work of the African Development Bank has impacted the lives of 565 million people," he said. This includes 28 million people with access to electricity, 104 million people with food security, 121 million people with access to improved transport, 128 million people with access to improved health services, 67 million with improved access to information and communication technology, 63 million people with access to drinking water and 34 million people with access to sanitation. The Bank accelerated regional integration with massive support for infrastructure to support the African Continental Free Trade Area. The opening ceremony was graced by Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara, President of the Union of Comoros Azali Assoumani, Ghana President John Mahama, Vice President of Tanzania Dr Philip Isdor Mpango who was representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice President of Botswana Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, Niger Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine, former Mozambique President Chissano, and other senior officials. *thezimbabwemail* *Govt To Assess Illegal Settlements For Possible Regularisation* THE government is set to conduct a comprehensive assessment of illegal settlements across the country, with a view to regularising some of them in line with national housing strategies and international urban development goals. This development emerged during the resumed second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly, currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya. The event has placed significant focus on the proliferation of informal settlements, with National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Honourable Zhemu Soda leading Zimbabwe’s delegation. Delivering her opening remarks, UN-Habitat Executive Director Ms Anaclaudia Rossbach called on all member states to urgently address the global housing crisis and the growing number of informal settlements. "2.8 billion people globally are inadequately housed, with over 1.1 billion living in informal settlements or slums, and more than 300 million experiencing homelessness. The Strategic Plan positions, housing, land and basic services," she said. In his presentation at the UN high-level dialogue, Honourable Soda outlined the densification strategy as the winning housing formula in urban housing development. "One of our strategies is, while we have some illegal settlements in Zimbabwe, we are taking a holistic approach to assessing them for regularisation, but over and above, we are implementing the densification model which we view as our urban development winning formula." The session will among other issues consider the Strategic Plan 2026–2029 for adoption, prioritising advancing sustainable urban development over the next four years. *zbc* *Toyota Probox & Lexus Collision Claims Four Lives Near Uzande Business Centre* Four people were killed, and five others were injured in a road traffic accident that occurred at the 44-kilometre peg along Chegutu-Chinhoyi Road, near Uzande Business Centre, on 29 May 2025 at around 2 PM. According to Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, a Toyota Probox carrying seven passengers collided head-on with a Toyota Lexus that had two occupants, resulting in the fatalities and injuries. The bodies of the victims were taken to Chinhoyi Hospital for post-mortem examination, while the injured were referred to the same hospital for treatment. The bodies of the victims were identified by their next of kin as follows: - Micah Phiri (51), a male adult of number C521 DRC, Chegutu. - Dadirai Nyamaka (45), a female adult of Rio Tinto, Kadoma. - Munyukwi Jeremiah, a male adult of house number 5787 White City, Chinhoyi. - Isaac Tizora (62), a male adult of house number 2465 Chegutu. Commissioner Nyathi stressed that drivers should not overtake when it is not safe to do so. Motorists should drive responsibly and exercise maximum caution on the roads to safeguard lives. *Drop Charges Against HStv, Mhlanga: IPI* THE International Press Institute (IPI) global network has called on Zimbabwe authorities to drop all charges against the media house Heart & Soul TV (HStv) and its journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who faces up to five years imprisonment over the publication of an interview he conducted with a politician. In a statement on Wednesday, IPI also urged the authorities to immediately cease the abuse of cybercrime laws to harass and target critical journalists and instead calls on authorities to protect independent journalism as a central element of democratic debate. Mhlanga was granted bail on May 6 after spending more than two months in pre-trial detention on accusations of messages inciting violence or damage to property. On May 16, a court charged him and HStv — which is part of the Alpha Media