Latest news with #Madleen
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel may still have the Madleen aid boat. But organizers are already planning their next journey to Gaza
The Madleen, a boat seized by Israeli forces while en route to Gaza, might still be stuck in a port off the coast of Israel. But the activists who piloted it are busy planning their next attempt — albeit with a different boat. Named after a famous fisherwoman in Gaza, the Madleen set sail from Italy, aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of aid and draw attention to the plight of the enclave, which has been devastated by 20 months of war. It was the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC)'s 36th such expedition since 2008. But while the group waits to hear from officials on the boat's status, Zohar Chamberlain Regev, an FFC member, is in Sicily, fixing up a different boat for another expedition to Gaza. The group had attempted to sail this vessel, called the Handala, from Norway to Gaza in 2024. That trip ended early in Malta, as they felt the boat was too old to make the journey. But they'll soon attempt it again, from Sicily. "Our … main goal is to send a message of solidarity and encouragement to the Palestinian resistance, to the millions of people under occupation," Regev told CBC News. WATCH | Madleen Kolab says she was honoured the boat was named after her: Over the years, many of the FFC's boats have been seized by Israeli forces. Getting them back involves time in court — and even then it isn't guaranteed. The Madleen is the third boat for which Regev will have to appear in court. The Frankfurt-based Israeli citizen, who is its registered owner, says she hasn't yet heard anything from authorities. "But whenever they do [reach out]," she says, "I'll tell them that this boat was on its way to Gaza; they had no business taking it." The group's first five expeditions, which were all in 2008, were the only ones to successfully make it to Gaza and sail back out. From 2009 onwards, Regev says no boat has been able to reach the enclave's shores. "Some boats were rammed at sea and then rescued; some boats were returned by the occupation to their owners." She says the group has reused the boats that have been returned, or sold them to fund future activities. The aid on board typically doesn't make it into Gaza, either, the FFC says. Regev says she has no information on the supplies aboard the Madleen. Israeli authorities did not respond to CBC's requests for comment on the aid. But they previously told Reuters that it would be sent to Gaza through what they called "real humanitarian channels." Despite the many unsuccessful attempts, Regev says she is steadfast in the pursuit of the coalition's goals. "We do this because we appreciate the freedom that we have to actually do things," she said. "It's much more terrifying to me to think that there's a genocide going on, committed by my own people, and I sit here safely and do nothing." (Israel has consistently denied it is committing genocide in Gaza.) She didn't elaborate on the group's strategy for their upcoming trip. But she said the coalition will continue to try sailing its boats to Gaza until the Israeli blockade on the strip is lifted. For 31-year-old Madleen Kolab, the ocean has been her life since she was a little girl learning how to fish from her father. After he fell ill when she was 13, she assumed his position. She says she is the first and only fisherwoman in Gaza. "I was honoured that they wanted to use my name for the boat," she told CBC freelance videographer Mohamed El Saife, as they walked along the shore of a beach in Gaza City. The mother of four is pregnant with her fifth child, and says she can barely find food to feed her kids. The war has made it too dangerous for her to fish, she says, and she has trouble paying for essentials, as the cost of food in Gaza has skyrocketed. She had closely watched her namesake boat's journey, and had anticipated its arrival, along with its promised aid. "We were very sad when we heard the boat was intercepted," she said. "If the boat arrived, it meant life to us." Kolab sat on the sand as the tide washed in. Across the Mediterranean in Sicily, Regev was preparing her group's 37th flotilla to set sail. Though the two women are tied together by one cause, they live in strikingly different realities. "I hope that when it sails, the war will be over, the siege is broken," said Kolab, "and we can see it."
