Latest news with #ThiagoAvila
United News of India
a day ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Israeli Navy intercepts yacht carrying Greta Thunberg, other activists, on way to Gaza
Tel Aviv, June 9 (UNI) Israeli authorities said they have intercepted at sea the Madleen, a boat that had on board 12 international activists including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg, and was headed for the war-torn Gaza Strip carrying humanitarian aid. The other activists on board the yacht included Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, and French-Palestinian European Parliament Member Rima Hassan. All parties on board will be handed over to police for deportation upon arrival at Ashdod Port, The Times of Israel reported. The Israeli Foreign Ministry, justifying its actions, said on X that the navy had "instructed the boat to change its course due to its approach toward a restricted area." After defying the given instructions, the vessel was intercepted 3am (local time) by the Navy's Shayetet 13 commando unit and the Snapir harbour border security unit. It released video footage showing the activists being taken to Israel, and said they were unharmed. The international Freedom Flotilla Coalition, upon being boarded, said on its Telegram channel that Israeli forces boarded the aid vessel. It accused Israel of violating international law by preventing the delivery of aid, and accused the IDF of 'kidnapping' them. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz released a statement, saying he instructed the military to show the activists a video, widely known in Israel as "the gruesome video", which compiles graphic scenes from the Hamas-led deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Katz praised the military for the "swift and safe takeover of the Madleen flotilla to prevent them from breaching the blockade and reaching the shores of Gaza." Calling the vessel a 'selfie yacht', the Ministry said "While Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity - and which included less than a single truckload of aid - more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel within the past two weeks. "There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip - they do not involve Instagram selfies." Israel has imposed a strict blockade on the Gaza Strip since 2007, when the Islamic terror group Hamas took control of the territory. The blockade was significantly tightened after Hamas' October 2023 attack and has become even stronger now, with the blockade aimed specifically to prevent any possible Iranian vessels from entering the area. UNI ANV RN
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Video: Moment Gaza-Bound 'Freedom Flotilla' Was Intercepted By Israeli Forces
The Israeli commandos on Sunday intercepted Madleen, a vessel operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), carrying essential supplies for civilians in Gaza. The humanitarian ship with Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and 11 other volunteers on board was intercepted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), using drones and unidentified chemicals, according to a video shared by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition on social media. In a video, the volunteers sit inside the boat wearing life jackets with their hands in the air. No Israel Defense Force soldiers can be seen in the video. According to the time stamp on the footage, the interception happened around 2 am (local time). In the background, a man can be heard asking volunteers to throw their phones in the water. The video was captioned as, "URGENT: The 'Madleen' has been attacked." "Moments ago, drones dropped unidentified chemicals on the Madleen. Immediately after, our peaceful volunteers were rammed and intercepted before Israeli forces boarded the vessel. We lost all contact with them seconds later," the FFC wrote on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@gazafreedomflotilla) At 2:50 EEST, the FFC raised a red alert, following an assault on the Madleen and shared the details of the interception. "The Madleen is currently under assault in international waters. Quadcopters are surrounding the ship, spraying it with a white paint-like substance. Communications are jammed, and disturbing sounds are being played over the radio," it said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@gazafreedomflotilla) In another video, Thiago Avila, a Brazilian citizen and member of the FFC, shared live updates from the ground. Describing the scene, he said, "We have just been attacked by a storm of drones here. They attacked humanitarian aid. They attacked the top of our cockpit. They are right here above us." He reiterated, "We do not fear them." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thiago Ávila (@thiagoavilabrasil) In the last video posted by Greta Thunberg, she appeals to the Swedish government for the release of FFC volunteers. She says, "If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel. I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@gazafreedomflotilla) The FFC said, Greta is an unarmed civilian on a vessel carrying humanitarian cargo, including baby formula, medical supplies, and other life-saving aid for the besieged population of Gaza. "She posed no threat, and was operating in full accordance with international maritime, humanitarian and human rights law," the post read. Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that Madleen, which it described as the "selfie yacht" of the "celebrities" is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries. The Ministry accused FFC volunteers of staging a media provocation to "gain publicity". They also alleged that Madleen was carrying less than a single truckload of aid. "While Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity - and which included less than a single truckload of aid - more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel within the past two weeks, and in addition, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed close to 11 million meals directly to civilians in Gaza," the official statement read. "There are ways to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip - they do not involve Instagram selfies. The tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the "celebrities" will be transferred to Gaza through real humanitarian channels," the Ministry said in a post on X. This comes hours after Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, ordered the military to stop Madleen from reaching Gaza. He advised Greta Thunberg to turn back. "I instructed the IDF to act so that the Madleen ... does not reach Gaza," Katz said in a statement. "To the antisemitic Greta and her Hamas-propaganda-spouting friends, I say clearly: You'd better turn back, because you will not reach Gaza."
