Update on International Flotilla To Gaza 3 cargo ships laden with aid will be accompanied by 6 passenger boats carrying 750 people from 50 different countries Among those travelling are 35 M.P.’s, press representatives, artists, intellectuals, writers, representatives from various NGO’s, women and children.
This flotilla is been led by the IHH charity from Turkey, and the Free Gaza Movement. A further 50 organisations from across the world are also involved, and represented onboard the various ships.
These ships are carrying onboard the common conscience of people of the world, prayers and wishes in all languages, playgrounds for children, medical aid supplies for the injured and the sick, construction materials for rebuilding schools and homes for those who currently live in tents following the attacks 17 months ago.
The cargo onboard has been checked and approved by highly respected international organizations, and the ships are carrying only humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, Israeli high officials have been making strangely intense statements threatening the ships and those on board. They claim that they will attack the ships, and arrest all the passengers. They have mobilised half of their naval fleet, and have prepared a jail/compound for everyone travelling. These statements aim to intimidate and dissuade people from travelling.
The statements and the attitude of Israeli officials should be seen as an attitude against peace. Their reaction does not comply with the requirements of logic and humanity. As long as the people of Israel, and the wider world remain silent, they will be supporting these invasive and inhumane policies, which are completely against international laws.
It is important to underline the fact that this flotilla has got a humanitarian agenda only. This flotilla gathered it’s support from concerned citizens of the world, and is the voice of common sense and humanity. It’s legitimacy comes from international laws, and it shows the world that they are taking a stance against the illegal occupation and siege currently imposed by Israel.
People are now letting their voices be heard, and are saying “Enough is enough”. How much longer will the leaders of the west continue to arm and support Israel in their campaign of genocide?
The embargo imposed on 1.5 million people in Gaza is a crime against humanity, and is truly shameful. It is happening in our lifetime. Today, we are responsible for the future generations as witnesses of this inhumane treatment of the Palestinians.
For any further information, please contact John Hurson on 0044 7751 006 256. Or, johnhurson@vivapalestina.org
John is based in Dungannon, Tyrone, and is managing the ground support for the Viva Palestina team onboard the flotilla. He is in constant contact via satellite phone with those on board, and is available 24 hours per day for updates and news.
A dedicated news site has been set up on facebook where updates will appear every few hours, or as soon as any breaking news comes from the flotilla:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541019313#!/pages/Gaza-TV-News/119275738102852?ref=ts
John has travelled to Gaza twice in the past 14 months with the Viva Palestina convoys, and has amassed a wealth of contacts including Noam Chomsky, George Galloway, Yvonne Ridley, and Yousef Al Helou who will be reporting from Gaza. They will all be contributing regularly to the Gaza TV News site, so stay tuned for all the latest from these highly respected individuals.
For photo’s and other information on the flotilla, click on the following links for the web sites for IHH, Free Gaza Movement, and Viva Palestina.
www.ihh.org
www.freegaza.org
www.vivapalestina.org
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