
All aboard Gaza aid flotilla confirmed safe, Malta government says
VALLETTA: Everyone aboard an aid flotilla for Gaza that was hit by drones in international waters off Malta overnight are 'confirmed safe,' the Maltese government said in a statement on Friday.
'The vessel had 12 crew members on board and four civilian passengers; no casualties were reported,' the statement said, adding that a nearby tug had been directed to aid the vessel.
'The tug arrived on scene and began firefighting operations. By 1:28 a.m. (2328 GMT Thursday), the fire was reported under control. An Armed Forces of Malta patrol vessel was also dispatched to provide further assistance,' the government said.
'By 2:13 a.m., all crew were confirmed safe but refused to board the tug ... The ship remains outside territorial waters and is being monitored by the competent authorities,' the statement concluded.

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Arab News
02-05-2025
- Arab News
All aboard Gaza aid flotilla confirmed safe, Malta government says
VALLETTA: Everyone aboard an aid flotilla for Gaza that was hit by drones in international waters off Malta overnight are 'confirmed safe,' the Maltese government said in a statement on Friday. 'The vessel had 12 crew members on board and four civilian passengers; no casualties were reported,' the statement said, adding that a nearby tug had been directed to aid the vessel. 'The tug arrived on scene and began firefighting operations. By 1:28 a.m. (2328 GMT Thursday), the fire was reported under control. An Armed Forces of Malta patrol vessel was also dispatched to provide further assistance,' the government said. 'By 2:13 a.m., all crew were confirmed safe but refused to board the tug ... The ship remains outside territorial waters and is being monitored by the competent authorities,' the statement concluded.


Asharq Al-Awsat
27-04-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hundreds Line Up to Visit Pope Francis' Tomb in Rome
Hundreds of people filed past the tomb of Pope Francis from early on Sunday morning in the Roman basilica where he chose to be buried in a break from tradition. No pope had been laid to rest outside the Vatican in more than a century, but Francis opted instead for burial in Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major), located in the Italian capital's most multi-cultural neighborhood. His coffin was taken there on Saturday after his funeral Mass in St. Peter's square, with around 150,000 people lining the route through the heart of the city to say their farewells, Reuters reported. The casket was placed in a simple marble tomb in a side aisle of the basilica. Only his name in Latin, "Franciscus", is inscribed on top, while a reproduction of the plain cross that he used to wear around his neck hangs above the niche. "I feel like it's exactly in the way of the Pope. He was simple, and so is his place now," said Polish pilgrim Maria Brzezinska after paying her respects. Visitors began queuing well before the Basilica opened at 7:00 a.m. (0500 GMT). After passing through metal detectors, they entered the church through a so-called Holy Door, only opened during special Holy Years celebrated every 25 years. Santa Maria Maggiore is one of four basilicas in Rome that have such holy doors. It was founded in 432 and is the only basilica in the city that preserves the early Christian structure, although there have been many later additions. Francis was especially attached to it because of his devotion to Mary, Mother of God. He prayed there before and after every overseas trip. A venerated Byzantine icon of Mary is housed in the Pauline chapel near the tomb. A vase of golden roses, donated by Francis in 2023, sits among candlesticks under the icon. He last visited the chapel carrying a bunch of white roses on April 12. A single white rose was placed on his tomb. "So much intensity. He was a person close to everyone, so we respect him for what he did, each in our own way. Thank you," said Carmelo Lamurra, a Rome resident.

Al Arabiya
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- Al Arabiya
Breaking: Pope Francis has died at the age of 88
Pope Francis died on Monday aged 88, a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said in a statement. 'This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,' said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel. Developing