Holdings group — with the same alleged violation of the 2021 Cyber and Data Protection Act. Mhlanga’s next court appearance is scheduled on June 17, 2025. If found guilty, he risks at least five years imprisonment and a fine of up to US$700. Mhlanga’s arrest in February followed the broadcasting of an interview with Blessed "Bombshell" Geza, a war veteran and member of the ruling Zanu PF party. In the interview, Geza criticised an alleged intention by the government to amend the Constitution and extend the presidential term limit. In the video broadcast, Geza also criticised President Emmerson Mnangagwa over alleged bad governance and called on him to resign. Following Mhlanga’s several court appearances, he was denied bail on three instances. "Blessed Mhlanga was held in pre-trial detention for 73 days for simply doing media work that is in the public interest, in violation of Press freedom guaranteed by Zimbabwe’s Constitution", Marystella Simiyu, IPI Africa senior legal advocacy officer, said. "While IPI welcomes his release on bail, authorities should now drop all charges against both Mhlanga and HStv and allow the media to report on issues of public interest without fear of arrest or legal harassment. "These criminal charges are a worrying example of the intolerance of authorities shown towards press freedom and independent journalism in Zimbabwe, which instils fear and self-censorship among journalists in the country. "We note this case also offers yet another example of the global abuse of cybercrime legislation to censor and criminalise legitimate public interest journalism." According to local observers, the arrest and the lengthy pre-trial detention of Mhlanga, including consistent denial of bail before his release, is a sign that critical journalism is under threat and paints a grim picture of the press freedom situation of the country. "IPI reiterates its call on authorities to ensure that independent journalism is protected, in line with regional and international instruments the country ratified on press freedom." *NewsDay* *Domboshava Couple Robbed Of Car Hours After Purchase* A 26-year-old man from Domboshava has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after robbing a couple at gunpoint and stealing their newly purchased vehicle on New Year’s Eve. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Blessed Bowa and a group of accomplices, who are still on the run, stormed into the victims’ homestead in Domboshava at around 8 PM on 31 December 2024. Armed with a gun, the gang threatened the man and his wife, demanding the Toyota Corolla they had just bought earlier that day for US$2,000. Fearing for their lives, the victim’s wife handed over the car keys and registration papers. The robbers took off with the vehicle, and it was only later that the victim realised his wallet, containing US$357, ID, driver’s licence and other important cards, had also been stolen. In a strange twist, Bowa contacted the victim on 1 March 2025, pretending to be a Good Samaritan. He asked about a machete that had been in the car and casually mentioned he had come across the victim’s wallet. The victim, realising something was off, reported the matter to ZRP Chinamhora. Police managed to track down the stolen vehicle on 20 March at Zimbiru Business Centre, where it was being driven by Bowa. He fled the scene with the car keys but was eventually arrested. Bowa was convicted of robbery at the Harare Magistrates’ Court and handed a 12-year prison sentence. Two years were suspended on condition he doesn’t commit a similar offence, and another five months were suspended provided he pays restitution to the victims. The court also ordered that the stolen vehicle be returned to its rightful owners. Police are still on the hunt for Bowa’s accomplices. *Wicknell Chivayo Pledges US$100K If Scottland Defeats MWOS* Controversial businessman and football patron Sir Wicknell Chivayo has pledged a massive US$100,000 to Scottland FC if they defeat MWOS in their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 14 fixture at Ngoni Stadium on Saturday, 31 May 2025. The pledge has pushed the club’s total potential bonus for the match to a staggering US$160,000. "Our sponsor, Sir Wicknell Chivayo (@wicknellchivayo), has pledged US$100 000 as winning bonus for the eagerly awaited @CastleLagerPSL Matchday 14 clash with MWOS at Ngoni Stadium tomorrow," Scottland FC posted on X on 30 May 2025. "Pledges now US$160 000 for a win in Norton 🔥" Sir Wicknell’s commitment is not the only one on the table. Other Scottland FC sponsors have also chipped in. "The following sponsors have pledged winning bonuses for Scottland ahead of the MWOS match: US$50,000: Prevail Group Of Companies; US$10,000: Exquisite Cars," Scottland FC confirmed on their official X account. The club’s post, captioned "NGONI JACKPOT 💵💸💰⚽️," has ignited excitement among fans