Latest news with #Thiago
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
'We do not fear them' - flotilla activists in bid to reach Gaza
Under the heat of the Mediterranean sun, a small group of activists is currently making its way by water to one of the the most dangerous places on earth. Their destination? Gaza. Their mission? To "break the siege and to create a people's humanitarian corridor". This small sailboat carrying 12 volunteers from around the world - including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg - is named the Madleen. It is the latest ship to attempt the audacious crossing to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. "When you see people starving to death, you bring them food," Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila tells RTÉ News from the ship, which set sail from Sicily last Sunday and aims to arrive in Gaza on Monday morning. "We're bringing food, medicine, crutches, prosthetics for amputated children and water filters," Thiago said, though he acknowledges it is just a "drop in the ocean" of what is required. "We are (on) a small boat of 18 metres, but it is carrying the hope of millions and millions of people." However, the Madleen faces significant obstacles in reaching its destination. In a statement to RTÉ News, Israel's Defense Forces said it intended to enforce a "security naval blockade" on Gaza and is "prepared for a wide range of scenarios". Despite that, Thiago remains defiant. "We do not fear them. They can't threaten us. In the end, we know that we have the social majorities of the world with us." What is the Freedom Flotilla Coalition? The Madleen ship was launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), which describes itself as a "grassroots people-to-people solidarity movement composed of campaigns and initiatives to end the blockade of Gaza". It has been organising flotillas since 2010 with the aim of breaking the Israeli maritime blockade on Gaza. The FFC has emphasised that all volunteers and crew on board the Madleen are trained in non-violence and are sailing "unarmed in a peaceful act of civil resistance against Israel's actions in Gaza". The launch of the Madleen in Italy last weekend received media attention around the world. Hope Greta and her friends can swim! — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) June 1, 2025 It was also attended by a number of Irish people who showed their support for the mission, including activist Caoimhe Butterly, actor Liam Cunningham and Senator Lynn Ruane. However, the Madleen has also attracted criticism from supporters of Israel, most notably from US Republican senator Lindsey Graham, who was rebuked for his social media on the launch. Damage to previous FFC ship Last month, another vessel operated by the group, the Conscience, caught fire before it was due to set sail for Gaza. The ship had been en route to Malta to collect a large contingent of activists, including Greta Thunberg, when the incident occurred in the early hours of 2 May. According to the FFC, the fire was caused by an Israeli-operated drone. "While it was 14 nautical miles from the coast of Malta in international waters, it came under attack," said Huwaida Arraf, a spokesperson for the Freedom Flotilla. "A drone fired two missiles at the front of the ship, igniting a fire and compromising the hull." Israel has not responded to requests for comment. Images posted online by the FFC appear to show damage to the hull of the ship. The Maltese government has confirmed that its Vessel Traffic Services received a mayday call from the Conscience just after midnight on 2 May, "reporting a fire on the bow while outside territorial waters". A tug boat arrived on the scene and began the firefighting operation, and all crew were confirmed safe. After two weeks at sea, the ship was permitted to dock in Malta, and its crew and passengers disembarked safely. Irish involvement in previous flotillas Since the Freedom Flotilla Coalition was established in 2010, Irish people have been involved in a number of attempted operations. Five Irish activists were detained in Israel when soldiers took control of the MV Rachel Corrie, which had been attempting to deliver aid to Gaza in 2010. The vessel had been following a flotilla of aid vessels which was raided by Israeli troops the week previous. Nine people were killed in the incident and 30 wounded. Both sides accused the other of causing the deadly violence. All passengers on the MV Rachel Corrie returned home safely. The following year in 2011, an Irish ship named MV Saoirse was damaged while docked in a Greek port - an incident described by the activists as "deliberate sabotage". Some of the crew attempted another crossing on the Saoirse, which was later intercepted by the Israeli Navy in what was a "violent and dangerous" operation, according to those on board. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy (then a Socialist Party MEP) and former Ireland rugby player Trevor Hogan were among 14 Irish activists detained in an Israeli jail for a number of days. Recalling the incident, Trevor Hogan said: "Initially we all were very hopeful that we might actually get through, and then on the fifth morning, we saw the naval ship around the horizon, and it just escalated from there". "We were essentially then chased down and kidnapped when we were still in international waters. "They wanted us to sign a document to say that we'd entered Israel illegally, which was completely lies." Despite the tense and difficult encounter, Trevor said he remained committed to the objectives of the operation. "In the moment, you don't actually feel too afraid, because you know you're doing the right thing - you're standing up for justice." Now, almost 14 years on, he says he admires the bravery of those on board the Madleen, adding: "To me it's even more courageous to go out there now." He says it is vitally important that the world stands together to reject and punish the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza, where Palestinians are "suffering the most horrendous starvation". He hopes that the efforts by civil society groups like the Freedom Flotilla can give some small comfort of support to the Palestinians, while also pushing governments of the world to "actually respond and impose sanctions". "So all these small actions, they can help."
