Aid Flotilla Departs​ Barcelona for Gaza Amidst Ongoing Conflict

A maritime convoy of approximately 20 vessels,​ carrying⁤ aid ​and‌ activists from 44 countries, has set sail from‍ Barcelona, ​Spain,‍ aiming to break the 18-year israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Organizers state this is⁢ the largest attempt to deliver aid by sea to Gaza to date,wiht additional ships expected to ⁤join from ⁤ports ⁢in Italy,Greece,and Tunisia.

The voyage ‍comes as ⁢the conflict in Gaza continues, ⁤having resulted in ⁢over ‌63,000 fatalities, according to the ⁢Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry also⁢ reports at least 332 Palestinians have died from malnutrition, including ⁢124 children.

Thousands of ⁢supporters gathered at the Barcelona pier to see the⁢ flotilla depart, chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine!” and “Boycott⁤ Israel!” The⁣ ships‌ themselves vary widely, ranging from‌ older yachts to smaller ​sailboats and industrial vessels, all displaying Palestinian flags.‌ one vessel,the Sirus,is over ‍a century ‌old.Prominent figures participating in the expedition‍ include‍ Swedish activist Greta Thunberg,‌ actors​ Susan ​Sarandon and Liam​ Cunningham, former Barcelona mayor Ada‍ Colau, and numerous other activists and journalists. This is not Thunberg’s first attempt ‌to reach Gaza this year; she was deported ​in june after the ⁣Israeli military intercepted the Madleen, ⁢the ship she was⁣ travelling on with 11 others.

Thunberg stated that ⁣Israel has “continuously violating international law”⁣ by intercepting aid ships and ⁤preventing humanitarian assistance from reaching Gaza. Cunningham highlighted the dire situation, sharing​ a video of a young girl, Fatima, who had recently ⁢died ​after filming herself planning her own ‌funeral.

The effort follows a similar incident in late July, where ⁣the Israeli military halted ‌another aid ship, ⁤detaining 21 international activists ⁤and reporters and confiscating its ⁢cargo of baby formula, food, and ⁢medicine, according to the ​Freedom Flotilla ​Coalition.

Simultaneously occurring,an Israeli official announced Saturday that humanitarian aid to‌ northern Gaza will soon be halted or slowed as the military expands its offensive against Hamas.This announcement follows the⁣ declaration of Gaza City as a combat zone.​

The ‌current conflict began on ‌October 7, 2023, with a Hamas attack on Israel ‌that​ resulted in ‍the deaths of 1,200 people, the majority of whom were civilians, and the ‌taking of 251 ​hostages.

Ukraine Marks Independence Day amid Continued Conflict & International Support

Kyiv – ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation from⁣ Independence⁤ Square in Kyiv, reaffirming Ukraine’s determination and calling for a “just peace.” He stated, “We ⁤are building a Ukraine that will have enough strength and power to live in security ⁤and peace,” emphasizing that the nation’s future “is up to us alone.” The speech appeared​ to reference concerns stemming from the U.S.-russia summit held in Alaska in August, where some feared Ukrainian and European interests might be overlooked. Zelensky asserted that the‌ world “respects Ukraine” and “perceives Ukraine as ‍an equal.”

The celebrations coincided with ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine, where Russia reported capturing two villages in the Donetsk region on Saturday.

International support for Ukraine was ‌demonstrated through several announcements and visits. U.S. special envoy keith Kellogg attended Independence Day celebrations in Kyiv and was awarded‍ the Ukrainian Order of Merit, 1st degree, by Zelensky. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived‌ in Kyiv ⁤on Sunday for meetings with the Ukrainian President. Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, noted the importance ​of this support, stating, “On this special day -⁢ Ukraine’s Independence Day – it is especially vital for us to feel the⁢ support of ⁢our friends.And Canada has always stood by our side.”

Norway pledged approximately seven billion kroner ($695-million) in new military aid, ⁢focusing on air defense systems. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store ⁤announced that Norway and Germany are jointly funding two Patriot systems, ‌including missiles, with Norway also contributing to the ⁢procurement of air defence radar.

Pope Leo XIV also marked ​Ukraine’s Independence Day with a prayer for peace during⁤ his weekly noon ‌blessing, expressing solidarity with Ukrainians “asking that the Lord give peace to their martyred ⁤country.” He also sent a telegram to President Zelensky, assuring him of his prayers for suffering Ukrainians and urging “the clamour of arms may fall silent and give way to dialogue, opening the path to peace for the ⁣good⁤ of all.” Zelensky shared the Pope’s‌ message, along with notes from other world leaders, on X.

Notably, the Pentagon has reportedly restricted Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied missiles against targets within Russia.

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Toronto’s Old City Hall: A Civic ‌Treasure Drifting Towards Disappointment?

Toronto,ON -‌ A symbol of Victorian-era grandeur,Toronto’s Old City ​Hall is being “reimagined” this summer,but early efforts are falling flat,raising concerns that a unique opportunity to revitalize a key civic space is being squandered. A ⁤recent visit ⁢revealed a ‍scene described as “improvised” – a few ​tables, security, and potted geraniums – a far cry‌ from the vibrant​ public space the building could become.

The 1899 building,‍ briefly opened to the public on ⁣Fridays, currently feels⁤ less like a welcoming destination ‍and more like a placeholder. Critics argue the current approach – a fragmented process involving multiple city departments and a slew of consultants – prioritizes bureaucracy over bold ideas.

