Gaza Siege Committee Chief reveals Handala Ship Incident
The Head of the International Committee to Break the Siege on Gaza, Zaher Birawi, on Tuesday blamed Arab and Islamic countries for their silence over the Israeli seizure of the Handala ship and accused Western governments of enabling Israeli actions.
In an exclusive statement to Shafaq News, Birawi disclosed that Israeli forces had detained the ship and its 21 passengers—comprising international activists, politicians, human rights advocates, doctors, technical crew, and officials from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
He denounced the raid as 'an act of piracy in the high seas and international waters,' insisting that 'the occupying state has no right to carry out such action, and we hold it fully responsible for the safety of all activists.'
Drawing from previous incidents, Birawi explained that those detained are undergoing initial arrest procedures and will likely be brought before an Israeli court on charges of 'attempting to enter the occupying state without a permit or prior approval.' The court, he noted, typically pressures detainees to sign a pledge not to repeat the attempt. 'They will not sign these Israeli documents,' he asserted, adding that courts usually try to persuade them, and if they refuse, issue deportation orders.
'These activists are not attempting to enter Israel,' he clarified. 'They are trying to break the blockade imposed on Palestinians,' which he described as 'illegal and immoral, and not within the rights of the occupying state.'
He noted that several activists, due to political considerations and in coordination with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, signed the documents over the past two days to leave custody and share their accounts with the media. The remaining detainees are still being held at Ashdod Port and are expected to be released within the next two days.
Birawi underscored that the core of the mission lies in the message of defiance and resolve these activists embody—individuals who, he said, represent the 'free people of the world' and refuse to remain silent in the face of what he described as Israeli crimes. He confirmed that efforts to break the blockade would continue.
He pointed out that governments, including those in the Arab and Islamic world, possess the means to pressure Israel but fail to use them effectively. 'We hold these governments accountable and clear our conscience before the world and history,' he stated, 'by doing all we can to end the war on our people in Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to those being starved as a method of pressure.'
Birawi further accused Western governments of active complicity in 'the crimes committed by the occupying state against our people in Gaza,' and in actions against blockade-breaking vessels and international activists. He questioned France's silence despite the presence of French nationals aboard the ship, including a member of the French National Assembly and a representative in the European Parliament.
'Legally, Israel has no right to assault civilians in international waters,' he emphasized, noting that the Handala was intercepted more than 50 nautical miles from Gaza's coast—clearly within international waters.
He concluded that the position of Western governments toward their citizens comes as no surprise, 'because—unfortunately—they are already actively supporting Israel, whether through arms deals, silence over its crimes, or political cover in international forums.'
Handala ship had been en route to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza and deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the enclave before it was intercepted by Israeli forces last Saturday.
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Hundreds Of Iranian University Lecturers In Declaration Of Iran's 'Victory': 'We Are In An Era Of "A Historic Turning Point," "The Twilight Of Western Civilization," "Orientalization Of Global Power,"
Introduction Contrary to views in the West that the severe damage caused to Iran's military-nuclear infrastructure and leadership during the June 2025 12-day war has caused the regime to abandon its Islamic Revolution ideology and instead unite the Iranian public around Persian nationalism and culture, many in Iran's intellectual elite have stressed the messages of the Islamic Revolution and praised the leadership of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. On July 22, 2025, Iranian regime mouthpiece outlet Kayhan published on its front page a declaration signed by 313 Iranian university lecturers in which they declared "Iran's victory" against Israel and the United States in the June 2025 12-day war. In the declaration, the lecturers explained that Iran emerged from the Israeli surprise attack victorious and empowered. They echoed the regime's messages regarding the righteousness and superiority of the Islamic Revolutionary regime and the resistance, and the centrality of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in the face of the disbelieving and secular West, which they predicted will be defeated by Islam, led by Shiite Iran. According to the declaration, for years Israel and the United States have acted and continue to act together in order to topple the Islamic Revolutionary regime, and this is why they targeted its military commanders and its top scientists, with the goal of toppling Iranian society. The declaration explained