Dad’s going to Gaza, this is last resort: Journalist Yusuf Omar tells son before boarding flotilla
London: Award-winning journalist Yusuf Omar has embarked on a humanitarian flotilla carrying essential supplies to Gaza, describing it as a “last resort” after months of global protests and appeals against Israel’s ongoing war on Palestinians.
In a video message recorded before boarding the vessel, Omar was seen speaking to his toddler child, explaining why he had chosen to risk his life to deliver food, water, and medicine to the besieged territory.
“Daddy’s gonna go to Gaza this week, okay? Because millions of people around the world are protesting for a free Palestine, because we are done with the genocide, because we are tired of a 77-year occupation and apartheid struggle,” Omar told his child. He added that after exhausting all other means — from social media campaigns to global demonstrations — direct action was the only way left to highlight the plight of Gazans.
Omar stressed that the mission was born out of deep frustration and urgency. “What else is there left to do but to get on this boat here to Gaza? I know the risks. I have two children. I want to be able to tell them that we did everything in our power to try and bring attention to this,” he said.
He emphasised that the suffering of children in Gaza should concern the entire world. “The way the children of Gaza are suffering today, children around the world could be impacted tomorrow. Violence denies basic human rights and global solidarity. We have to do more,” he remarked.
The journalist also said he hoped his action would inspire young people worldwide to stand in solidarity. “If I can get on that boat here, if I can inspire young people around the world to do the same, just imagine what would happen. What would Israel do? How would they act? How would they behave?” he questioned.
The flotilla, loaded with humanitarian aid, is part of a wider international effort to break the blockade of Gaza, where millions face severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies amid the ongoing war.
Omar, who has reported from conflict zones in the past, acknowledged the personal danger of the mission but maintained that silence was no longer an option. “We have tried everything else. This is all that is left,” he said.
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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
