Nawal Al-Maghafi is a journalist based in Sana'a, Yemen.

Turkey-Syria earthquake: Thousands offer to adopt baby pulled from the rubble

09 Feb 2023  |  www.bbc.com  |  English  |  Human Interest

Following the devastating earthquake in north-west Syria, a newborn baby girl named Aya, born under the rubble, has received thousands of adoption offers after her rescue went viral on social media. Aya's entire immediate family perished in the quake that struck the town of Jindayris. She is currently in a stable condition in a hospital in Afrin, under the care of paediatrician Hani Marouf. The hospital manager, Khalid Attiah, has been inundated with calls from people worldwide wanting to adopt Aya, but he has decided not to allow adoption until her distant family returns. Meanwhile, rescue efforts continue in Jindayris, with local journalists and the White Helmets organisation reporting a dire situation with ongoing searches for survivors amidst the rubble.

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White Helmets

I am journalist based in Warsaw, Poland.
Over 25 of experience in media. I wrote for newspapers (Gazeta Wyborcza, Rzeczpospolia), magazines (PRESS, SENS, Slużba Zdrowia, websites/ online media (OKO.press) and others. 
In last years mostly I write for OKO.press - polish well know online media team ...

No one came out alive from here - reports from Syria cut off from humanitarian aid after the earthquake

16 Feb 2023  |  oko.press  |  Polish  |  Syrian Conflict

The article reports on the dire situation in northwestern Syria following a devastating earthquake, where over 40,000 people have died, with numbers expected to rise. Humanitarian aid has been severely restricted due to political reasons, with the Syrian government blocking access to rebel-controlled areas. Organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the White Helmets are working under challenging conditions to provide aid. The article highlights the severe lack of resources and the political manipulation of aid distribution, painting a grim picture of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

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White Helmets Doctors Without Borders Syrian Government

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Janine di Giovanni has 25 years covering war and conflict and is an expert on The Arab world, terrorism, Afghanistan, Ira, France, USA, conflict, humanitarian disasters, anything conflict related
She has published five books, is writing one on Syria, has won many awards, is an Ochberg Fellow at ...

The Brief and Inspiring Life of James Le Mesurier

14 Nov 2019  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Work

James Le Mesurier, founder of Mayday Rescue and supporter of the White Helmets, was found dead in Istanbul under unclear circumstances. A former British Army officer, Le Mesurier was dedicated to helping war-torn communities, earning the Order of the British Empire in 2016. The White Helmets, known for their emergency medical work in Syria, have saved thousands of lives despite significant risks. Turkish authorities are investigating his death.

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White Helmets Mayday Rescue Turkish authorities

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Murat Güreş is a journalist based in Gaziantep, Turkey.
29 yıldır muhabirlik yapıyorum. Gaziantep/Türkiye'de yaşıyorum. Çeşitli haber ajansları ve yerel medyada çalıştım. Sınıra yakın bir kentte olmam dolayısı ile özellikle Suriye'deki iç savaş, göç, göçün yarattığı sosyal sorunlar, sınır ötesi ...

Turkey Earthquake: Earthquake’s Death Toll Jumps to Over 4,300 in Turkey and Syria

07 Feb 2023  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Humanitarian Crisis

Rescuers in Turkey and Syria are working in near-freezing temperatures to find survivors after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks caused widespread devastation, killing over 4,300 people and destroying thousands of buildings. The earthquake, centered near Gaziantep, is the deadliest in Turkey in over 20 years. The disaster has raised concerns about construction practices and building regulations in Turkey. International aid and rescue teams are being deployed to assist in the efforts. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations are mobilizing resources to provide relief to the affected regions, which are already struggling with war, refugee crises, and economic challenges.

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White Helmets United States Geological Survey Anadolu Agency United Nations UNICEF Global Giving International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies OXFAM CARE Doctors Without Borders Syrian American Medical Society Save the Children Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations USAID AFAD

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Ali Haj Suleiman is a journalist based in Idlib, Syria.

Until my last breath: Searching for relatives at Syria’s ‘slaughterhouse’

14 Dec 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Prisoners

The article reports on the liberation of Sednaya prison in Syria by opposition fighters, revealing the harsh conditions and human rights abuses faced by prisoners. Thousands of Syrians are searching for missing relatives believed to have been detained in the notorious 'slaughterhouse.' Despite the release of many prisoners, the fate of numerous detainees remains unknown, leaving families in a state of uncertainty. The article highlights the ongoing struggle for information and justice, with personal accounts from those affected by the regime's oppressive actions.