CBC
a day ago
- Politics
- CBC
Israel may still have the Madleen aid boat. But organizers are already planning their next journey to Gaza
Social Sharing The Madleen, a boat seized by Israeli forces while en route to Gaza, might still be stuck in a port off the coast of Israel. But the activists who piloted it are busy planning their next attempt — albeit with a different boat. Named after a famous fisherwoman in Gaza, the Madleen set sail from Italy, aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of aid and draw attention to the plight of the enclave, which has been devastated by 20 months of war. It was the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC)'s 36th such expedition since 2008. But while the group waits to hear from officials on the boat's status, Zohar Chamberlain Regev, an FFC member, is in Sicily, fixing up a different boat for another expedition to Gaza. The group had attempted to sail this vessel, called the Handala, from Norway to Gaza in 2024. That trip ended early in Malta, as they felt the boat was too old to make the journey. But they'll soon attempt it again, from Sicily. "Our … main goal is to send a message of solidarity and encouragement to the Palestinian resistance, to the millions of people under occupation," Regev told CBC News. WATCH | Madleen Kolab says she was honoured the boat was named after her: 'Honour' to be Madleen's namesake, Gaza fisherwoman says 11 hours ago Duration 1:24 Little success in sailing to Gaza Over the years, many of the FFC's boats have been seized by Israeli forces. Getting them back involves time in court — and even then it isn't guaranteed. The Madleen is the third boat for which Regev will have to appear in court. The Frankfurt-based Israeli citizen, who is its registered owner, says she hasn't yet heard anything from authorities. "But whenever they do [reach out]," she says, "I'll tell them that this boat was on its way to Gaza; they had no business taking it." The group's first five expeditions, which were all in 2008, were the only ones to successfully make it to Gaza and sail back out. From 2009 onwards, Regev says no boat has been able to reach the enclave's shores. "Some boats were rammed at sea and then rescued; some boats were returned by the occupation to their owners." She says the group has reused the boats that have been returned, or sold them to fund future activities. Status of aid unclear The aid on board typically doesn't make it into Gaza, either, the FFC says. Regev says she has no information on the supplies aboard the Madleen. Israeli authorities did not respond to CBC's requests for comment on the aid. But they previously told Reuters that it would be sent to Gaza through what they called "real humanitarian channels." Despite the many unsuccessful attempts, Regev says she is steadfast in the pursuit of the coalition's goals. "We do this because we appreciate the freedom that we have to actually do things," she said. "It's much more terrifying to me to think that there's a genocide going on, committed by my own people, and I sit here safely and do nothing." (Israel has consistently denied it is committing genocide in Gaza.) She didn't elaborate on the group's strategy for their upcoming trip. But she said the coalition will continue to try sailing its boats to Gaza until the Israeli blockade on the strip is lifted. One cause, different realities For 31-year-old Madleen Kolab, the ocean has been her life since she was a little girl learning how to fish from her father. After he fell ill when she was 13, she assumed his position. She says she isthe first and only fisherwoman in Gaza. "I was honoured that they wanted to use my name for the boat," she told CBC freelance videographer Mohamed El Saife, as they walked along the shore of a beach in Gaza City. The mother of four is pregnant with her fifth child, and says she can barely find food to feed her kids. The war has made it too dangerous for her to fish, she says, and she has trouble paying for essentials, as the cost of food in Gaza has skyrocketed. She had closely watched her namesake boat's journey, and had anticipated its arrival, along with its promised aid. "We were very sad when we heard the boat was intercepted," she said. "If the boat arrived, it meant life to us." Kolab sat on the sand as the tide washed in. Across the Mediterranean in Sicily, Regev was preparing her group's 37th flotilla to set sail. Though the two women are tied together by one cause, they live in strikingly different realities. "I hope that when it sails, the war will be over, the siege is broken," said Kolab, "and we can see it."
Rakyat Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Rakyat Post
Malaysian NGO Announces Plan For 1,000-Ship Flotilla To Break Gaza Blockade
Subscribe to our FREE The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (MAPIM) has launched a global-scale humanitarian initiative, '1000 Flotilla', as an effort to break the siege on Gaza and channel aid directly to the territory. Its president, Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid, said the initiative represents a large-scale awakening involving international citizens to challenge Israel's illegal maritime blockade. The launch was made following Israel's actions in detaining and abducting activists including Israel is not only attacking Gaza, but now attacking the world's conscience. The seizure of the Madleen ship proves that no voice is safe from the cruelty of the Zionist regime, even voices from peaceful activists like Greta Thunberg. Thousand-Ship Initiative Under International Law Mohd Azmi added that '1000 Flotilla' is an evolution of humanitarian aid that mobilises ships from ports around the world to gather in international waters before sailing to Gaza. We will build not one, but a thousand ships. We will sail not once, but until Gaza is liberated. All ships will only carry humanitarian aid cargo and be operated in full compliance with international maritime law, accompanied by journalists, lawyers, and independent observers. MAPIM also put forward several demands, including the removal of Global South Nations Urged to Join Mission MAPIM calls on the global community, including humanitarian organisations, trade unions, religious communities, students, artists, and governments from An international coordination meeting will be held soon to begin the first phase of the 1000 Flotilla's voyage within the next two months. Gaza is our responsibility. Madleen is our child. Gaza is our trust. We will not allow genocide to become the norm. Every ship that sails declares: Gaza is not alone. For further information on participation, contributions or organising regional meetings, the public can contact 019-4744856. Historical Precedent for Gaza Flotillas Such flotilla initiatives have been organised in the past to challenge the Gaza blockade. The most notable was the The flotilla was intercepted by Israeli naval forces in international waters, resulting in the deaths of nine Turkish activists and sparking international condemnation. Malaysians were aboard the Mavi Marmara in 2010, including humanitarian volunteers and media personnel, who witnessed the incident firsthand and testified about the events. Other smaller flotilla attempts have been made over the years, including the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's efforts in 2018 and 2019, though most were either blocked or turned back before reaching Gaza. The 1000 Flotilla initiative represents the most significant proposed maritime challenge to the blockade to date. READ MORE : READ MORE : READ MORE : Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Science
