Latest news with #GazanPalestinians
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Greta Thunberg's Gaza flotilla could reach Israeli waters over the weekend: What you need to know
Greta Thunberg's Gaza Freedom Flotilla is edging closer to Israeli waters, but will they actually make it? Five days after climate activist Greta Thunberg set sail Sunday afternoon along with 11 other activists on a ship carrying aid to Gaza, the group could soon near Israeli waters. Israeli officials have vowed not to allow the ship, called the Madleen, to dock. The country's navy is reportedly preparing to rebuff the ship and, if necessary, arrest its passengers. The group is carrying supplies for Gazan Palestinians and protesting what they say is 'Israel's 'illegal, decades-long blockade, and ongoing genocide' in the enclave. Their voyage is operated by the pro-Palestinian nonprofit Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which has staged other naval efforts to reach Gaza by sea over the last 15 years. The latest trip, which departed from Sicily and detoured to pick up Sudanese refugees, comes as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza turns 20 months old and includes Thunberg, one of the most prominent progressive activists in the world. Here's what you need to know in advance of a possible showdown on the high seas. The trip comes amid widespread criticism of Israel's handling of aid to Gaza, where 2 million Palestinians live and where Israel has been fighting Hamas, the governing authority, since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered 'basic aid' to enter Gaza last month amid growing concerns about starvation following Israel's months-long aid blockade. Since Netanyahu's announcement, aid distribution in Gaza has since faced multiple setbacks, including deadly shootings at aid distribution sites. According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Madleen is carrying baby formula, flour, rice, diapers, women's sanitary products, water desalination kits, medical supplies, crutches and children's prosthetics. 'We are doing this because, no matter what odds we are against, we have to keep trying,' Thunberg said during a press conference ahead of the voyage. 'Because the moment we stop trying is when we lose our humanity,' she continued. '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.' London has so far rejected requests by Israel to deter the Madleen, which is flying under a UK flag, from approaching Israeli waters, according to the Times of Israel. Last month, the leaders of France and the United Kingdom issued statements condemning Israel's blockade on aid to Gaza and continued offensive and vowing to take 'concrete actions' if they continue. The group has drawn support from pro-Palestinian advocates around the world. The human rights group Amnesty International, for example, called the voyage 'an important solidarity initiative that will help to keep the spotlight on Israel's illegal and suffocating blockade of the occupied Gaza Strip amidst its ongoing genocide.' But critics of the group have pilloried them for engaging in performative activism that is unlikely to achieve any results for Palestinian civilians. An Israeli official reportedly referred to the Madleen as the 'selfie flotilla,' for example. It has also added to concerns over whether Thunberg's increasing focus on Israel is distracting from her leadership on climate change. Thunberg has sparred with her critics. After Sen. Lindsay Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, tweeted, 'Hope Greta and her friends can swim!' Thunberg said on the progressive radio show Democracy Now, 'We can swim very well.' Following two successful independent voyages that reached Gaza in 2008, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition was founded in 2010 to protest Israel's blockade of Gaza. It operates a small fleet of ships that have tried — but rarely if ever succeeded — to bring aid and supplies by sea to the Gaza Strip. In the group's first mission, in 2010, a Turkish flotilla ship called the Mavi Marmara was raided by the Israeli military during an aid mission, and nine people on board were killed. Subsequent efforts in past years were intercepted, and their passengers were detained and deported. Last month, one of the ships in the group's fleet, the Conscience, was hit by two alleged drones just outside of Malta's territorial waters. The group accused Israel of perpetrating the attacks. Israel has declined to comment. An Israeli cargo aircraft reportedly flew at a relatively low altitude over eastern Malta several hours before the reported attack, according to flight data reviewed by CNN. The IDF declined to comment to CNN about the flight data. Thunberg told USA Today that she was supposed to be on the Conscience voyage but had stayed behind. Including Thunberg, there are 12 activists and journalists on board the Madleen, which is named for what the group says is Gaza's only female professional fisherwoman. Among them is Rima Hassan, a French member of the European Parliament. Hassan is of Palestinian descent and was barred from entering Israel in February due to her active opposition to the conflict in Gaza and support for the BDS movement. Others on board the Madleen come from at least half a dozen countries, according to a press release from the FFC. They include: Yasemin Acar, a German pro-Palestinian activist. Baptiste Andre, a physician from France. Thiago Avila, an activist from Brazil. Omar Faiad, an Al Jazeera correspondent. Pascal Maurieras, a French activist. Yanis Mhamdi, a journalist-director at Blast, a French independent media outlet. Şuayb Ordu, a Turkish activist. Reva Viard, an activist from France. Sergio Toribio, a crew member from Spain. Marco Van Rennes, a crew member from the Netherlands. 