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White Helmets Syrian opposition fighters Amnesty International Association of Detainees and Missing in Sednaya Prison

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Parisa Hashempour is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

How to help with earthquake relief efforts

10 Feb 2023  |  swanaspeaks.substack.com  |  English  |  Natural Disaster

In response to the devastating earthquake on the Turkey-Syria border, SWANA Speaks provides a guide on how to assist with relief efforts. The article suggests donating to various organizations, including the Council on Foundations, Disasters Emergency Committee, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, among others. It also mentions the possibility of volunteering for those with relevant skills and being in proximity to the affected areas. The article emphasizes the importance of continued discussion about the humanitarian crisis as the region rebuilds, which could take years.

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Syria's White Helmets Turkish Red Crescent Doctors Without Borders

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Sally Hayden is a journalist based in Gulu, Uganda. She focuses on migration, conflict and humanitarian crises, and has reported across Africa, the Middle East and Europe. She has filed for outlets including the BBC, the New York Times, the Washington Post, TIME, the Irish Times, the Guardian, ...

Crowds throng Syria’s ‘human slaughterhouse’ drawn by hopes of a miracle reunion

10 Dec 2024  |  The Irish Times  |  English  |  Prisoner Reunions

Following the fall of the Assad regime, thousands flocked to Sednaya prison in Syria, hoping for reunions with missing loved ones. The notorious prison, known for mass executions and torture under Assad's rule, became a focal point for families seeking answers. Despite rumors of hidden cells, the White Helmets concluded their search without finding any. The article highlights the ongoing anguish of families and the brutal history of Syria's prison system, with organizations like Amnesty International and the Syrian Network for Human Rights documenting the regime's human rights violations.

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White Helmets Assad regime Amnesty International Syrian Network for Human Rights

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Freelance journalist covering war and humanitarian situations in Syria. Experienced collaborator with media agencies including Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Middle East Eye, and other media outlets.

Desperate journeys: Syrian refugees fleeing Israel’s assault on Lebanon

15 Oct 2024  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Israel-Lebanon Conflict

The article discusses the plight of Syrian refugees fleeing the Israeli assault on Lebanon, highlighting the dangerous journey back to Syria amidst ongoing conflict. Many refugees, like Musa Baghdadi, face the dilemma of choosing between the dangers in Lebanon and the risks of returning to a war-torn Syria. The article criticizes the Syrian government's amnesty promises as ineffective, with many refugees resorting to smugglers to avoid regime checkpoints. The narrative underscores the humanitarian crisis, with organizations like the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the International Organization for Migration providing data on casualties and displacement. The article reflects on the broader geopolitical tensions involving Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, and the impact on civilians caught in the crossfire.

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White Helmets Syrian Observatory for Human Rights International Organization for Migration Syrian National Coalition Syrian Democratic Forces Syrian National Army

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I am a freelance journalist, based in Turkey. I mainly cover Turkey's national news, the Syrian war-related issues, the refugee crisis, and Turkey's foreign policy towards Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. I've been contributing to international media outlets as a reporter. Besides, I've been ...

Turkey-Syria earthquake: Hundreds killed and thousands injured

06 Feb 2023  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Earthquake

A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeast Turkey and northwest Syria, resulting in over 2,300 deaths and thousands of injuries. Turkey reported 1,498 deaths and 8,533 injuries, while Syria reported over 810 deaths and 2,315 injuries. The earthquake caused extensive damage, with thousands of buildings collapsing and significant infrastructure disruptions. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with international assistance being coordinated. The White Helmets and Syrian Civil Defence are actively involved in rescue operations, and the situation remains critical with many still trapped under rubble.

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White Helmets EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre US Geological Survey Syrian Civil Defence

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Nicola Kelly has reported for BBC Radio 4's flagship 'From Our Own Correspondent' and World Service programmes 'Newshour', 'Newsday', 'World Update', 'World Business Report' and 'Focus on Africa'.

Field report and produce mixed packages, interview, dispatches, live and pre-recorded two-ways. 

...

‘Forgotten’ Syrian interpreter attempts suicide after UK asylum delays

13 May 2022  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  UK Immigration

A Syrian interpreter, Ali, who worked for the British government and the White Helmets, attempted suicide after nearly two years of waiting for a decision on his UK asylum claim. Despite being vetted by the Foreign Office, Ali faces delays and lack of support from the Home Office, leading to severe mental health issues. His family in Syria has also been targeted due to his work. The Home Office states they are prioritizing cases involving unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and providing mental health support to asylum seekers.

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White Helmets British Government Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Mayday Rescue Home Office

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Euan Macdonald is a journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Ukraine's Friend & Foe of the Week - Aug. 29, 2018

29 Aug 2018  |  Kyiv Post  |  English  |  Roger Waters

The article highlights U.S. Senator John McCain as Ukraine's Friend of the Week, praising his steadfast support for Ukrainian democracy and opposition to the Kremlin. It contrasts this with the negative portrayal of Roger Waters, the former Pink Floyd member, who is criticized for his alignment with Kremlin propaganda on issues like the EuroMaidan Revolution and the Syrian conflict. The piece underscores McCain's legacy as a proponent of freedom and human rights, while condemning Waters for spreading misinformation.

