Israeli forces halt Gaza-bound aid boat and detain Greta Thunberg and other activists
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli forces stopped a Gaza-bound aid boat and detained Greta Thunberg and other activists who were on board early Monday, enforcing a longstanding blockade of the Palestinian territory that has been tightened during the war with Hamas.
The activists had set out to protest Israel's ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip, which is among the deadliest and most destructive since World War II, and its restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, both of which have put the territory of some 2 million Palestinians at risk of famine.
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Japan Forward
an hour ago
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: The Emperor Visits Okinawa
このページを 日本語 で読む On June 4, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with their daughter Princess Aiko, visited Okinawa Prefecture. More than 200,000 people lost their lives there during World War II. It was Princess Aiko's first visit to Okinawa. Many people lined the roads, waving Japanese flags to welcome them. The Imperial family responded with waves and bows. The family offered flowers at the National Okinawa War Dead Peace Mausoleum on Mabuni Hill, where the Battle of Okinawa ended. They also toured the Cornerstone of Peace, which bears the names of the war dead, and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. The Imperial Family pays their respects at the Cornerstone of Peace in Peace Memorial Park, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. Afternoon of June 4. Their Majesties spoke with war survivors, bereaved families, and their representatives. They asked about loved ones lost in the war and listened intently to their harrowing stories. When one woman shared how she had witnessed three close relatives killed before her eyes, the Emperor gently responded, "It must have been truly painful." Princess Aiko added, "It's beyond what I can imagine," as she listened with deep empathy. The Emperor said, "Thank you for continuing to hope for and share the message of peace." Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko speak with war survivors and representatives during their visit to the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum. Afternoon of June 4, Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture. That evening, the Imperial Family met with former participants of the "Mamekisha" (junior reporter) program, which sends Okinawan children to Tokyo to take part in journalistic activities. Some had met the Imperial Family years earlier, when Emperor Naruhito was still crown prince, and had even played volleyball with them. The reunion was warm and joyful. Outside their hotel, local volunteers welcomed the family with lanterns and Japanese flags. In return, the three waved lanterns from their room. The Imperial Family meets with former participants of Okinawa's "Mamekisha" (junior reporter) program. Afternoon of June 4, The Naha Terrace, Naha City. (Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency) On June 5, the Imperial family visited the Kozakura Monument in Naha City for the first time. The monument honors the victims of the Tsushima Maru, a school evacuation ship sunk by American forces during the war. Nearly 1,500 people were killed in the attack. While speaking with bereaved families, Princess Aiko reflected on the importance of life. Empress Masako noted, "It was a valuable experience for Aiko as well." Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko offer flowers at the Kozakura Monument, which honors those who perished aboard the Tsushima Maru. June 5, Naha City. Later that day, the family visited Shuri Castle, also in Naha. They observed the reconstruction of the main hall while dressed in traditional Okinawan summer wear, kariyushi . That evening, they returned to Tokyo, completing their visit. On May 30, Emperor Naruhito met with President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos at the Imperial Palace. It was announced that Princess Aiko is scheduled to make an official visit to Laos in November. The Emperor shared, "She is very much looking forward to it." That same day, Prince Fumihito met with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled at his residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo. On June 3, Princess Kiko attended a ceremony in Tokyo to present certificates of appreciation to donors of the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, which she leads as president. On June 1, Emperor Naruhito attended the Viola Space 2025 concert at Nippon Steel Kioi Hall in Chiyoda Ward. The following day, he took part in the 150th anniversary ceremony of Japan's meteorological services, held at a Tokyo hotel. Emperor Naruhito delivers a speech at the 150th Anniversary Ceremony of Japan's meteorological services. Afternoon of June 2, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. On June 4, Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, departed from Narita Airport on a commercial flight for an official visit to Brazil. The trip marks the 130th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Japan and Brazil. She arrived in São Paulo on the morning of June 5, local time. Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko, departs for Brazil. Afternoon of June 4, Narita Airport. Princess Hanako, the Emperor's aunt by marriage, visited the Tokyo Equestrian Park in Setagaya Ward on June 1 to attend the All Japan Equestrian Championships. Princess Akiko visited the National Confectionery Exposition in Hokkaido on May 30. On June 1, she attended the League One rugby final at the National Stadium in Shinjuku Ward. Princess Hisako visited Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai on May 30 and attended Luxembourg's National Day ceremony. The next day, May 31, she joined a commemorative event in Tokyo for the Prince Takamado Trophy All Japan Inter-Middle School English Oratorical Contest. Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Toronto Star
2 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Trump's new travel ban takes effect as tensions escalate over immigration enforcement
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's new ban on travel to the U.S. by citizens from 12 mainly African and Middle Eastern countries took effect Monday amid rising tension over the president's escalating campaign of immigration enforcement. The new proclamation, which Trump signed last week, applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It also imposes heightened restrictions on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are outside the U.S. and don't hold a valid visa.
Toronto Star
2 hours ago
- Toronto Star
Contractor in Syria uncovers a surprise beneath the rubble: an ancient tomb complex
MARAAT AL-NUMAN, Syria (AP) — A contractor digging into the earth where the rubble of a destroyed house had been cleared away in northern Syria stumbled across a surprise: the remains of an underground Byzantine tomb complex believed to be more than 1,500 years old. The discovery emerged last month in the town of Maarat al-Numan in Idlib province, which is strategically located on the route between the cities of Aleppo and Damascus. The community became a touchpoint in the nearly 14-year Syrian civil war that ended with the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December.
