Gaza air drops 'a grotesque distraction', aid agencies warn

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Reuters

The focus on air drops into Gaza is a "grotesque distraction" that will not reverse the territory's deepening starvation crisis, aid agency leaders have warned. Israel's military said early on Sunday that it had airdropped humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, after also announcing humanitarian corridors for UN aid convoys. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan are expected to conduct air drops in the coming days, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the British government is committing "everything we can" to get aid to Gaza via air drops. Ciarán Donnelly, of the International Rescue Committee, said aid drops could "never deliver the volume or the quality" of aid needed, however. More than 100 international aid organisations and human rights groups have warned of mass starvation in the Strip.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported an additional five deaths due to malnutrition on Saturday, bringing the total to 127 since the war began. That number includes 85 children. The World Food Programme has warned that one in three Gazans are not eating for days at a time and that 90,000 women and children are in urgent need of treatment in what it described as a "man-made mass starvation". The debate over air drops has come about primarily due to the failure of aid to enter Gaza via the traditional land routes. The head of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency Unrwa, Philippe Lazzarini, said earlier on Saturday that air drops are "expensive, inefficient, and can even kill starving civilians" if they go awry. Lazzarini said his organisation had "the equivalent of 6,000 trucks" in Jordan and Egypt, waiting for the "green light" to enter Gaza. He said political will is required to "lift the siege, open the gates and guarantee safe movements and dignified access to people in need". "Driving aid through is much easier, more effective, faster, cheaper & safer. It's more dignified for the people of Gaza," Lazzarini wrote. His comments came prior to Israel's announcement that it would establish what it called "designated humanitarian corridors to enable the safe movement of UN convoys delivering food and medicine." It did not outline where those would be or how they would operate. Israel maintains there are no restrictions on aid getting into Gaza, with a government spokesperson previously suggesting the UN is working with Hamas to disrupt aid distribution. The UN rejects that, and says Israel is obstructing its ability to collect aid inside Gaza through bureaucratic obstacles. Hamas denies it has been stealing aid from collection points. A recent USAID report said there was no evidence of systematic looting. This isn't the first time Western and Arab governments have tried to get aid into Gaza from the air. Last year, Britain's Royal Air Force delivered 110 tonnes of aid over the course of 10 drops as part of a Jordanian-led international air coalition. However, those quantities would do little to alleviate the risks of mass starvation being seen in Gaza, aid agencies have said. Analysis by the BBC has found that around 160 planes would be needed to provide enough food for a single meal for each of Gaza's two million residents. US Central Command (Centcom) figures from last year how their C-130 cargo planes delivered approximately 12,650 meals per plane, per trip. That would mean more than 160 flights would be needed to deliver a single meal for every one of Gaza's roughly 2.1 million population. Jordan is thought to have around 10 C-130s and the UAE a further eight.

Reuters The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says 85 children have died of malnutrition since the war began

To reach one major tournament final is special. To reach the final in all five major tournaments at which you have managed is extraordinary. Only Sarina Wiegman has done it. The Dutchwoman will be hoping to lead England to back-to-back European titles when they face Spain in Sunday's Euro 2025 final (17:00 BST). "It says a lot that when the Netherlands are out of a tournament, there are no questions asked that I will stay to follow England - that's how big Wiegman is," says Dutch journalist Rivkah op het Veld. "Everyone wants to know everything about her."

Calm, caring and honest - her personality traits

Getty Images Lucy Bronze has started every match under Sarina Wiegman in major tournaments