Metro
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Chelsea outcast's son joins Arsenal as Blues exile faces uncertain future
Raheem Sterling has had an underwhelming loan spell at Arsenal but will remain linked to the club as son Thiago has joined the Gunners' academy. The England international's oldest son has signed up to join the Hale End academy at just eight years old. Paige Milian, Sterling's partner and Thiago's mother, posted the news on Instagram, writing: 'Beyond proud of my first born son Thiago for signing with @officialarsenalacademy U9's. 'The growth, dedication, and hard work you've shown over the past year has been incredible to watch, you've earned this. 'This is just the beginning so keep your feet on the ground, stay humble, and keep grinding, the journey doesn't stop here. Let's go TT.' Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. Thiago Sterling will hope to follow the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly through the ranks at Arsenal in the years to come. While he will now remain very interested in the club, Raheem is set to leave Arsenal at the end of his current loan spell after a disappointing time on the pitch in north London. After two years at Chelsea it was made clear to the 30-year-old that he was no longer in the first team plans and would have extremely limited opportunities under Enzo Maresca. It appeared that he had found the ideal move in a loan switch to Arsenal, where he would challenge for a spot in the first team at a side competing for titles. Sterling would go on to make seven Premier League starts and 17 top flight appearances in total, failing to score in any of them. He made 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring just once in the Carabao Cup and showing only very brief glimpses of his best form. His future is now unclear as Arsenal will not be interested in making the move permanent and the chances of Sterling returning to the Chelsea first team are very remote. Having previously played for Manchester City and Liverpool, it now looks likely that the winger faces a step down in the size of club he will be playing for. Sterling does not turn 31 years old until December but has racked up a huge amount of experience, making 577 professional appearances since his debut as a 17-year-old for Liverpool in 2012. He has also won 82 caps for England, scoring 20 goals, but has not played for the Three Lions since 2022. Another man who has played for both Chelsea and Arsenal has suggested Fulham as a logical next stop in the career of Sterling. William Gallas told Genting Casino: 'I think it's time for a fresh challenge for Raheem Sterling. He has the chance to show what he could do at Chelsea and then Arsenal but it hasn't happened. More Trending 'He needs to go somewhere he will get more opportunities because even with some rotation at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta hasn't given him that. 'I think one of Arteta's biggest mistakes has been a lack of rotation at times because they have picked up injuries. 'You have to give players a rest at certain times, but with Sterling, he must be frustrated, maybe he will want to stay in the Premier League and in London. 'He's 30 now, but maybe a club like Fulham could give him that opportunity and more chances to play. I'm curious to see what happens next.' MORE: Paris Saint-Germain can add Club World Cup glory to their awesome Champions League final success MORE: Chelsea have key advantage over Man Utd in race to sign £70m Premier League star MORE: Arsenal and Man Utd boost in Viktor Gyokeres race as contenders withdraw
Scottish Sun
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Arsenal finally ready to complete striker transfer with England U17 star lined up for £1m move to Emirates
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARSENAL are finally ready to sign a No 9 — England youth striker Igor Tyjon. The Gunners want to strike a deal with Blackburn Rovers for the 17-year-old, who has already made two substitute appearances in the Championship. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Manchester United had been strongly linked to Igor Tyjon Credit: Rex 2 Raheem Sterling's son Thiago also signed for the club this week Credit: Emirates chiefs are willing to pay over £1million up front, with additional fees tied to future appearances. However, Blackburn are expected to demand as much as possible for one of their prized academy assets. Manchester United showed interest in Tyjon a year ago, but the teenager — who is also eligible to represent Poland — was happy to stay at Ewood Park and fight for a place in the first team. Arsenal may be harder to resist given their strong track record of promoting young talent. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS TRANSFER LATEST First window OPEN as PSG after Argentine wonderkid, City and Cherki 'close' In other academy news, Raheem Sterling's eight-year-old son Thiago, has joined Arsenal- just as his father's loan spell from Chelsea comes to an end. News of Thiago's move to the Gunners' academy was shared by Sterling's long-term partner Paige Milian, to her 100,000 Instagram followers. She posted: 'The journey doesn't stop here, let's go.' Among the pictures she shared were shots of Thiago holding up an Arsenal shirt alongside his six-year-old brother, Thai. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS One caption read: 'Beyond proud of my first-born son Thiago for signing with Arsenal Academy's U9s.' Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by 'the Man Utd that everyone laughs at' Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's side ran out of steam in the Premier League title race with Liverpool emerging as champions. And despite convincingly beating Real Madrid they fell short against eventual winners PSG in the Champions League. The lack of a true out-and-out striker has been a major topic of discussion among the Arsenal fanbase and the club is expected to make a big-name signing this summer. They have been strongly linked with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres.