'Game of Thrones' actor Liam Cunningham was among the crowd of spectators who gathered in solidarity with the crew of the Madleen to bid them farewell in Catania, Sicily. 'Governments are not standing up for what their legal obligations are under international law, so it takes a disparate group like this to try and achieve it,' said Cunningham in a post on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla's Instagram account. 'Anybody who was fearful of using the word genocide, that's gone now.' If it is not intercepted, the Madleen could reach Gaza sometime over the weekend, according to a post on X early Friday morning by the International Committee to Break the Siege, which was reposted by FFC. 'We're on our way to Gaza — expected to arrive in about 48 hours,' the post read. 'These next hours are critical. Your voice is our protection. Let apartheid Israel know: the world is watching. Your silence gives them cover. Don't stay silent.' But the IDF has said it does not intend to allow the ship to dock. The Jerusalem Post reported that military officials said the ship will be warned not to enter the area, and if they defy orders, the IDF may take over the ship and arrest them. The protesters would then be transferred to the Ashdod port and deported, according to officials. The 'IDF is prepared to operate on all fronts, including in the maritime arena,' a spokesman, Effie Defrin, said this week. He added, 'We will act accordingly.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ex-top Shin Bet official to 'Post': Palestinian groups fighting Hamas in Israel's interest
"What are 'criminal groups' when it comes to Hamas-run Gaza?" the official said. Palestinian tribal gangs in Gaza fighting against Hamas are in Israel's interest, former top Shin Bet official Shalom Ben Hanan told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday, responding to the controversy about the agency providing weapons to such groups under orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ben Hanan retired in 2022 after 27 years in the agency at the equivalent rank of a major general in charge of a whole division in comparison to IDF ranks, and was only on Netanyahu's short-list in the running for the agency's chief this Spring. The former senior Shin Bet official said, "According to reports, the phenomenon of arming Palestinian tribal gangs to harm Hamas is a positive development - this is saving the lives of our soldiers," in various cases. In other words, if Gazan Palestinians can fight Hamas and push it out of certain areas, IDF soldiers will not need to do that fighting and will be at lower risk of Hamas guerrilla ambushes in those Gazan sectors. He noted that foreign reports have reflected on past potential instances where Israel might have assisted tribal gangs in the Sinai to fight off ISIS terrorists as a potential model for what might be going on now in Gaza. Moreover, he stated that the idea of "tribal gangs rising up against Hamas should be of positive interest to Israel," in its goals and future plans for Gaza. Responding to Yisrael Beytenu party leader's framing of Netanyahu as having sidestepped the cabinet in order to provide weapons to "Gaza criminals," Ben Hanan responded, asking rhetorically, "What are 'criminal groups' in the context of Gaza?" Essentially, Ben Hanan was arguing that many people who might be considered "criminal" by Hamas might not be criminal at all. Alternatively, even if some of the Gazan groups receiving weapons from Israel are, in fact, criminals, they still might be preferable as interlocutors in Gaza if they conclude that their local non-ideological and calculated interests are to forge a stable relationship with Israel – as opposed to Hamas which is religiously and ideologically committed to Israel's destruction. The Shin Bet and IDF intelligence did not deny their involvement in providing weapons to the Gaza tribal gangs, but the Shin Bet did not provide a detailed response, and IDF intelligence did not respond. However, the Jerusalem Post was told by top defense sources, even in early 2024, that there were certain efforts to recruit Gaza tribal gangs to fight against or counter Hamas on both the military and political fronts. It is likely that the Shin Bet originated the idea based on requests from Netanyahu and then defense minister Yoav Gallant to try to find a way to circumvent Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, and given that the agency has the most long-term experts on Gaza groups. For a period of weeks, there were hopes in early 2024 that such tribal gangs, unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, could be alternate rulers of Gaza to both of those groups, "the Day After" the war would end. Meanwhile, although there is a history of external spy services like the Mossad and CIA arming foreign groups, the Mossad does not and did not have any security responsibility for Gaza, so it would not be involved in the issue of arming tribal Gaza gangs. Also, late Thursday, sources close to Netanyahu himself proudly admitted his involvement in the issue, signaling they thought Liberman's attack was off-base. Further, some leaks suggested that the weapons given by Israel to these gangs were not Israeli weapons, but Hamas weapons, which Israel had confiscated. These leaks would try to defend against accusations of Israel "funding" these Gazan tribal gangs, since, if true, giving them only Hamas weapons, which were confiscated, does not implicate Israeli funds. In the broader narrative, Liberman is likely laying the ground for his biggest attacks on Netanyahu whenever the next election comes out: Netanyahu paid Qatar to pay Hamas to keep them "deterred," is now paying directly or indirectly for the Palestinians food aid, and provided weapons to dangerous Palestinian gangs in Gaza who will likely at some later point turn their weapons on Israel.