- Toronto Sun
Concentrate on climate change facts, not fallacies, urges new study
"It's best if we talk about climate change in terms of verifiable facts and logic," said study author Kenneth Green Kenneth P. Green. Photo by HANDOUT / TORONTO SUN OTTAWA — Climate facts over alarmist fallacies. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account That's the topic of a new report released this week by the Fraser Institute, investigating what is says are pervasive myths about climate change that, thanks to ideologically-charged activism, are now generally accepted as true. 'It's best if we talk about climate change in terms of verifiable facts and logic, and not get caught up in politically-driven or self-interested … portrayals of what a good good answer is to climate change,' said study author and institute Senior Fellow Kenneth Green. 'Climate change is real, greenhouse gases are real … but we need to do better thinking about these things in terms of pragmatic realities than getting onto boats to go cruise in protest against capitalism.' Climate activist Greta Thunberg stands near a Palestinian flag after boarding the Madleen boat and before setting sail for Gaza along with activists of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, departing from the Sicilian port of Catania, Italy, Sunday, June 1, 2025. Photo by Salvatore Cavalli / AP The study, entitled Four Climate Fallacies , dissects four popular so-called falsehoods about climate change — beginning with the assertion, one oft-repeated by activists like Greta Thunberg, that capitalism causes climate change. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Capitalism actually leads to cleaner manufacturing activities and productive activities faster than alternative economic organization forums such as socialism or communism,' Green said. 'Economically free countries, highly capitalist countries, realize their environmental problems early in their development and address them with unbelievable speed.' Read More From the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970, Green said, developed countries jumped to action — leading to substantial reductions in air pollution. 'Capitalism frees people to look around themselves and say the air is too dirty — then through their choices in the marketplaces and politics of economic democracies, it frees them to be able to afford to say 'clean this stuff up ASAP, get it done now,'' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'And that's what happens.' The opposite, he said, is true in less-developed, less-economically free nations, either unwilling or unable to afford to make these changes. Another suggested fallacy is that all nations, no matter how little they emit, can make a difference in global emissions levels. 'Canada, even though it's only 1.5% of global emissions, is supposed to be working hard to mitigate its emissions — even though there would be no impact on the trajectory of the global climate were Canada to shut down completely,' he said. Canada currently ranks 11th as the world's top CO2 emitters, 583 Mt as of 2022. China, 32% of world emissions, released 12.6 Gt of CO2 in 2022, followed by the United States with 4.9 Gt, India with 2.7 Gt, Russia with 1.9 Gt, and Japan at 1.0 Gt. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Electrification of passenger vehicles is the third fallacy mentioned, as the cleanliness of using electric vehicles rests entirely on how clean the generated power is, while carbon capture was the fourth. 'In oil fields it makes sense to capture as much as they can from their emissions and then re-inject it to get even more oil and gas out — and that's how most carbon capture and storage is working in the world now for enhanced oil recovery,' Green said. 'But in bigger terms of capturing CO2 across the economy, from electricity generation, transport, buildings — compressing it and transporting it to some safe destination and burying it underground — those physical barriers are very large.' bpassifiume@ X: @bryanpassifiume RECOMMENDED VIDEO NHL Editorial Cartoons Canada Columnists Soccer
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Madleen crew joins 69 groups inviting public to sign global declaration
The Madleen set sail for Gaza on June 1 with the aim of delivering much needed aid and breaking Israel's naval blockade on the enclave, however, Israeli forces intercepted the Madleen while it was in international waters, seized the ship and detained the activists on board. The 12 crew members, including activist Greta Thunberg, were then detained and have now all been deported. Now, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition have joined calls from 69 groups to connect crises facing Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the wider world in a declaration for the public to sign. READ MORE: 'I may do it, I may not': Donald Trump on whether US will strike Iran Organisers hope the declaration will unite people and movements working on distinct but connected regional crises. The "Madleen Declaration" can be read here. In the statement, the story of the Madleen has been connected to its wider context of rapid militarisation and war, Israel's genocide in Gaza, the ongoing deadly blockade against people crossing to Europe, deepening global inequality, and the climate crisis. It also calls for a unified movement for a free Palestine, economic justice, human rights, safe movement, and environmental transformation across the Mediterranean. Signing individuals and organisations include MEP Carola Rackete (below) from the Left Group in the European Parliament, Fridays for Future International and Germany's Sea-Watch e.V. Rackete said: 'The Madleen's rescue of four people seeking safety on its voyage to break Israel's blockade of Gaza exposes the connections between violent regimes across the region.' 'Whilst European governments arm campaigns of mass displacement - including in Palestine - their border blockade kills and harms people seeking safety. The same drones that surveil Gaza also surveil the Mediterranean for European border agencies.' 'The situation in Palestine provides a glimpse into a dystopian future; if we do not win the recognition of human rights and land rights, as well as social, economic and environmental justice for everyone.' READ MORE: G7 support for Israel's war on Iran 'threatens humanity', expert warns Mohammed Usrof, executive director of the Palestine Institute for Climate Strategies, also commented: 'Over the last 20 months the world has been forced to watch the murder of at least 62,000 people, and a further one and a half million people deliberately starved by Israel while under constant bombardment. 'It fell to ordinary people in one small boat to attempt to break the blockade. And it will fall to ordinary people to clean up the mess made by those in power: of war and genocide, violent borders, ecocide, and globalised economic exploitation.' 'We are launching the Madleen Declaration to give voice to this effort; connecting people and movements across borders who still believe that while the world may feel on the brink, we have time to build something better.'