ahead of the showdown. "If you failed to get a ticket… @ZTNPrime have you covered," the club added, referring to live broadcast arrangements for those unable to attend in person. Saturday’s clash is more than just a football match. It’s a continuation of a bitter rivalry that erupted in 2024, when both teams were chasing Premier League promotion. "Who can ever forget that game? It’s etched in our history," recalled MWOS captain Tafadzwa Nyabunze, referring to the August 17, 2024 draw at the same stadium. Back then, tensions boiled over when Scottland owner Pedzai "Scott" Sakupwanya stormed the pitch, upset over what many saw as a controversial equaliser and a symbolic celebration aimed at him. This year, both clubs are top contenders—MWOS leading the table with 27 points and Scottland trailing close behind in third place with 23. The stakes could not be higher. This is not the first time Sir Wicknell has showered Scottland FC with large sums. On 11 November 2024, just after the club secured Premier Soccer League promotion, he gifted them US$1.6 million and 20 Toyota Aquavehicles. At the time, Chivayo declared: "It is quite remarkable how this team, founded from humble beginnings in MABVUKU, has now earned its place among Zimbabwe’s elite clubs in the PSL." He added an extra US$600,000 to help the club with PSL preparations and predicted they could make history in their debut top-flight season. Sir Wicknell’s pledges have not gone unnoticed by supporters across the country. Some fans have expressed amazement at the amounts being offered to a single club for winning one match. Others drew comparisons to Chivayo’s US$250,000 donation to the Warriors in November 2024, just days after their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Whether or not Scottland beats MWOS in Norton, Saturday’s match is already the most lucrative of the season. *iharare* *Dynamos Being Run Like A Tuck-shop Says Fuming Supporters* DYNAMOS fans have declared war on club owner Bernard Marriot and his executive, vowing to protest against the maladministration that has seen the Harare giants slide into murky waters. The fading Harare side find themselves in a quagmire days before they face old foes Highlanders on Sunday at Rufaro Stadium, with fan unrest threatening to overshadow the encounter. Dynamos supporters are demanding sweeping reforms at the club, which they argue will address the troubles burdening the 22-time league champions. Team loyalists are threatening to boycott the Highlanders match as they demand Marriot fire the board, led by Moses Maunganidze, whom they accuse of incompetence and unprofessionalism. Addressing the media in Harare Thursday, Dynamos Harare Chapter Organising Secretary Robetho Machovo said the deterioration at the club had reached alarming levels, prompting the boycott. “We are frustrated by the current state of affairs at our beloved club Dynamos. The mismanagement by the Dynamos executive led by Bernard Marriot, his relatives, and the so-called NEC has reached a boiling point,” said Machovo. Dynamos continue to sink deeper, currently occupying the relegation zone, separated by only two points from Kwekwe United, who sit at the basement of the table. DeMbare have managed just one win in 13 matches, scoring only two goals—a record that has sparked fury among supporters. The struggles have been attributed to poor recruitment and the general welfare of players at the club. Machovo accused Dynamos’ leadership of running the club with an amateurish, and an outdated approach. “We can no longer remain silent. Our key concerns is the tuck shop mentality, outdated approach and sponsorship failure,” said Machovo. *Mozambique Cuts Interest Rate By 75 bps, Sees Steady Inflation* Mozambique's central bank cut its main interest rate on Friday for the ninth policy meeting in a row, and by a hefty 75 basis points, saying it expected inflation to remain in single digits over the medium term despite lingering domestic risks. The Bank of Mozambique slashed its main lending rate by 75 basis points to 11.00% from 11.75%, bigger than the 50 bps cut at its last meeting in March. "This measure is primarily driven by the consolidation of the single-digit inflation outlook over the medium term, partially supported by (a) favourable trend in international prices of goods and services," said central bank governor Rogerio Zandamela. He added that despite persistent domestic risks and uncertainties associated with the projections, "the national financial system remains stable and resilient." The Southern African country's annual inflation rate slowed to 3.99% in April from 4.77% in March, after having been on the rise since October's disputed election, which saw the Frelimo party retain power, extending its five-decade rule although observers said the Oct. 9 vote was not free and fair. *Reuters* *Conditions In Gaza Are Catastrophic Despite Renewed Aid, UN Says* The situation in Gaza is the worst since the war between Israel and Hamas militants began 19-months ago, the United Nations said on Friday, despite a resumption of limited aid deliveries in the Palestinian enclave where famine looms. Under growing global pressure, Israel ended an 11-week long blockade on Gaza 12 days ago, allowing limited U.N.