World

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have boarded the French Vessel Dignité Al-Karam which was attempting to break through the Israeli blockade of Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory.

South Sudan celebrates its independence this week, becoming the world's newest nation. But the festering divisions that are likely to haunt the north and South for the foreseeable future beg the question: will secession succeed in providing stability for the long-oppressed citizens of these two countries?

While the second flotilla to Gaza prepared to set sail this week under the motto ‘Stay Human,’ Europe moved a step closer to full participation in the Israeli oppression of Palestinians. By Mimi Weingarten.

As protests in Yemen enter their sixth month, the number of protestors in Change Square in Sana'a, which has been one of the hubs of anti-regime protest, has decreased significantly. By Amira Al-Arasi. 

Change Square in Sana’a, the square in front of Sana’a University which has been a center for anti-regime protests, has been witnessing a significant change recently. The number of protestors, especially those participating in 24-hour sit-ins, has decreased.  

More than 10,000 schools were closed or partially closed in Britain yesterday and thousands marched in central London as the first mass strikes against the British government’s austerity plans took place. Between 100 and 200,000 civil servants (the figures are disputed) were also involved in the strikes over proposed changes to pension contributions and a plan to raise the pension age to 66.

The Irish-owned ship, the MV Saoirse, due to sail this week with the Freedom Flotilla 2 to Gaza, has been sabotaged while at berth the Turkish coastal town of Göcek, according to the Irish Ship to Gaza Campaign. The extent of the damage to the ship is such that it will not now participate in the flotilla.

Mass protests and a 48-hour general strike began in Greece yesterday as the Greek parliament prepared to vote on a €28bn austerity package for the country. The parliament is expected to finish debating the bill today around lunchtime, with the vote taking place soon after. 

According to the Guardian, the measures being voted on include:

Often overlooked in the western press have been the collective, or one could say national, grievances of the Tunisian people, expressed as frustration at Tunisia’s lack of real sovereignty in a global order enforced by international institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank. By Corinna Mullin and Azadeh Shahshahani.

Paul Murphy MEP is taking part in the Freedom Flotilla II, aboard the MV Saoirse.

Socialist Party MEP for Dublin, Paul Murphy on his reasons for taking part in the Freedom Flotilla II to Gaza.