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White Helmets Kremlin U.S. State Department

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Isaac Nyamungu is a journalist based in Kisumu, Kenya.
I specialize on covering breaking news and geo-political developments. 
I further work as an editor with the local dailies.

Missile Shelling In Aleppo And Idlib Leaves 13 Civilians Dead

07 Oct 2023  |  www.zenger.news  |  English  |  Civilian Casualties

Missile shelling by the Syrian government in Aleppo and Idlib resulted in 13 civilian deaths and numerous injuries, including children and women. The attacks targeted various civilian infrastructures, including markets, schools, and mosques. The Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, reported the casualties and damage. The Syrian Ministry of Defense attributed the escalation to recent attacks on a military college in Homs, blaming terrorist organizations. Civilians and local residents criticized the Syrian regime for targeting non-combatants and causing unnecessary suffering.

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White Helmets Syrian Civil Defense Syrian Ministry of Defense

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Milivoje Pantovic is a investigative journalist based in Beograd, Serbia. He is specialized in the fields of domestic politics, foreign politics and culture. Milivoje was a journalist and editor in Serbian news agencies Tanjug and Beta, TV stations B92 and BK, newspaper "Politika", editor in ...

Coronavirus: Middle East refugees in Serbia volunteer to combat pandemic

01 Apr 2020  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Volunteering

Middle Eastern refugees in Serbia, including former tailor Soheil Habibi and paramedic Hussein al-Masri, are volunteering to combat the coronavirus pandemic by sewing protective masks and offering their skills. Despite rising anti-refugee sentiment and political tensions in Serbia, these refugees are motivated by altruism and a desire to help during the global crisis. The Serbian Commissariat for Refugees supports their efforts, while the White Helmets are highlighted for their humanitarian work. The article also touches on the broader political context and challenges faced by refugees in Serbia.

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White Helmets Serbian Commissariat for Refugees

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Andrei Popoviciu is an independent investigative journalist, reporter, audio-visual producer and photographer covering human rights, security, migration, international development and foreign affairs stories across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He is currently based in Dakar, Senegal but has ...

Syria’s White Helmets continue to help people in devastated Aleppo

02 Mar 2025  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Post-War Reconstruction

The White Helmets, officially known as the Syria Civil Defence, continue their humanitarian efforts in Aleppo, Syria, following years of war and the 2023 earthquakes. Led by Abu Ahmad, they are engaged in clearing rubble, demining, and searching for mass graves. Despite past affiliations, they aim to integrate former regime firefighters into their work to rebuild the city. The article highlights the challenges faced by the White Helmets, including the threat from Russian airstrikes, and underscores their commitment to aiding the devastated city.

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White Helmets Syria Civil Defence Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Bashar al-Assad's regime

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Agnieszka Pospiszyl is a journalist, researcher and producer based in Katowice, Poland. She is covering war in Ukraine since the second day of it.

She covers all news about Central Europe, focusing mostly on Poland, Czechia and Slovakia, and also European topics seen from London’s perspective. 
...

Humanitarian group warns Ukrainians: Information provided to UN could be used by the Russians

15 Mar 2022  |  www.foxnews.com  |  English  |  International Relations

The White Helmets, a humanitarian organization, has advised Ukrainians to exercise caution when sharing information with the United Nations, fearing that the Russian military may use it to target civilian areas. The group's director, Raed Saleh, drew parallels between the conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, citing past instances where medical sites were targeted after being reported to the U.N. The U.N. defended its notification system, stating it is meant to protect humanitarian facilities by informing all conflict parties. Amid escalating violence in Eastern Europe, the White Helmets plan to provide resources and training to Ukraine and urge the U.N. to more actively call out perpetrators.

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White Helmets United Nations Russian Military

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Saman Rizwan is an independent analyst and a graduate of International Relations from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, NTU, Singapore.

To solve global problems, the Nobel Foundation must recognize the Muslim world

25 May 2023  |  brusselsmorning.com  |  English  |  Muslim World

The article criticizes the Nobel Foundation for its lack of diversity, particularly in recognizing contributions from the Muslim world. It highlights the underrepresentation of Muslims among Nobel laureates despite their significant global population. The piece emphasizes the need for the Foundation to acknowledge thought leaders and activists from the Muslim world, such as Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa and Kawkaba Nowruzi, to address global challenges like climate change and humanitarian crises. The article argues for a paradigm shift in the Nobel Foundation's approach to nominations and diversity, warning that failure to do so may diminish its relevance and impact.

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The White Helmets Nobel Foundation Muslim World League

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a freelance journalist and researcher based in Paris. covers the Middle East region and Jihadist movements, hold a master degree in the political history of Syria with knowledge about the day to day situation in Syria and the region. 
started working in Damascus, Syria in the early 2000's with ...