-led operations to resume. Then on Monday, a controversial new avenue for aid distribution was also launched - the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the United States and Israel. The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here. "Any aid that gets into the hands of people who need it is good," U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. But, he added, the aid deliveries so far overall have had "very, very little impact." "The catastrophic situation in Gaza is the worst since the war began," he said. The U.N. and international aid groups have refused to work with the GHF because they say it is not neutral and has a distribution model that forces the displacement of Palestinians. Israel ultimately wants the U.N. to work through the GHF, which is using private U.S. security and logistics companies to transport aid into Gaza for distribution by civilian teams at so-called secure distribution sites. However, Israel will allow aid deliveries "for the immediate future" via both the U.N. and the GHF operations, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said this week. GHF said on Friday that it has so far managed to distribute more than 2.1 million meals. Israel has long accused Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies. The war in Gaza has raged since 2023, when Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel and took some 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies, and Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. *LOOTING, ACCESS* The U.N. says that in the past 12 days it has only managed to transport some 200 truckloads of aid into Gaza, hindered by insecurity and Israeli access restrictions. It was not immediately clear how much of that aid reached those in need. It said some trucks and a World Food Programme warehouse have also been looted by desperate, hungry people. U.N. officials have also criticized Israeli limitations on what kind of aid they can provide. "Israeli authorities have not allowed us to bring in a single ready-to-eat meal. The only food permitted has been flour for bakeries. Even if allowed in unlimited quantities, which it hasn't been, it wouldn't amount to a complete diet for anyone," said Eri Kaneko, U.N. humanitarian affairs spokesperson. Some of recipients of GHF aid said the packages include some rice, flour, canned beans, pasta, olive oil, biscuits and sugar. Under a complex process, Israel inspects and clears aid shipments, which are then transported to the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom crossing. There the aid is offloaded and then reloaded on to other trucks for transport to warehouses in Gaza. Several hundred more truckloads of aid currently await U.N. collection from the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom. "More aid would actually get to the people if you would collect the aid waiting for you by the crossings," COGAT, the Israeli military aid coordination agency, said to the U.N. in a posting on X on Friday. However, the U.N. said that on Tuesday the Israeli military denied all its requests to access Kerem Shalom to pick up the aid. And on Thursday, when 65 trucks of aid managed to leave the crossing, all but five turned back due to intense fighting. Five trucks of medical aid managed to reach the warehouses of a field hospital, but "a group of armed individuals stormed the warehouses... looting large quantities of medical equipment, supplies, medicines and nutritional supplements that was intended for malnourished children," Dujarric said. *CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL* Israel says it has been facilitating all aid deliveries. COGAT said this week that since the war 1.8 million tonnes of aid, including 1.3 million tonnes of food, had reached Gaza. A U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the conflict - accepted by Israel and currently being considered by Hamas - would see humanitarian aid delivered by the United Nations, the Red Crescent and other agreed channels. During a two-month ceasefire, which ended when Israel resumed its military operation in March, the U.N. said it got 600-700 trucks of aid a day into Gaza. It has stressed then when people know there is a steady flow of aid, the looting subsides. "To prevent chaos, aid must flow in steadily," Corinne Fleischer, the U.N. World Food Programme's Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe director, posted on X on Thursday. "When people know food is coming, desperation turns to calm." *Reuters*