Greta Thunberg joins activists sailing towards Gaza Strip in aid ship amid Israeli attacks: 'We have to keep trying'
Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists are set to sail towards the Gaza Strip on the ship on Sunday afternoon in a bid to break 'Israel's siege' in the devastated territory, the Associated Press reported, citing organisers.
The boat Madleen – operated by the activist group Freedom Flotilla Coalition -- will embark from the Sicilian port of Catania in southern Italy for the shores of the Gaza Strip.
At a press conference, the activists said they would try to reach the shores of the Gaza Strip to bring in aid and raise 'international awareness' over the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Also Read | Was Greta Thunberg onboard the Gaza-bound ship targeted by alleged Israeli drone strike?
'We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying,' Thunberg said, bursting into tears during her speech, according to the news agency.
'Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity. And no matter how dangerous this mission is, it's not even near as dangerous as the silence of the entire world in the face of the live-streamed genocide,' she added.
Also Read | Hamas seeks amendments to Gaza ceasefire proposal, US envoy says 'unacceptable'
The activists anticipate a seven-day journey to their destination, provided they are not halted.
Israel has pledged to take control of Gaza and continue its efforts until Hamas is either destroyed, disarmed, or exiled, as well as until the militant group returns the remaining 58 hostages captured during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack that ignited the conflict.
Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in the 2023 attack. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed around 54,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, according to the Associated Press.
On its part, Israel has adamantly rejected allegations of genocide in Gaza against it as an antisemitic 'blood libel.'
In mid-May, Israel slightly relaxed its blockade of Gaza after almost three months, permitting a restricted influx of humanitarian aid into the region. Experts caution that Gaza faces the threat of famine unless additional aid is delivered.
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Hindustan Times
13 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Police may relocate BJP leader over hate speech
The police in Dakshina Kannada district have initiated legal proceedings to extern BJP leader and Puthila Parivara head Arun Kumar Puthila, citing concerns over law and order in the region. A formal notice has been issued directing him to appear before officials for a hearing on June 6, failing which an ex parte order may be passed. The externment proceedings are being pursued under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act, which allows for removal of individuals considered a threat to public order. According to an official, the authorities are considering relocating Puthila to Shahabad police station limits in Kalaburagi district. The notice, issued by the Puttur assistant commissioner, also stated that Puthila may appear in person or through legal representation. The decision has been taken based on his history of giving inflammatory speeches. According to the official, the decision follows recent incidents of communal violence and a review of multiple murder cases over the past decade, where several accused were reportedly found to be affiliated with radical organisations. 'We have identified and are closely monitoring the movements and activities of the leaders of such organisations. Directions have been issued to verify all such groups, and preventive measures will continue,' said Arun Kumar, superintendent of police. Kumar added that the police were acting within their mandate to maintain peace. 'It is the responsibility of the police to take preventive action, and legal steps will be taken against those who oppose these efforts. We will continue to implement such measures until law and order is fully restored.' In connection with ongoing preventive actions, the police also registered an FIR on June 2 against senior RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, who allegedly delivered a provocative speech on May 12 during a condolence meeting for slain Hindutva activist and rowdy-sheeter Suhas Shetty. The event took place at Madwa Palace Convention Hall in Kavalapadur village under Bantwal Rural Police Station limits. Police allege Bhat's remarks were inflammatory and could incite communal tension. A case has been booked under relevant sections of the BNS. The Dakshina Kannada district police, in coordination with the district administration, has identified 36 people for externment from the district limits following their repeated involvement in communal offences and activities that threaten public peace and order. The police crackdown has triggered protests from various groups, including demonstrations outside the Kadaba police station, where activists opposed background verifications being conducted on leaders of several organisations. In response to the developments, BJP state president BY Vijayendra issued a sharp rebuke of the Congress-led government, accusing it of using the police force to target Hindu leaders in a bid to appease the Muslim community for electoral purposes. 'In the coastal region, Hindu leaders and BJP are going out to intimidate Hindu activists to remind people of it again,' Vijayendra said, alleging that the state was showing leniency towards 'anti-social elements' while aggressively pursuing action against leaders of Hindu outfits. He also criticised the government's alleged role in the swift transfer of top police officers in Mangaluru following the murder of a Muslim truck driver. 'A conspiracy is underway to file false cases against the leaders of the Hindu community and throw them in jail,' he said. Terming the externment proceedings and FIRs as 'shameful moves to suppress freedom of expression,' Vijayendra demanded immediate withdrawal of the cases. 'The FIR registered against more than 15 leaders of Hindu organizations, including Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, should be immediately cancelled and the deportation order withdrawn, otherwise the government itself will have to be responsible for the further consequences,' he warned. In response, home minister G Parameshwara said: 'Whether Hindu or Muslim, action will be taken only if someone breaks the law. No one will be spared if they do something wrong.'