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The cult of Greta proves that the loony Left has gone mainstream
It was a sight so uncannily ghoulish I felt repelled and fascinated in equal measure. I was watching the coverage of Greta Thunberg and a band of other mouth-frothing young Palestine activists board the Madleen, a yacht that left from the Sicilian port of Catania last weekend, sailing, to our shame, under a British flag (though it is the Palestinian flag that blows aggressively from the prow). The Madleen is heading for Gaza with 'aid'. Say hello to the 'freedom flotilla' on which Swedish climate-turned-Palestine activist Thunberg is joined by the Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, the Irish Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham, and Rima Hassan, a French-Palestinian European Parliament member. I used to think nautical adventures were romantic, full of derring-do: this one makes me feel more vomitous than even the highest of seas. The website for the Madleen's voyage uses exactly the same tone and tactics as Thunberg's horrible climate stunts did: extreme, unbending, threatening, self-loving and bratty all at once. 'We sail until Palestine is free' runs the banner. The site explains: 'Since 8 October 2023, Israel has escalated its genocidal campaign against Palestinians in Gaza in an attempt to destroy all forms of life. The Israeli military has murdered tens of thousands of people, if not hundreds of thousands.' You almost have to laugh. It's not clear whether any of these activists, drunk on their love of themselves, are even aware of October 7 or Hamas. And 'all forms of life'? Are they saying Israelis murder plants and pets too? At any rate, Thunberg and co do not mean freedom from Hamas, against whom thousands of brave Gazans have been protesting. They mean from Israel. Not just Israeli military action but, in accordance with the rest of their playbook of slogans, from the proximity of the Jewish state full stop. Anti-Israel chanting, stickering, posturing and boycotting has been a mainstay of Lefty life for as long as I've been alive. But since October 7, a new normal has spread and spread; a kind of slow-release pogrom, if you will. The loony Left, once possibly to ignore, is now everywhere, and everything. This flotilla is a prime example. Instead of being ignored as wacky trouble-making, it is instead taken seriously, hailed as heroic by millions who should know better. The Palestine solidarity mob peddles lies rooted in the anti-Semitic blood libel of Jewish bloodlust for innocents. It claims, without a single piece of self-awareness or verification, that Israeli forces have 'murdered' hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. For these folks, context is colonialism, racism, murder – of a type that only Israel is capable of – so there is no understanding or desire to understand the cause of anything that has happened, or what has actually been going on with aid and food. In fact, flotilla wisdom is riddled with so many evil falsehoods there is no space to refute even half of them here. Now that the loonies have taken over, the flotilla is just an emblem of the new normal rather than considered fringe or extreme, or a curiosity. This is because the boundary between the wackiness of grassroots activism and the sobriety of government and the prestige mainstream media – both of which are expected to at least look into facts, verify claims and consider bias – has evaporated. Raw anti-Israel feeling has simply taken over. Some of it is done terribly respectably. A study by Andrew Fox of the Henry Jackson Society found that 98 per cent of the world's media, including The New York Times and CNN, simply repeated Hamas's casualty figures. Meanwhile, the goings-on of the likes of the Madleen is legitimised by statements made by our government. When Keir Starmer and David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, publicly call into question the motives of Israel and Gaza, insult the valiant Jewish State as 'appalling' and 'monstrous', threaten to halt trade with its ally, and act like Israel is exactly what Thunberg and friends say it is, then what's the difference? We might as well all be sailing on that flotilla. Thunberg's power seemed likely to fade away; nobody so niche, I used to comfort myself, can stay at the forefront for long. Times change, trends move on. But the reality is even grimmer than I anticipated. All the climate loonies have just migrated to the cause of Palestine. Just Stop Oil has laid down arms to focus on 'Palestine', which it calls the next all-consuming cause for the world, as urgent as saving the planet from global warming. A thousand new grassroots, student and cultural campaign groups and coalitions have sprouted up to wage war on Israel and celebrate terrorists. Fossil Free Books led debilitating boycotts of British literary festivals last year, deviously and also perplexingly linking sponsors' tangential investments in fossil fuels with support for alleged Israeli criminality. Youth Demand, another group of anti-Israel fanatics, does the same. Its ghastly red website screams: 'The government is engaging in absolute evil. They are enabling genocide in Palestine by sending money and arms to Israel. They are contributing to the murder of billions to keep the fossil fuel profits flowing' and urges people to 'join the resistance'. It's barking mad, nightmarish conspiratorial nonsense. And so, under the frenzy of anti-Israel passion, bolstered by years of woke and trans madness, our society has lost decorum, professional standards, and, it often feels, any sphere at all that remains free of the politics of Israel hatred. Even the hushed plush corridors of Harley Street aren't safe. A Jewish friend texted me: 'Went to see a specialist, hadn't realised I'd get a thorough indoctrination treatment thrown in for free … Palestine badges on lanyards and prominently displayed items wherever you look.' She described the experience as 'chilling' and expressed gratitude her kids weren't there. 