The Irish Sun
01-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Arsenal finally ready to complete striker transfer with England U17 star lined up for £1m move to Emirates
ARSENAL are finally ready to sign a No 9 — England youth striker Igor Tyjon. The Gunners want to strike a deal with 2 Manchester United had been strongly linked to Igor Tyjon Credit: Rex 2 Raheem Sterling's son Thiago also signed for the club this week Credit: Emirates chiefs are willing to pay over £1million up front, with additional fees tied to However, Blackburn are expected to demand as much as possible for one of their prized academy assets. Manchester United showed interest in Tyjon a year ago, but the teenager — who is also eligible to represent Poland — was happy to stay at Ewood Park and fight for a place in the first team. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS In other academy news, Raheem Sterling's eight-year-old son News of Thiago's move to the Gunners' academy was shared by Sterling's long-term partner Paige Milian, to her 100,000 Instagram followers. She posted: ' The journey doesn't stop here, let's go.' Among the pictures she shared were shots of Thiago holding up an Arsenal shirt alongside his six-year-old brother, Thai. Most read in Uncategorized CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS One caption read: ' Beyond proud of my first-born son Thiago for signing with Arsenal Academy's U9s.' Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by 'the Man Utd that everyone laughs at' Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's side ran out of steam in the Premier League title race with Liverpool emerging as champions. And despite convincingly beating Real Madrid they fell short against eventual winners PSG in the Champions League. The lack of a true out-and-out striker has been a major topic of discussion among the Arsenal fanbase and the club is expected to make a big-name signing this summer. They have been strongly linked with RB Leipzig's
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Raheem Sterling may be tied to Arsenal for the long-term despite loan disaster
It's fair to say Raheem Sterling's loan spell at Arsenal didn't go how he planned. Nor boss Mikel Arteta. When it became apparent that the England international wasn't wanted at Chelsea last summer, despite his massive contract that had been signed at Stamford Bridge only 12 months previous, the Gunners boss took a punt on the 30-year-old. They'd worked together at Manchester City during the best period of Sterling's career, knew one another well and Arteta knew he could get the best out of the ex-Liverpool man. But Sterling's time in the north London was little short of a disaster. He struggled to find anything like his best form, scored just one goal in 28 games and by the end of the season, was way down the pecking order. However, those on-field difficulties haven't soured relations between player and club - even though he's unlikely to be returning himself, be it on a permanent or temporary deal. And now Sterling has established a family connection with the Gunners. His son, Thiago, is joining the Arsenal academy and will play for the U9 team - the youngest age group - as he sets about hoping to emulate his father in years to come and becoming a Premier League player. The news was announced by partner Paige Milian on social media, as she also shared family pictures with her 100,000 Instagram followers. Showing Thiago holding up an Arsenal shirt alongside younger brother Thai, 6, she said: 'Beyond proud of my first born son Thiago for signing with Arsenal Academy's U9s. 'The growth, dedication and hard work you've shown over the past year has been incredible to watch, you've earned this. This is just the beginning so keep your feet on the ground, stay humble and keep grinding. 'The journey doesn't stop here, let's go.' As for his father's future, well that's far less certain. Given how Chelsea have pivoted to youth this season - successfully it must be added - it's presumed Enzo Maresca will have no place in his squad for Sterling next season.
