Israel-Hamas war, Gaza genocide

[SvennoJ]

Aid ship for Gaza departs southern Italy

An aid ship heading to Gaza aiming to break Israel’s siege has departed the southern Italian port of Gallipoli, in what organisers, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, called a “mission … for the children of Gaza”.

“In the face of genocide and deliberate starvation, every act of solidarity matters. As long as Israel enjoys impunity, violence will continue,” the organisers said.

On board the vessel, named the Handala, a repurposed 1968 Norwegian fishing trawler, are medical supplies, food and aid equipment for Palestinian children.

The ship is crewed by about 20 international participants, including European lawmakers, human rights activists, and journalists. It is expected to travel for approximately one week across the Mediterranean.

Member of European Parliament Emma Fourreau, who is on board the vessel, said they were “fully aware of the risks”. “But they are nothing compared to what children in Gaza endure every day. We stand for peace and international law,” Fourreau said in statements before departure.

The latest voyage comes a few weeks after the Madleen vessel, which was intercepted by Israeli naval forces before it reached Gaza.

UK Erupts Against 'Child Killer' Israel; Thousands March For Gaza In London, Manchester; 100 Held

Thousands marched in London in "one of the largest protests in British history" against Israel's Gaza offensive, denouncing "sick" Israel and "baby killer" Netanyahu. Dozens were arrested for supporting the recently banned Palestine Action group, outlawed after activists damaged an RAF base. Protests also took place across the UK, defying the ban which carries a 14-year prison sentence.

 

Tens of thousands protest in London to demand the UK government stop 'starving' and 'arming' Israel

"I would like to ask the UK government: Why?"

Around 80,000 people gathered outside Parliament on Saturday, demanding an end to UK arms sales to Israel amid warnings of mass starvation in Gaza. The protest followed UN reports that one in three Palestinians in Gaza can’t access a single meal, and that over 875 people have been killed near aid points. Israeli soldiers told Haaretz they were ordered to fire on civilians queuing for food.

Speakers included Jeremy Corbyn, comedian Jen Brister, and Australian doctor Mohammad Mustafa, who condemned UK complicity in the crisis. Protesters also denounced the bombing of Gaza’s only Catholic church this week, and Israel’s plan to confine Palestinians to a so-called “humanitarian city.”

The march came days after the UK banned Palestine Action under anti-terror laws - the first time a direct action group has been proscribed. Demonstrators said their right to protest is under threat, citing the case of a woman in Kent warned she could be arrested for a “Free Gaza” sign.