'No way I'd dare wear a Star of David there. How twisted is that?' Indeed. As I looked at the pictures she sent through, the menacing black, green and red badges on backpacks demanding freedom for Palestine, I too felt chilled, but only in a way that has become utterly familiar. I live in a mixed area that is, traditionally, also a bastion of the secular Jewish community. Yet I face a constant barrage of vandalism and graffiti disfiguring the area, from 'F--- Israel' sprayed on shop fronts and hoardings to 'Free Gaza' scrawled over my street sign. Out walking with my toddler last week, a car cruised past us, with three Middle Eastern looking men in it who rolled down the windows and sang in a slow, taunting tone: 'Free, free Pal-es-tine' on repeat, deliberately, it seemed, baiting the Jews of the neighbourhood. Yet nobody batted an eyelid. It's everywhere, all the time. No amount of last-minute professional sacrifice and rudeness is off limits: feminist icon Caryl Churchill has pulled her play from the Donmar because the theatre receives support from Barclays. Like most normal, ethical banks, Barclays is said to provide financial services to some defence companies supplying Israel. The defining feature of a totalitarian regime is, well, total. It pervades everything on pain of death. Since October 7 Britain – and other countries in the West – are starting to feel eerily similar where Israel discourse is concerned. Except unlike the totalitarian regimes of historical fame, we aren't being forced: we're embracing the madness of our own free will, and that is unforgivable.
The Sun
6 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Inside twisted crew on Greta Thunberg's Gaza ‘Freedom Flotilla' from terrorist sympathiser to Nazi-ranting TV presenter
THE crew on board Greta Thunberg's "Freedom Flotilla" include a terrorist sympathiser and a raging presenter who branded the IDF Nazis. The climate zealot, aged 22, is working with 11 other pro- Palestine activists on board the Madleen to deliver a "symbolic" amount of aid into Gaza. 6 6 6 6 The young campaigners say they are hoping to 'break the siege' and raise 'international awareness ' of the humanitarian crisis on the Gaza Strip. But some of them have openly supported terrorist organisations like the infamous Hezbollah. Brazilian protestor Thiago Avila attended the funeral of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in February after he was assassinated last year. Avila hailed the Islamist militia leader as a "beloved" leader and a "martyr." The Brazilian also said he was "very honored" and "very happy" to attend the funeral of the terrorist group leader. Nasrallah "inspired people all over the world", according to Avila. On X, Avila said of Hezbollah's head was an "important figure", and that the funeral "amazed him". Nasrallah was the leader of Hezbollah - which is deemed a terrorist organisation in the UK and US among other countries. He helped train fighters from the terror group Hamas and other militias in Iraq and Yemen. Another sailor on board the so-called Freedom Flotilla is Yasemin Acar, from Berlin, who gained notoriety for hate speech against Jews. When Iran launched a terrifying missile strike on Israel, she reportedly danced with a pal in celebration as the rockets hit, according to Bild. Acar has also reportedly drawn slogans to target Israel, and at a demonstration she was heard racially abusing a white woman. She said: "You're a white person, you shouldn't tell us what to do." Scandalous politician Rima Hassan is also on board the ship to Gaza. She has accused Israel of being responsible for the October 7 deaths and kidnappings of Kfir and Ariel Bibas and their mum Shira in 2023. This is despite the fact that terror group Hamas executed the infamous attack where the three were taken and killed. Hassan reportedly tweeted: "Kfir, Ariel, and Shiri Bibas were killed by an Israeli attack." 6 6 She also took part in a protest in Jordan last year - in which demonstrators held up banners praising Hamas and calling for the destruction of Israel, according to Bild. Hassan was among people reportedly chanting in the streets: 'We die for jihad.' French journalist Omar Faiad is also sailing with Greta and co. The Al-Jazeera journalist has downplayed the Holocaust and shockingly compared the IDF to Nazis. The reporter said on X: "The Israeli army resembles the Nazi army." He also claimed that "Israel is committing a new Holocaust in Gaza" shortly after the barbaric October 7 attack. Who is on board the "Freedom Floitlla"? Greta Thunberg - Swedish climate activist Rima Hassan – French-Palestinian MEP Yasemin Acar – German activist Thiago Avila – Brazilian activist Omar Faiad – French journalist Pascal Maurieras – French activist Yanis Mhamdi – French reporter Suayb Ordu – Turkish activist Sergio Toribio – Spanish activist Marco van Rennes – Dutch activist Reva Viard – French activist Liam Cunningham - Irish actor Baptiste Andre - French Physician On Wednesday, Israel issued a stark warning to Thunberg's ship as the climate activist aimed to sail into Gaza. The Swede left from Catania, Italy, on Sunday to take the Madleen across the Mediterranean. Also on board the ship is Irish Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham. She posted pictures of herself on social media with a Palestine flag and wearing a keffiyeh scarf. Israel is prepared to raid the ship, IDF spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. He said: "We have gained experience in recent years, and we will act accordingly." One activist on board has said they are being followed by a drone - a month after another boat under the same flag was allegedly attacked by one.