Wiegman was born in The Hague - the third largest city in the Netherlands - and was a PE teacher at a secondary school while playing football. She went on to captain her country and made 99 appearances before retiring in 2003 while pregnant with her second child. "From when I first met her, I thought just what a lovely person she was. She was a great communicator. She knew how to talk to individuals," said former England striker Ellen White. "Being Dutch, she's good at being honest. She gave you a sense of belief, love and passion. That's why everyone, as much as they wanted to win for the team, wanted to win for Sarina." Wiegman is known for being direct "but not blunt", as she stresses, and for her calm demeanour on the sidelines. She rarely shows her emotions, although she has been sharp in media conferences following a defeat, and funny in others when she is more relaxed. A new chant by the fans, who replace the word 'tequila' with 'Sarina' in a song by The Champs, has made her blush in Switzerland. With age and experience, Wiegman has loosened and throughout England's chaotic Euro 2025 campaign, has celebrated intensely, even describing it as being "in a movie" and telling players "they nearly killed her at least twice". The 55-year-old even sang a song in Dutch to the players in a post-match huddle last week. "She shows her excitement a little bit more after games than she used to. She's dancing and singing. When she first came in, we didn't see that so much," said midfielder Keira Walsh. "She's probably one of the best managers I've played for in terms of trying to make everyone feel loved. "It's a really, really difficult job when you're in a tournament. She really, really cares about the human side. "Another thing that you notice is how calm she is. It makes a massive difference in the 95th minute when you're losing 1-0." Defender Alex Greenwood says Wiegman has a "range of personalities" but balances them well. She is often described as a "mum" to the team and Wiegman admits that makes the job hard when she has to make difficult decisions. "We know she has our [backs] for every single moment of every single day," said forward Beth Mead. "She will often say that we all feel like her daughters. She's very protective over us. I think that speaks volumes of the person that she is."

'No matter what Sarina says, you listen'

Getty Images Wiegman's has won 100 matches as a permanent international manager, with 48 of those coming with England

Underpinning Wiegman's personality is a ruthless desire to win. She led the Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title and reached the 2019 World Cup final before doing the exact same with England in 2022 and 2023. Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema was asked to compare current manager Andries Jonker and Wiegman during Euro 2025. "Both of them are crazy about football. I can call them at 3am if I wanted to discuss something," she said. "They both have their own style of training but they both want to see beautiful football." Wiegman's task was clear when she joined England in September 2021. The expectation was to deliver a major trophy. "Absolutely. I am aware. I come here to bring the next level," was her response when she was first asked about this at her unveiling in front of media. She delivered in the space of 10 months. At Euro 2025, the stakes are even higher. Pressure has increased, scrutiny is more intense and England's opposition are better. Wiegman's motivational speeches have become more significant. "We had a good one before the Italy [semi-final victory] that definitely stood out," said midfielder Ella Toone. "Half-time is when you talk tactics but Sarina's speeches before the games have definitely got us motivated. Sometimes we have gone a goal down, but you still remember the words she said before the game. "You really hold on to every word she says. When she has finished talking, you are ready to go and fight for each other. She has definitely upped her game with these motivational speeches. "No matter what Sarina says, you listen."

'Pragmatist' who sticks with her plan

Getty Images England are the first team to progress from both the quarter-final and semi-final having conceded the first goal in both matches

Netherlands boss Jonker, who managed Wiegman during her playing career, says organisation is a "signature" of her teams. Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley believes she is a "pragmatist", while defender Lucy Bronze says she has had to "evolve" throughout her tenure. But on the surface, Wiegman's winning formula has remained. She has instilled a resilience in her squad, and relies heavily on substitutes coming on to change games. She calls them 'finishers' and believes no matter how late, England can find a way back into games if they are trailing. Rarely changing her starting XI, Wiegman's gameplan is gospel. She makes tweaks when needed, but why make a plan if you are not going to stick with it? "She knows what her players are capable of and sets them up in a way that plays to their strengths. She knows her best XI and wants to keep them on the pitch for as long as possible," said Bardsley. "It was interesting that she learned really quickly where Lauren James would be most effective [at Euro 2025], and that Ella Toone had played her way into the team." Tactically, Wiegman has often been questioned. Does she rotate her players enough? Are her substitutions too late? Has she solved the conundrum of teams working out how to mark Keira Walsh out of games? But at Euro 2025, it has paid off. Following defeat by France, she moved James out wide and added Toone to the team. She switched defenders Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood in the group stages, and went to a back three to bring on more attackers in the dramatic win over Italy, replacing captain Leah Williamson with 19-year-old forward Michelle Agyemang who scored to force extra time. "After the Italy game she was like: 'I did [my substitutions] just in time', which I loved," said White. "She watches what is happening. We want something to happen quickly, but she's that calming presence that's like 'no, wait, let's see what happens'." Former England midfielder Fran Kirby says that at some point "it will probably come unstuck" but it's crucial they maintain a structure, like Wiegman has created. "It's to do with momentum, to do with structure. You're not going to get all these chances [against Spain] that they have got in previous games," said Kirby. "Everyone knows their role and that's set in stone. She knows her team and she sticks with it, giving players a chance to grow."