that Islam is embedded in Iranian society such that the Islamic spirit is so deeply rooted that talk about secularism in Iranian society is false, and they said that the only path that has proven itself has been the resistance – the military-political manifestation of Islamic Iran's opposition to the West – while the path of negotiations has been false and has been used to deceive Iran. It underlined that today, Iran's participation in the negotiations is only a tactic being used to foil the enemy's plots. It also upheld the centrality of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as the leader of the Islamic nation in accordance with the ideology of the Rule of the Jurisprudent, and it said that he has succeeded by his might and intellect to fend off the hostile Western power of the U.S. and Israel. In addition, it said that he is the individual representing the values of the Islamic Revolution, which is destined to become global. The declaration stated: "We are in an era of 'a historic turning point,' 'the twilight of Western civilization,' 'orientalization of global power [i.e. the shifting of influence to Russia, China, and Iran],' and the 'birth of a strong Iran,' and currently society is ready and eager, more than ever, to jump ahead towards the original ideals of the revolution and to make an Iranian-Islamic plan for independent and original progress." The declaration said that the vision of the global Islamic Revolution is currently being realized: "Today a 'global resistance front' has been created that transcends religion, sects, and territory… This historic situation is the same promise made by [Ayatollah Ruhollah] Khomeini in the first years of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, and today we are clearly witnessing its birth and realization." The following is a translation of the key points of the declaration: "The Joint Goal Of The Zionist Regime And America In The War Was To 'Topple The Islamic Republic [Of Iran]' And Afterwards 'Dismantle Iran', Not Just To Destroy The Nuclear And Missile Infrastructure" "The war that was recently forced [upon Iran] ended in disappointment and helplessness for the Zionist regime and America, and even though a clear opinion cannot be stated regarding the near future and we cannot forget the treachery and violation of promises by the vicious enemy [America] or trust their words, we can at least look at what has happened to us... "The joint goal of the Zionist regime and America in the war was to 'topple the Islamic Republic [of Iran]' and afterwards 'dismantle Iran', not just to destroy the nuclear and missile infrastructure. They wanted to end the Islamic revolution in less than a week and get this 'civilizational obstacle' out of their way forever, by surprise and cleverly. The plan for this war was a plan for 'political collapse' and 'foundational destruction', and it was never limited to [certain] elements. Today everyone knows that the nuclear agreement and the missile deals and the region were just an excuse for dismantling the foundations and essence of the Islamic revolution, but this hidden goal required early preparations such as this. "[America and the Zionist regime] wanted, first and foremost, to empty Iran of its elements of power so that it will be possible to destroy and shatter also the Islamic revolutionary [regime] and Iran [as a state]. The tyrants of the world of Western modernization will never be satisfied with less than that. But because achieving this goal suddenly became difficult and even impossible, they needed to take measures in order to 'dilute Iran's power' and eliminate its resources. Since political bartering in the form of processes and periods of negotiations did not lead to this possibility, the reins of the matter were handed to the Zionist regime in order to kill the [Islamic] revolution in an immediate, crazy, and vicious manner. The war that was recently forced upon [Iran] has no meaning other than [having been a] 'civilizational and identity conflict.' Hence, reductionist and superficial outlooks must be avoided, and reality must be interpreted for what it is. "This attempt showed that there is a distribution of work between America and the Zionist regime, and that there is no gap or difference between the two, and that America will not adopt any policy in the Middle East region that is not coordinated with this [Zionist] regime and that contradicts its interests. "The dichotomy [regarding Israel and America] that was discussed by [Western] secular intellectuals is an illusion and imaginary, and reality has exposed that the Zionist regime is one of the objective expressions and forms of Western civilization, and this civilization and its governments will not stop supporting this regime. The two should be viewed as equal and the distinction between them should be eliminated. America on the one hand insisted on negotiations while on the other hand supported the military aggression of the Zionist regime, and after it saw the defeat of this regime, it put aside its 'false diplomacy' and openly attacked Iran. Hence, the American negotiations table cannot be [now] approached under pretext of preventing war. The recent war resulted from [Iran's] trust in the negotiations table, while a different game was being planned behind the scenes. "Iranian Society Is Mixed And United With Islam In All The Domains And Layers Of Its Personal And Social Lives, And A Deep And Historic Tie Has Been Created Between