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
Brazil condemned Pakistan's cross-border terrorism, supported Operation Sindoor: Tejasvi Surya
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, who is a member of all-party delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor , said that Brazilian leaders during the meeting with the all-party parliamentary delegation, expressed clear support for India 's counter-terrorism effort Operation Sindoor and condemned Pakistan's cross-border terrorism. Speaking to ANI, Surya said that the delegation met the Brazilian Parliament President, the Acting Foreign Minister and the India-Brazil Friendship Group Members of Parliament. He said that Brazilian leaders assured the delegation that Brazil is India's all-weather "ally and friend" and termed it a successful visit to Brazil. He said, "Today, we met Brazil's Acting Foreign Minister, Brazil Parliament President, meaning speaker equivalent, India-Brazil Friendship Group MPs. In all three meetings, Brazil has clearly expressed support for India. It has condemned Pakistan's cross-border terrorism and supported India's counter-terrorism Operation Sindoor. This is very big for India. Brazil is an essential voice in Latin America and this entire geography. " Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now "It is also a strategic partner of India in many groups, be it the G-20, G-4, BRICS, or India-led other global platforms like the International Solar Alliance , Global Alliance for all three meetings, Brazil's top authority has supported India's stance against terrorism, has supported India's counter-terrorism measures. At the conclusion of every meeting, we were given assurance that Brazil is an all-weather ally and all-weather friend of has been a very successful visit to Brazil. We received immense support for India from Guyana, Panama, and Colombia. This is something, the biggest takeaway for this delegation," he added. The delegation, led by Shashi Tharoor, includes Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum, reflecting India's vibrant and inclusive democratic character. The delegation comprises Sarfaraz Ahmad, Ganti Harish Madhur, Shashank MTripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Tejasvi Surya, and former Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Live Events BJP MP Shashank Mani says, "We are here as a reflection of India-Brazil friendship. We told them that Operation Sindoor is important for India and the world. The people are receiving our message well... We believe that the way our multi-party delegation has come here, Brazil's similar delegation will visit India soon." Speaking about the meeting with Brazilian leadership, former Ambassador of India to the US and BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, "I think on the South American perspective, we have seen a lot of positivity, starting from Guyana, Panama. Brazil, we have had a traditional relationship with them and this morning we met the chief advisor of the president, who is a former defense minister as well as foreign minister and he underlined against any form of terrorism. And he also emphasized about Prime Minister Modi and Then we also met the president of the Senate and we also had a meeting with the president of the House Foreign Affairs Committee ." "Both responded very positively on India-Brazil relationship, particularly on terrorism. They were very clear and there is an understanding across South America that terrorism as a policy instrument is a very dangerous aspect and therefore, it needs to be opposed and India is in a way doing, fulfilling the responsibility of the world. And I think after this, the next stop we have is Washington, DC, which will have its own challenges. The South American interaction has gone very well. This delegation had a very clear, out-focused message and led by Foreign Relations Committee Chair Mr. Shashi Tharoor," he added. BJP MP Bhubaneswar Kalita said that the delegation had a fruitful meeting with the Brazilian leadership. He said that they will hold a meeting with Brazil's Vice President and expressed hope that the meeting would be fruitful. said, "Parliamentary delegation, which is consisted of opposition as well as ruling party and particularly our delegation is led by an opposition leader, Shashi Tharoor. And we had today very useful and fruitful meetings with the leadership of the Brazilian government. We are also, we have already met the Secretary General of Foreign Affairs, who is looking after, who is the head of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Government of Brazil and we had a very fruitful discussion with the parliamentarians and the president of the Senate. So, we had very good discussion and we could convey our message to them and which they fully accepted and they have shown their solidarity with us. "And after this, of course, we are going to meet the Vice President and hopefully that meeting will also be very fruitful. And overall, our discussion and interaction with the leadership, the parliamentary leadership as well as the government leadership in these two days have been very fruitful and we could convey the sentiments of India and particularly the war against terror, the Pahalgam incident, which is an act of terror by Pakistan. The government of Brazil and the leadership of Brazil have some solidarity for against terror and on unequivocal terms and they have some solidarity with India," she added. The delegation also held a meeting with India-Brazil Friendship Front President Nelsinho Trad. Shashi Tharoor said that he appreciates Trad's insightful understanding and strong endorsement of India's perspective on recent events. According to Tharoor, Trad said that they have an ally in him and his colleagues in Parliament in Brazil. "Excellent & highly productive meeting with Senator Nelsinho Trad, President of the India-Brazil Friendship Front & President of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee . Deeply appreciate his insightful understanding & strong endorsement of India's perspective on recent events. Such solidarity strengthens the bonds between our democracies," Tharoor posted on X. The delegation also met the Chief Advisor to Brazil's President, Celso Amorim. Sharing details regarding the meeting, Tharoor on X wrote, "Our day in Brasilia begins with a visit to the Presidential Palace, where we meet with my old friend the Diplomatic Advisor to the President, Ambassador Celso Amorim (Brazil's longest-serving Foreign Minister twice & Defence Minister once). A full &rewarding discussion followed." The visit to Brazil is part of India's larger global outreach following the Pahalgam terror attack, aimed at conveying India's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. The delegation had earlier visited Panama, Guyana, and Colombia and will now travel to the United States to continue their diplomatic outreach.