The difficult conversations - honest, empathetic or brutal?

Getty Images Mary Earps retired five weeks before the start of Euro 2025

Wiegman is also ruthless. She dropped former England captain Steph Houghton in 2022, and told goalkeeper Mary Earps she would not be the number one for Euro 2025. Her honesty is appreciated by many, but not all. "Sarina has always been direct, she always says it how it is, whether you like it or not, and it's something you have to take on the chin," said midfielder Georgia Stanway. "Get the people around you that you need and if she gives you some negative feedback then you know that the rest of the staff are going to help you to fix it." Kirby went from being a starter in 2022, to the fringes of the squad before she was told she would not make the cut for 2025. The Brighton midfielder announced her international retirement early as a result but says Wiegman learned quickly what style of feedback people could handle. "If it's not right for the team, she will be direct with you, regardless of what you are feeling," said Kirby. "But she gets to know you, so you have that respect for her when you do have to have that difficult conversation. You know that it's not personal, it's just she needs more from you or she needs you to do more for the team. "She is just consistent with everyone, regardless of whether you've got 80 caps or five. Everyone is treated the same." White says they had regular one-to-one conversations when Wiegman first took over and they often discussed analysis on Zoom away from camp. "She visits clubs as well, and has communication with club managers. She'll always pick up the phone to you no matter what time it is," added White. "She's so approachable. Yes, she is the manager, but she is a human being. She wants what is best for you." Bardsley's injuries meant she had to retire before making an appearance under Wiegman but she had regular contact throughout her attempted comeback. The ex-goalkeeper was given a six-week deadline to return to play and when it was clear she wouldn't make it, she called Wiegman, who was "very empathetic". "She is really emotionally intelligent and could feel I was disappointed. It probably made her selection headache a lot easier but she said lots of nice things about my career. I was just grateful," said Bardsley. "I would have loved to have played under her. She took the time to have a chat and I really appreciated that because she didn't have to do that." But Houghton did not feel she was given the same treatment and has been critical of Wiegman's approach to her. Writing in her book, Houghton said she felt Wiegman was "pretty brutal" in how she communicated that she would not be part of her squad for the 2023 World Cup. "We were told we would know the final World Cup squad on Tuesday," Houghton wrote. "On the Monday, I had an appearance at St George's Park for Nike. When I went back to the changing room, I had a missed call from Sarina. She didn't know I was there, so when I told her, she asked me to go and meet her in the canteen, where she told me she wasn't taking me. "I found myself wondering if this would have been a face-to-face conversation if I hadn't already been at St George's Park. Sarina told me that I probably wouldn't play for England while she was in charge. "She obviously made her mind up, which is fine and I've got to respect that. The problem was more that I think she'd intended to have this conversation over the phone, and she knew she was going to tell me I wasn't in her plans at all. I thought that called for a face-to-face conversation given the career I'd had."

‘She thrives under pressure, she loves it’

Getty Images England are the third European team to reach the final of three consecutive major tournaments