The Islamic Spirit And The Iranian Body... [This] Is A Separate Identity... [Which Protected Iranians] From Being Swallowed Up And Dissolved By Western Civilization... This War Made It Clear That Iranian Society Has A 'Tight Bond' And 'Internal Tie' With The Revolution And The Regime And That It Sees The Supreme Leader As Its 'Spiritual Father' And 'Source' Of Its Identity" "The citizens of Iran, who are motivated by their identity and semantic ideas, have stood against the incitement to war and their social resistance, and their national character had a deep and religious character. Iran is not a secular social unit, and at least 1,400 years of brilliant and solid history of Iran's post-Islamic period clearly show that Iranian society is mixed and united with Islam in all the domains and layers of its personal and social lives, and a deep and historic tie has been created between the Islamic spirit and the Iranian body. Without these spirit, meaning, and truth, Iran is like a lifeless and rootless body. This holy semantic horizon has granted Iran and the Iranians a separate identity and protected them from being swallowed up and dissolved by Western civilization. "Liberal intellectuals who present a secular narrative about Iran speak about their desires and aspirations, and not about the continuing and clear reality of Iranian society. This war made it clear that Iranian society has a 'tight bond' and 'internal tie' with the revolution and the regime, and that it sees the Supreme Leader as its 'spiritual father' and 'source' of its identity. In these difficult moments, the inner and deep heart of society exposes its belonging and relationship, and Iranian society has also shown that it is not going according to the twisted narratives of the secular intellectuals, and it is not separate from its Islamic and revolutionary identity. These feelings of honor and respect that were now created in the context of Iranian society are a result of the brave resistance of the revolution to foreign invasion, and this glorious victory can be attributed to the world of the revolution and to the wise activism of its wise leader [Khamenei]. "Regarding 'occupations and tragedies,' our view is that in this war a costly base was given, in an outstanding fashion, to reestablishing and rehabilitating the 'social capital,' and the divisions that were forced [upon us] have been removed, and Iran's Islamic society has become united...[1] "It is clear that the structure of our security [institutions] is infested and full of holes and requires serious and comprehensive reconsideration. It requires widespread fixes, holes and breaches need to be identified, and borders and safety boundaries need to be recreated. The extent of the security infiltration during this war is an indication of certain recklessness and shortcomings, and it shows that the matter of fixing this must be placed on the agenda... "The reckless relationship that we have created with Western cyberspace has created the conditions for the infiltration and for insecure and lethal networks, and if we continue with this abandonment and weak-handedness, we will again be met with surprise and the presence of the enemy deep inside [Iran]. "Negotiations Are Pointless... [And] Constitute Self-Deception... Only 'The Resistance' Creates Real Deterrence And Can Cause The Enemy Of Civilization And Identity [America] To Despair And Retreat... The Resistance Is 'The Main And Basic Plan Of Iran' For Advancing And For Confronting Difficulties" "In the domain of 'solutions and means,' our stance is as follows: The recent experience, together with the bitter and damaging experiences of recent decades, have shown that negotiations are pointless and do not solve economic problems, and even constitute part of 'the trap of the aggression' and an 'extortion scheme.' Negotiations should no longer be viewed as a 'solution' to be insisted upon. Negotiations with such an enemy constitute self-deception… "In the recent experience, we have also seen that on the other side of the negotiations table, the plan for war actions was on their agenda, and the negotiations were used as a false cover for this main and hidden goal. Thus, the negotiations have been emptied of their real meaning and have become a theatre of the politics of control. Negotiations in the narrative of the Western governments is surrender of the other side [Iran] to the West, and not an equal and logical deal. But if the other side [Iran] does not choose the path of surrender and humiliation [before the West] and does not want to give up on its natural and inalienable rights… the language turns into threats, and in fact a military war and wave of terror is launched. "On this basis, now, only the 'methodology of the resistance' is effective and solves the problems in all the domains: the political, the cultural, and the economic. Even those who did not support the resistance [i.e. the reformists] have understood now that this approach is a historic must, and that pacification, compromise, or problem-solving must not be used against a civilization that adds fire to war in such a reckless and shameless fashion, and that wages military aggression with cowardice. "Only 'the resistance' creates real deterrence and can cause the enemy of civilization and identity [America] to despair and retreat. A dialogue with these wild and merciless wolves will lead to surrender, kneeling, and humiliation, or to the revealing of the poison