A Building Steeped ‌in⁤ History, Yearning for Purpose

Old City Hall isn’t just an architectural landmark; it’s a time capsule of Toronto’s past. Its marble⁤ staircases, bronze railings, and sculpted details offer a glimpse into the city’s history. However,atmosphere alone⁢ isn’t enough. The building needs a clear vision and,crucially,a champion.

“This is ​not ⁤animation; it is civic drift, dressed up in grocery-store geraniums,” writes[Original‌AuthorName-[OriginalAuthorName-[Original‌AuthorName-[OriginalAuthorName-significant to‌ credit]in a recent analysis. The need for a dedicated “curator of civic‍ life” -⁢ someone to orchestrate‍ events,activate the courtyard,and establish a compelling⁤ identity – is becoming increasingly apparent.

Beyond⁣ Decoration: A Call for Transformation

The solution isn’t simply cosmetic. Landscape architect ​Marc‍ Ryan of⁣ PUBLIC WORK,the firm behind​ the accomplished Bentway project,suggests a radical shift in perspective.He proposes‍ re-imagining how people ⁢ enter the space, utilizing the historic sally port (once used ⁣for prisoners) and integrating Old City Hall with Nathan Phillips Square‌ and the current City Hall to create⁣ a cohesive civic precinct.

“We⁣ can balance out the openness of the square with a sense ​of enclosure,” Ryan‌ explains, “and ⁤create ‌something greater ⁢than its parts.” He points to innovative examples like artist ⁢Tatzu Nishi’s work in New York, ‍wich ⁣reframed ​a statue ​through a temporary, immersive ⁤installation.‌

Ryan argues that‍ temporary artistic interventions can “reset civic imagination” and foreshadow lasting change. this isn’t⁢ about superficial improvements;⁤ it’s‍ about ⁤a fundamental⁢ transformation of how Torontonians experience this historic space.A Fragmented Approach Risks Failure

Currently, the “reimagining” process is split between the city’s Corporate real ⁤Estate Management division ‍and CreateTO, with ⁢a team of ‍consultants from ‌Span

Hostage’s Family Pleads at UN Amidst Gruesome Propaganda Videos

Brother of Captive Evyatar David Describes “Living Skeleton” to Security Council

The agonizing plight of hostages held by Hamas has been starkly illuminated at the United Nations, as the brother of one captive delivered a desperate plea for international intervention.

A Plea from the Brink

Ilay David presented a harrowing account of his brother, Evyatar David, to the UN Security Council, detailing the severe conditions he faces as one of 20 living hostages. Evyatar, held since the October 7th attacks, was recently featured in a Hamas propaganda video depicting him emaciated and starving in a Gaza tunnel. His cousin, Tamar Eshet, viewing the footage, expressed profound shock: “We knew that he’s not getting a lot of food and we knew he’s in a tunnel in a bad condition, but I don’t think anyone could imagine something like that, such cruelty, such inhumanity.”

Evyatar David’s brother @ilaydavid speaks at the UN Security Council about the 75 days of captivity his brother is enduring.#BringThemHome #Hostages #NeverAgain pic.twitter.com/6d0d1w8bNn

— StandWithUs Israel (@StandWithUsIsrael) January 10, 2024

Ilay implored the international community, stating, “I urge you, do not let them die. We don’t have time. Do not let them spend another minute in darkness, suffering beyond imagination, while we do our part, demanding from the Israeli government to do everything to save the hostages.” He emphasized that silence in the face of such suffering is tantamount to complicity.

Desperate Measures and International Condemnation

The release of two videos by Hamas over the weekend intensified the anguish of hostage families. One video featured Evyatar describing his lack of food and appearing to dig his own grave. Another showed Rom Braslavski in apparent distress, stating he was on the “verge of death.” These “propaganda videos” have drawn widespread international condemnation.

Ilay shared that he and his mother could not bear to watch the video of Evyatar, fearing it would incapacitate them, while his father and sister were haunted by the images. Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for UN Political Affairs, condemned the videos as “an affront to humanity itself” and reiterated calls for the unconditional release of all hostages.

Mr. Jenca also highlighted the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza, noting that since the end of May, over 1,200 Palestinians have been killed and more than 8,100 injured while seeking food. He stated, “The deaths and injuries continue to mount day by day, with no end in sight to the suffering. Israel continues to severely restrict humanitarian assistance entering Gaza and the aid that is permitted to enter is grossly inadequate.” This situation is further compounded by reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which indicated that as of mid-June 2024, over 1.7 million people in Gaza are displaced, with many struggling for basic necessities (OCHA OPT Situation Report, June 12, 2024).

Hamas Accused of Starving Captives

Tamar Eshet pointed to the video of Evyatar being given beans by a large hand, presumably a militant’s, as evidence of captors hoarding food. “I think the main problem is Hamas taking the food for themselves, starving both hostages and their own people, and using both the hostages and the Gaza people for their propaganda,” she asserted. She believes Hamas aims to project strength through the humiliation of captives.

Hamas has denied starving hostages, claiming they share the same hunger as Palestinians and would respond to Red Cross requests for food delivery if aid supplies were consistent.

Concerns Over Expanding Military Operations

Mr. Jenca expressed grave concern over reports of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s potential decision to broaden Israeli military operations across Gaza, warning of “catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza.”