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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Gurupura: Bus-lorry collide near Bellibettu, drivers critically injured
6 Lakh in cash recovered during rescue operation
Bajpe: A private bus and a lorry collided head-on near Bellibettu bus stand on Wednesday, leaving both drivers seriously injured.
According to sources, the private bus was travelling from Mangaluru to Karkala and a lorry was heading towards Mangaluru.
The impact of the collision was severe, leaving the front portions of both the bus and the lorry completely crushed.
According to locals, the drivers of both vehicles were trapped inside the mangled vehicles and had to be rescued by cutting parts of the damaged vehicles using a gas cutter. Passengers travelling in the bus sustained minor injuries.
The injured drivers were shifted to a private hospital in the city for treatment. Personnel from the Bajpe police station visited the spot, conducted an inspection, and registered a case.
Meanwhile, it has been learnt that during the rescue operation, a local resident, Rafiq Gurupura, found around Rs 6 lakh in cash while cutting open parts of the bus.
The amount was subsequently handed over to the Bajpe police. The rescue operation was carried out by locals including Rafiq, Shivarama, Raoof, Fazil and others.