NDTV
21 minutes ago
- NDTV
Colorado Suspect Wanted To Attack Earlier, Daughter's Graduation Delayed It
BOULDER, Colorado: An Egyptian national charged with tossing gasoline bombs at a pro-Israeli rally in Boulder, Colorado, injuring a dozen people, planned his attack for a year and used Molotov cocktails instead of a gun because his noncitizen status blocked him from buying firearms, prosecutors said on Monday. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, told investigators that he wanted to "kill all Zionist people" but had delayed committing the attack until after his daughter had graduated from high school, according to state and federal court documents charging him with attempted murder, assault and a federal hate crime. Police and FBI affidavits quoted the suspect as saying he took firearms training to obtain a concealed-carry permit but ended up using Molotov cocktails because of his immigration status. Soliman told investigators that he had learned how to make the fire bombs from YouTube. Federal authorities said Soliman was in the country illegally, having overstayed a tourist visa and an expired work permit. Trump administration officials immediately seized on Sunday's violence as an example of why they are cracking down on illegal immigration. A police affidavit filed in support of Soliman's arrest warrant said he was born in Egypt, lived in Kuwait for 17 years and moved three years ago to Colorado Springs, about 100 miles (161 km) south of Boulder, where he lived with his wife and five children. "In light of yesterday's horrific attack, all terrorists, their family members, and terrorist sympathizers here on a visa should know that under the Trump administration we will find you, revoke your visa, and deport you," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X. Federal and local authorities at an afternoon news conference in Boulder said Soliman had done nothing to draw law enforcement attention before Sunday's incident. He was believed to have acted alone, they said. According to the Boulder police affidavit, Soliman had planned for a year to carry out the attack, which unfolded on the Pearl Street Mall, a popular pedestrian shopping district near the University of Colorado. The affidavit said the suspect "threw two lit Molotov cocktails at individuals participating in the pro-Israel gathering," yelling, "Free Palestine" as they ignited in the crowd. The victims, many of them elderly, were taking part in an event organized by Run for Their Lives, an organization devoted to drawing attention to the hostages seized in the aftermath of Hamas' 2023 attack on Israel. SIXTEEN MOLOTOV COCKTAILS WERE LEFT The attack was the latest act of violence aimed at Jewish Americans linked to outrage over Israel's escalating military offensive in Gaza. It followed the fatal shooting of two Israel Embassy aides that took place outside Washington's Capital Jewish Museum last month. US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the fire-bombing as an "antisemitic terror attack." Authorities said they found 16 gasoline-filled Molotov cocktails near where the suspect was detained. The police also found a gasoline canister in his car parked nearby and a weed sprayer filled with gasoline at the scene. The federal affidavit references a video posted on social media during the attack showing Soliman "shirtless, pacing back and forth while holding what appear to be Molotov cocktails." During a brief court appearance on Monday, Soliman appeared via a video feed from the Boulder County Jail, wearing an orange jumpsuit. He answered "yes" to some procedural questions from the judge but otherwise did not speak. Soliman's attorney, public defender Kathryn Herold, said during the hearing that she would reserve any arguments regarding his bond conditions until a future date. He was initially detained in lieu of $10 million cash bail. The suspect faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if found guilty on the federal hate crime charge because he was also charged with attempted-murder in state court. The multiple attempted-murder counts are punishable by up to 384 years in prison, Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty said. Department of Homeland Security officials said Soliman had entered the United States in August 2022 on a tourist visa, filed for asylum the following month, and remained in the country after his visa expired in February 2023. "There are millions of individuals like this that we are attempting to locate from the past administration that weren't properly screened that were allowed in," Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said during a press conference in Boston. In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump called Sunday's attack "yet another example of why we must keep our Borders SECURE, and deport Illegal, Anti-American Radicals from our Homeland." Under former President Joe Biden, ICE prioritized arrests of serious criminals and called for officers to consider humanitarian factors when detaining migrants. Authorities had identified eight victims by late Sunday - four women and four men, 52 to 88 years of age. Two victims remained hospitalized on Monday. In addition, four more victims who were less seriously injured came forward on Monday. Rabbi Yisroel Wilhelm, the Chabad director at the University of Colorado, Boulder, told CBS Colorado that the 88-year-old victim was a Holocaust refugee who fled Europe. Sunday's attack was not the first high-profile incident of mass violence in Boulder, a university town that attracts many young professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. In 2021, a gunman fatally shot 10 people, including an off-duty police officer, in a local supermarket. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