Otago Daily Times
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Shame on you Mr Netanyahu
It takes a certain kind of person to sanction the killings of tens of thousands of people, never once show any empathy or mercy towards innocent victims of any age, and never waver in their belief what they are doing is right. History is full of such people, who carry out the most monstrous wickednesses by day and yet still seem to be able to sleep at night. The world is currently lumbered with two particularly high-profile leaders whose monstrous behaviour needs to be stopped somehow. In the Kremlin we have Russian President Vladimir Putin, still leading everyone a dance when it comes to sitting down and working out a ceasefire and peace plan for Ukraine, which his forces invaded more than three years ago. Some 3600km south of Moscow in Tel Aviv we find Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu busy promulgating a ground invasion of Gaza and doing effectively nothing to stop the deaths of Gazan Palestinians through bombing and starvation. There is one significant difference between the two — Netanyahu did not start the latest dreadful conflict in the region. That was done by the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza, which invaded Israel in October 2023, killing 1200 people and taking hostage more than 250 people. The Israeli government believes 24 people held captive are still alive in the Gaza Strip. In its efforts to liberate all hostages, and eliminate Hamas, it has killed more than 55,000 Palestinians. From such a distance, it is almost impossible for us to fully grasp the depth of hatred between some Palestinians and Israelis. That distance also allows a certain naivety to creep in, one which makes it seemingly simpler for us to judge actions on both sides because we fail to understand just how complicated, emotional and historically deep-rooted the situation is. However, even from our far corner of the world, we know right from wrong. We know what terrorism is, we know what is tantamount to war crimes. and we know what evil looks like. And while we may not boil over with anger and engage in tit-for-tat violence and killing, we quite rightly seethe, and feel helpless and ashamed, when we see each night and read of the continuing atrocities Netanyahu's far-right military machine is carrying out on the children of Gaza. To even raise the spectre of the Holocaust in which six million Jews were murdered by Nazi Germany in World War 2 is to invite anger and provoke bitterness. Yet it beggars belief that this most persecuted group of people, who know more about oppression and tyranny, and about living in ghettoes, than we ever will, would allow its leaders to pursue such relentless terrorising of others, actions which see Israel stand accused by some of genocide and ethnic cleansing. Finding out the truth about what is happening in Gaza has been made increasingly difficult because more than 160 journalists have been killed reporting on events. We can't say that they have been deliberately targeted, but their loss, and the loss of their work, is convenient for the Israeli military. More than 1400 aid workers and medical staff have also been killed trying to do their jobs and bring some succour and comfort to the Gazan people. The attacks have been highly questionable, abhorrent and a further stain on Israel's international reputation. Not that it seems to care. Or want to change. There has been a sense of helplessness around the world at the plight of the innocent in Gaza, a feeling of "why isn't someone doing something about this?". Finally this week, there are signs of some international pressure to stop Netanyahu's megalomaniac drive to take over Gaza. The United Kingdom, France and Canada say they will take "concrete actions" if Netanyahu and his ilk do not stop its invasion and also allow in humanitarian aid. There are also rumours that even United States President Donald Trump has had enough and told Netanyahu to clean up his act in the face of imminent famine due to his blockade. The Israeli government has now finally allowed some aid in, but a pathetic amount. Just how many thousands of starving children is the world prepared to see from its comfortable living rooms each night before it holds Netanyahu and his monsters to account?