ABC News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Pro-Palestinian activists negotiate with Malta about repairs to Gaza aid ship
Pro-Palestinian activists trying to break Israel's humanitarian aid blockade of Gaza are negotiating with the Maltese government to allow their ship to dock for repairs, after an alleged Israeli drone attack last week. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) says its humanitarian ship Conscience was Maltese search and rescue personnel were dispatched to help the ship, just outside of the Mediterranean nation's territorial waters, after it sent a distress signal following the strike. A firefighting tug boat helped control a fire on the bow of the Conscience. ( AP: Malta Vessel Traffic Services ) The FFC had accused Maltese authorities of refusing access to a port for repairs, but suggested those negotiations were ongoing on Sunday afternoon. "The boat needs to get into Malta, it needs to be safe, it needs to have assistance, and it needs a guarantee for the boat to return to international waters and continue its mission after the repairs," Brazilian activist Thiago Avila told a press conference in Malta. "If it's not inside Malta, the boat needs to be secured because we're not safe, not rid of the possibility that there could be a new attack on this boat. "It's a miracle no-one died in this attack." The Freedom Flotilla Coalition says the Conscience needs urgent repairs. ( AP: Cyprus government ) Malta's prime minister said his government needed confirmation the Conscience was only carrying humanitarian aid, and that a surveyor was being prevented from boarding the ship to assess the situation before it was allowed to dock. "We are still in the window of 72 hours of a horrific attack, a non-provoked attack against a civilian vessel part of a humanitarian mission … there is a bit of confusion, a bit of difficulty to get the precise information of everything," Thiago Avila said. "The situation with the surveyor, and the situation with a coast guard, was that until we got a clear message from the Maltese government that they wanted to be part of the assistance and of the solution of the situation, we had our concerns and that's why we didn't accept him to join the first moment. "It was not that he was being refused, it was just that we wanted an assurance from the government of Malta that once the survey was done and they had fulfilled the step, the boat will be able to go into Malta to have the proper repair and the guarantee of safe return to international waters to continue the mission." He said the Maltese government had now given that indication, and the surveyor would be allowed on board. Israel blockade continues The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was yet to respond to the allegation that Israel was behind the drone attack. A fire burns on the Conscience off the coast of Malta. ( AP: Cyprus government ) When asked what evidence the FFC had that the drones were in fact Israeli, the group said it followed a pattern of Israeli behaviour, given another ship was attacked by in 2010. "Who else would attack a vessel that's carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza? That should be the question," the group's Yasemin Acar said. "We don't have proof of if the drones are from Israel … [but], again, why would someone attack a humanitarian vessel carrying aid to Gaza?" The group pointed to flight-tracking data showing an Israeli C130 Hercules aircraft flew in the direction of Malta in the hours before the attack. "It's very odd that that aircraft that had flown all the way from Israel, all the way here, circled around by a period of time, and during that time that it was in this vicinity, explosions happened on the Conscience," FFC's Ann Wright said. Israel has enforced a total humanitarian aid blockade of Gaza for more than two months, with no supplies entering the strip. Humanitarian agencies have sounded the alarm about the situation, warning the population is almost out of food and items such as medicines are in dangerously short supply. The Conscience was going to try to sail to Gaza to deliver aid. "The main story here is why we are here and why this is needed in the first place," said activist Greta Thunberg, who was due to join the voyage hours after the strike. "It is because of Israel's inhumane and illegal siege and complete … [blockade of] all humanitarian aid into Gaza, and therefore … [it is] systematically starving 2 million people." Israeli media has reported suggestions the flotilla group has ties to Hamas. Journalists tried repeatedly to ask the FFC for a response to those accusations during the virtual press conference, but the questions were not read out to the FFC representatives present.