Jorgen Samso is a filmmaker and journalist based in Belgrade, Serbia, covering the Balkans. Video, TV, print/online and photography. Clients: PBS, Euronews, The Lancet, Foreign Policy, Politico Europe, Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) and various Danish national media outlets.
Primary ...

Rescuers face increasingly long odds as death toll soars in Turkey and Syria

11 Feb 2023  |  PBS.org  |  English  |  Rescue Operations

Rescue workers in Turkey and Syria are facing increasingly difficult conditions as they search for survivors following devastating earthquakes. In Adiyaman, Turkey, international teams, including a 200-strong team from USAID, are working tirelessly amidst widespread destruction. Stephen Allen of USAID describes the scale of the disaster as unprecedented. In Hatay, miraculous rescues continue, but hope is fading for many. Turkish officials are investigating over 130 individuals for allegedly overseeing substandard construction. In Syria, the World Health Organization's Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlights the immense need in the war-torn country, where only the White Helmets are conducting rescue operations. Survivors recount harrowing experiences, and the destruction has left many questioning the safety of their homes.

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White Helmets USAID World Health Organization

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Mouneb Taim, a distinguished freelance photojournalist born in 2001, has garnered international acclaim for his comprehensive coverage of social issues. With a career spanning since 2014, he documented life under siege in Syria until early 2022, accumulating numerous awards.
Currently based in ...

Five bodies likely killed by IS found in mass grave in Aleppo

23 Aug 2022  |  Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East  |  English  |  Mass Grave

Syrian workers in Azaz discovered a mass grave during road expansion works in Naddah village, northern Aleppo. The local council's media office reported that the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, exhumed the remains of five people, including a woman and a child.

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White Helmets Syrian Civil Defense Azaz’s local council

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Callum Tennant is a journalist who specialises in transport, travel, and Spanish affairs.

He has written for publications such as The Guardian, euronews, POLITICO, The FT, and The Independent.

Callum speaks English and a B2 level of Spanish.

Wizz Air Will Help Ukrainian Refugees Reach The UK With Free Flights

12 May 2023  |  simpleflying.com  |  English  |  Aviation

Wizz Air is offering 10,000 free tickets to Ukrainian refugees traveling to the UK as part of a new initiative in partnership with several not-for-profit organizations and the UK Government's 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme. The initiative aims to help refugees reach safety in the UK, with flights available from May 14th to June 15th. While the move has been praised for its humanitarian efforts, it has also faced criticism for perceived double standards in the treatment of refugees from different regions. The UK government is also under scrutiny for its controversial new immigration scheme involving asylum seekers being sent to Rwanda.

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White Helmets Choose Love The Shapiro Foundation The Steve Morgan Foundation USPUK UK Government United Nations Refugee Agency

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Cassandra Vinograd is a freelance journalist and producer specializing in conflict, human rights and migration. She previously worked for NBC News, The Associated Press and The Wall Street Journal. Her reporting has taken her throughout Africa, Europe and the Middle East. 

She is HEFAT certified....

Israel Says It Destroyed Syria’s Navy, Part of Wave of Post

10 Dec 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Middle East Conflict

The article reports on the recent military developments in Syria, highlighting Israel's extensive airstrikes that have significantly weakened Syria's military capabilities, including the destruction of its navy. The conflict involves multiple actors, including Turkish-backed forces, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, amid the backdrop of the Syrian civil war and the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The United Nations and various human rights organizations express concerns over the humanitarian impact and the potential for further violence. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, with Israel, Turkey, and the United States playing significant roles in the region's future stability and governance.

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White Helmets Israeli Military Syrian Democratic Forces Hayat Tahrir al-Sham United Nations Syrian National Army Kurdistan Workers’ Party Amnesty International Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Syrian Network for Human Rights Pentagon U.S. Central Command

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Jacob Wirtschafter is a journalist based in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Syrian refugees seek safety in Israel but are turned away as conflict with Assad's forces escalates

23 Jul 2023  |  USA TODAY  |  English  |  Middle East Conflict

The article reports on the plight of Syrian refugees from Daraa who sought refuge in Israel but were denied entry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized border defense and humanitarian aid without allowing refugees into Israel. The White Helmets, a civilian defense group, were evacuated to Jordan with Israeli assistance. The Syrian army, backed by Russian air power and allied forces, has been reclaiming territories, leading to a new wave of refugees and increased bombings, particularly in southern Syria. The UN has reported a significant displacement of children due to the violence. The article also discusses the precarious situation in Idlib, where internally displaced refugees face attacks from both jihadist groups and pro-Assad forces. The White Helmets report numerous casualties among their ranks and civilians, with children and women being the primary victims.

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White Helmets Omran Strategic Studies Syrian Observatory for Human Rights