Jordan News
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Fayez: The King's Stance on Supporting the Palestinian People Remains Firm - Jordan News
Amman – Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez met yesterday in his office with a delegation from the Women's Science and Knowledge Bazaar Initiative from Karak Governorate. اضافة اعلان During the meeting, Al-Fayez spoke about King Abdullah II's efforts regarding the Palestinian cause, reaffirming Jordan's steadfast position and the support the country has extended to the Palestinian people. The delegation also met with the Senate's Media and National Guidance Committee, including members Mohammad Daoudia, Ali Al-Ayed, Dr. Ammar Al-Qudah, Omar Al-Ayasrah, and Sharhabil Madi. Committee Chairman Mohammad Daoudia highlighted the King's unwavering support for Palestinian rights, emphasizing the Hashemite commitment to both national interests and broader Arab causes. He stressed that King Abdullah II places Jordan's interests above all else, and his wisdom, balance, and leadership have earned him international respect. Daoudia also condemned any doubts about Jordan's firm stance, stating that the King has proven to the world that he is a great leader who took a historic stand against the forced displacement of Gazan Palestinians. He noted that this position has remained unchanged for 25 years. He further emphasized the King's strong commitment to Jordanian youth, believing in their ability to drive positive change and build a resilient nation. He affirmed that there is a clear political decision to empower youth and integrate them into society politically and economically, ensuring their role as true partners in shaping Jordan's future. For their part, the initiative's representatives praised the King's firm stance, expressing pride in Jordan's historic positions. They affirmed their appreciation for his efforts in supporting the Palestinian people in all fields, protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and working with world leaders to achieve justice, peace, and stability.
New York Times
21-02-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Fate of Bibas Family Recalls Trauma of Oct. 7, Renewing Fears for Gaza Truce
For 16 months, the smiling faces of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, had been slowly receding into the background of Israeli life as their photographs — posted on walls and bus stops soon after the family's abduction to Gaza in October 2023 — began to fade, tear and peel. On Friday, the Bibas's lives and disturbing deaths were swept back to the forefront of Israel's collective consciousness in such a startling and unsettling way that it set off fresh alarm about the fate of the fragile cease-fire in Gaza and the high-level diplomatic efforts, which had gathered momentum in recent days, to extend the truce and end the war. Early on Friday morning, the Israeli military announced that the body of Ms. Bibas — nominally returned, along with those of her sons, by Hamas to Israel on Thursday — appeared to be that of someone else. And an autopsy of the two boys, aged 4 and 8 months at the time of their abduction, revealed that they were killed by terrorists in Gaza, the military said. Hamas, which had previously said they were killed in an Israeli missile strike, said in a statement that it was investigating the claims and suggested that Ms. Bibas's body might have been mistakenly confused for that of a dead Palestinian in the chaotic aftermath of an Israeli attack. Neither side's account could be independently verified. The news set off a paroxysm of fury and agony in Israel rarely seen since the tumultuous days that followed Hamas's attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, when up to 1,200 people were killed and 251 were abducted, including Ms. Bibas and her sons, on the deadliest day in Israeli history. Responding to the military's announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel returned to the language of vengeance that defined his speeches in the aftermath of that attack. 'May God avenge their blood,' Mr. Netanyahu said in a recorded speech to the nation on Friday morning. 'And we will also have our vengeance.' The seething tenor of Mr. Netanyahu's response was maintained across much of the Israeli political spectrum. Naftali Bennett, a former prime minister, said in a broadcast interview that the Bibas's treatment showed how 'the majority of Gazans want to murder all of the Israelis.' (Polling last fall suggested that less than 40 percent of Gazan Palestinians supported the Oct. 7 attack, down from more than 70 percent early last year.) For some Israelis, the horror underlined the need to restart the war to defeat Hamas once and for all. The current truce is set to elapse in early March unless Hamas and Israel can agree to an extension. 'The only solution is the destruction of Hamas, and this must not be postponed,' said Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister, in a post on social media. But others called for calm, arguing that the fate of the Bibas family exemplified why the truce needed to be extended to bring home roughly 70 hostages still held, both dead and alive, in Gaza. 'We must remember our highest duty — to do everything in our power to bring every one of our kidnapped sisters and brothers home,' Israel's mainly ceremonial president, Isaac Herzog, said in a statement. 'All of them. Until the very last.' Six living Israeli hostages are set to be released on Saturday, and analysts said it was unlikely that Israel would do anything to jeopardize their freedom. The long-term future of the truce seemed less clear. Arab leaders were set to meet in Saudi Arabia on Friday to try to thrash out a proposal for Gaza's postwar reconstruction that would allow for the peaceful transfer of power from Hamas to an alternative Palestinian administration. But in Israel, analysts speculated that the government would rather expel Hamas by force. 'If it were up to Netanyahu and his far-right partners, then next week — upon the completion of the first phase of the deal, with the return of four more bodies of fallen hostages — the path would be paved for the resumption of the war in Gaza,' wrote Amos Harel, a commentator on military affairs for Haaretz, a left-leaning newspaper. 'This time, they promise, without restraints.'