dagger that they have hidden under the negotiations table, which they will bury suddenly in Iran's body. "The assumption of these extreme national experiences, going back to the mistakes and the immaturity of the past, and starting from zero[2] will challenge our national security and have a harsh impact on sovereignty and society. Thus, resistance thought must be viewed as groundbreaking and advancing, and it must be seen as 'the main and basic plan of Iran' for advancing and for confronting difficulties. The matter of negotiations must be viewed as a tactic and it must be adopted in accordance with the considerations of the central decisionmakers in the regime, in order to disarm the enemy, remove its excuses, and foil its adventures… "[Iran's Islamic] society has understood clearly that Western civilization wants our soul, our foundations, our power, and our resilience, and if it succeeds it will realize the myth of collapsing [the Iranian regime]. Hence, revealing the harmful aims and goals of this great other [the West] has brought [Iranian] society to a harmony and internal alignment, and it has united it against foreign aggression. This unification is also the result of the 'shining power of the regime of the Islamic Republic' against the [Western] aggression, and the [Islamic] revolution has shown that it has the ability to resist, and that it can respond in time against a multi-faceted, complex, and combined surprise attack, and be the defender of honor and the authority of the people of Iran. Now, after the recent war, our society is full of a feeling of 'pride', 'respect', and 'greatness', and it does not show any signs of defeat, humiliation, or surrender. This social possibility – which stems from 'the intelligent planning of the Leader,' from the 'socialization of revolutionary thought,' and from the 'reliance on the internal technology' – will be the basis for rebuilding social capital in Iran. To this end, [we] must make permanent the elements that were all manifested in the world of the Islamic revolution, the elements that create and shape it. Among these, theories like 'the Rule of the Jurisprudent,' 'the resistance,' 'strengthening the internal structure,' and 'the religious identity of the Iranians,' which belong to the Islamic religious terminologies, must increasingly become part of the social dialogue. "Outlooks that are 'outward-facing,' 'negotiations-oriented,' 'begging,' and 'alienating' have been experienced, and their failure and practical inability has been proven. Thus, they must be overcome, and instead we must place on the agenda that strengthening of the internal infrastructure and resources of Iran. Objective evidence shows that a large part of Iranian society has come to this strategic and historic conclusion, as the Leader [Khamenei] has insisted and demanded for decades, but the forces and movements lacking national confidence [i.e. the reformists] did not aspire to achieve it and chose the path of negotiations and unilateral interaction with the West. "[Iranian] Society… Needs To View [Khamenei] As The Center Of Social Cohesion And Unity And Implement His Demands As The One Who Represents The Hidden And Holy [Imam]" "This experience must become a national principle, and any angle and gap against it constitute a search for conflict with experienced reality and with national unity. The territory and geography of total cohesion [of Iranian-Islamic society] have such characteristics, and those who are subject to the analyses [of foreign media outlets] must unify with the demands of this new national situation and not cause division [in society]. Just as during this war the leader of the revolution [Khamenei] trapped the Zionist regime in a swamp of 'misery' and sent America to the desert of 'regret' by immediately appointing [commanders to replace those who were assassinated] and planning the field, and this way society understood his central and crucial role more than ever, now, too, it needs to view [Khamenei] as the center of social cohesion and unity and implement his demands as the one who represents the hidden and holy [Imam]. "The mentality of Iranian society has for decades been in the context of 'cognitive warfare,' and the enemy is trying to cause society to deteriorate, to become alienated [from the regime], and to decline by means of its narratives. In the face of this wave, silence and conservatism are never acceptable. Rather, we must open, more than ever, our mouths to 'social enlightenment' and 'public explanation,' and tell the truth of the [Islamic] revolution and the [Iranian] regime. "Silence and passivity help the enemy's intellectual and media front, and they create doubt among parts of society. Of course, like in past decades, Western civilization also has an internal to and fro that repeats its statements and narratives, in a certain way, parallel to the enemy's narrative. We must confront the Iranian liberals who are at the mental and intellectual level carrying out the enemy's war actions, and we must not give them an opportunity to raise incitement and doubt. We must find, at least, internal resilience and not allow society to be affected by cognitive shocks that come from their twisted assessments. The statement published in recent days by some elements in the secular intellectual movement that are affiliated with ideas from modern religious studies are an example of an attempt to normalize negotiations, compromise, and giving up, which are