Dealing with adversity is nothing new for Wiegman. She tested positive for Covid during Euro 2022 and missed their final group game against Northern Ireland. Captain Williamson, Euro 2022 top-scorer Beth Mead and regular starter Kirby were all ruled out of the 2023 World Cup with injury. In the build-up to Euro 2025, she had Earps and Kirby retire and World Cup captain Millie Bright withdraw from selection, all within 10 days. Defeat in their tournament opener by France piled on the pressure, and she was tested in a penalty shootout win over Sweden and with extra-time drama in their semi-final victory over Italy. "She has an amazing family behind her so she is able to step away and not think about football. We need it as players, and the staff do as well," said White. "She has that balance. She also has great technical staff around her who can take on responsibilities so that everything isn't on Sarina. "But she thrives under pressure. She loves it. She's so meticulous in her game plans. She doesn't leave a stone unturned." It was a must-win game against the Netherlands in England's second group game but opposing manager Jonker knew Wiegman would not crumble under pressure. "She is very experienced and she knows you cannot always win. She will not panic, she will be quiet in her head and do everything she she has to do," he said. "Her experience will help her in the moment. It is not a problem for her - but more for everyone around her." Having difficult conversations with players is something Wiegman is not afraid to do - but it is the hardest part of the job. She has to face questions in the media about those situations afterwards, most recently the shock retirement of goalkeeper Earps. With rumours circling that Earps had withdrawn after being unhappy at falling down the pecking order, Wiegman refused to give out details. "The way she handles difficult situations, my perception is that she shares her emotion but the key thing is that she has the right conversations with the right people," said Bardsley. "If she's not happy about something, she goes straight to the source. She won't beat around the bush and complain to other people before dealing with it. "She makes sure these things don't become distractions. There was the element of truth in her emotions around Earps - saying she was disappointed because she was in her plans. "Any time from the outside I've seen her in a difficult situation, she says it's tough and she's honest. She isn't deluded. She always addresses it."

Bonded in grief and 'missing' her girls

Getty Images Beth Mead was the top scorer and player of the tournament at Euro 2022

For England duo Ella Toone and Beth Mead, Euro 2025 has been particularly difficult.

It is the first major tournament both have played since losing a parent, with Mead losing her mum, June, to ovarian cancer in January 2023, while Toone's dad, Nick, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and died in September 2024.

"We were talking about him only the other day as a family," Toone's boyfriend Joe Bunney told BBC Sport. "Nick would've loved this.

"The inspiration Nick gave us to support Ella in the way he did was great. Hopefully one more step and we can win the Euros for him. Every goal she scores, every game, he's watching over her.

"For Ella, it's really important the people she has around her. Beth Mead as well. They're going through a similar thing. It's nice for them to have each other and they are so strong to get through what they've been through in a football season and then go to the Euros."

While Toone and Mead have been united by grief and bonded on the pitch, throughout Euro 2025 the Lionesses' family and friends have been bonding off it, particularly celebrating England's late goals.

"It was all a bit of a blur," Bunney said of celebrating Michelle Agyemang's 96th-minute quarter-final equaliser against Italy. "Michelle's family were in front of me. The scenes were crazy.

"I was sat on row seven and I definitely didn't finish there, I ended up on row three. I was talking to Michelle's family about how proud they must be. It takes us back to 2022 when Alessia [Russo] and Ella were making an impact on the games. It's massive for Michelle and her family are lovely and we get on really well."

Joe's message to Ella: "You already know what I think about how inspirational you've been. I know your dad's watching down proud of you, we're all proud of you. Go and bring that trophy home."

Britain's Emma Raducanu has been beaten 6-4 6-3 by Russia's Anna Kalinskaya in the semi-finals of the Washington Open.

The 22-year-old, whose run in the United States has ensured she will regain her British number one spot from Katie Boulter, served five aces early on, but could not convert any of her four break point opportunities.

Kalinskaya, ranked two places below Raducanu at 48th in the world, capitalised with a break in the ninth game on her way to clinching the first set.

The two exchanged early breaks in the second set before the 26-year-old Russian pulled ahead once more, taking a lead that proved decisive and breaking again to seal the win.

"It was an interesting match. It's nice to play against Emma," said Kalinskaya, who is aiming to win her first WTA 500 title. "I'm proud of myself. I stayed aggressive and stuck to my plan."

Kalinskaya will face Leylah Fernandez in Sunday's final after the Canadian edged out third seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in an epic encounter that included three tie-breaks.

Fernandez, who Raducanu beat to win her US Open title in 2021, prevailed 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-3) after three hours and 12 minutes.

In the men's event, Australia's Alex de Minaur secured a 6-4 6-3 semi-final victory over French lucky loser Corentin Moutet.

De Minaur will play Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final, after the 12th seed defeated American fourth seed Ben Shelton 6-2 7-5.