entrenched in society as a science and as an expert opinion. The national broadcast authority must provide as much opportunity and space as possible for the dismantlement of liberal errors and shed light on their unpleasant outcomes… "Society Is Ready And Eager, More Than Ever, To Jump Ahead Towards The Original Ideals Of The Revolution And To Make An Iranian-Islamic Plan For Independent And Original Progress… Today A 'Global Resistance Front' Has Been Created That Transcends Religion, Sects, And Territory" "We must ensure that our eyes remain focused on 'Iranian and Islamic possibilities,' and reveal the mechanisms for manifesting internal capabilities. We are in an era of 'a historic turning point,' 'the twilight of Western civilization,' 'orientalization of global power,' and the 'birth of a strong Iran,' and currently society is ready and eager, more than ever, to jump ahead towards the original ideals of the revolution and to make an Iranian-Islamic plan for independent and original progress. "Moreover, today a 'global resistance front' has been created that transcends religion, sects, and territory, since many societies and groups believe in confronting the Zionist regime and America and pushing them back. This historic situation is the same promise made by [Ayatollah Ruhollah] Khomeini in the first years of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, and today we are clearly witnessing its birth and realization. "Most of the world identifies with the Palestinians in Gaza and cannot tolerate the unprecedented wildness and barbarity of the Zionist regime, and harshly criticize its support by the governments of America and Europe. This historic and global front must take intellectual and theoretical shape and experience semantic and epistemological presence in the face of the other [front], which is the front of renewed tyranny and arrogance [led by America]. Signed: [313 lecturers and intellectuals]"[3]
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Syria-Iraq's Al-Bukamal crossing open 24/7
Shafaq News – Damascus / Baghdad The Al-Bukamal (Al-Qaim) border crossing between Syria and Iraq remains open and operates 24 hours a day, Syrian authorities confirmed Monday, reporting uninterrupted movement of travelers and goods. Speaking to Shafaq News, Mazen Alloush, director of public relations at the Syrian Border Crossings Authority, confirmed the ongoing coordination with Iraqi counterparts to maintain smooth passage on both sides of the border. The Iraqi Interior Ministry also dismissed reports of restrictions on Syrian citizens entering Iraq during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, clarifying that all crossings continue under existing regulations without new limitations. Earlier in June, the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Crossings announced the reopening of the al-Bukamal crossing to passenger and freight traffic. The crossing had been closed since December 2024 amid Syria's political upheaval, including the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime and the withdrawal of Syrian forces from the area. Highly regarded as a strategic segment of the land route for the 'Axis of Resistance,' connecting Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, the crossing has seen repeated airstrikes and security incidents, often attributed to tensions involving regional and international armed groups.
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SDF calls for formal talks on Syria's oil
Shafaq News - Al-Hasakah On Monday, Mazloum Abdi, commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), called for formal negotiations to create a clear framework for managing Syria's oil resources, urging all relevant parties to come together in agreement. 'In practice, integration means a partnership —among all Syrians, all communities, and the administrations currently in place,' he stressed, emphasizing the need for inclusive governance structures rather than centralized control. Abdi noted that the region continues to face a range of political and administrative challenges, highlighting that addressing each of them requires distinct approaches rather than one overarching solution. His remarks come amid growing pressure in northeast Syria and a deadlock in dialogue with Damascus. A political agreement reached in March —intended to lay the groundwork for integrating SDF forces into state institutions—has yet to produce concrete steps. The absence of follow-through has raised concerns among observers monitoring the fragile political landscape. Marwan Hassan, a researcher on Syrian affairs, warned Shafaq News that while the March deal marked a symbolic shift, its implementation remains uncertain. 'Without a clear mechanism for integration and redistribution of authority, tensions will persist—and disputed areas could quickly turn into new flashpoints,' he cautioned. Meanwhile, Elham Ahmed, co-chair of the Foreign Relations Department of the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria, urged the transitional government to prioritize the return of displaced populations, describing it as an essential element of any political settlement. She also rejected accusations that the Administration is seeking separation from Syria, reaffirming that decentralization continues to form the basis of its political vision. 'A stalled or incomplete transition may open the door to civil war and unravel the fabric of social stability,' she warned.
