Fed up with waiting for politicians to do anything to end the Israeli blockade of Gaza, Peter Venner will be returning to Gaza at the end of May.
In 2009 the Israeli army attacked Gaza and killed and maimed thousands. Gaza is the size of the Isle of Wight, but with a population of 1.5 million, most of whom are refugees and under the age of 16.
The Israelis have imposed a blockade on Gaza and clothes, bedding, books, toys, toilet paper and everything other than limited medical supplies and foods are banned.
In January 2010, Peter drove thousands of miles in a convoy of 250 vehicles to break the siege of Gaza and deliver much needed aid.
Across the water
Three months later, Peter is setting off to Gaza once more – but this time by sea. He will be joining others on eight boats that are attempting to take building materials & school supplies to Gaza.
These items are among those banned and so the Gazans have no way of rebuilding the homes, schools and hospitals that were deliberately targeted when thousands were killed or maimed by the Israeli attack on Gaza last year.
The crew of the boats will be risking their lives. On previous occasions, despite being in international waters, the Israeli navy has fired live rounds and rammed boats attempting to carry aid to Gaza. On the last occasion they forcibly removed the crew & imprisoned them in Israel.
Lack of political support
Andrew Turner has failed to request naval protection for the humanitarian aid flotilla and the only response from the Labour government has been that they do not recommend travelling to Gaza.
David Cameron is a self-confessed Zionist and – according to Conservative Friends of Israel – 80% of Conservative MPs are members, so it is unlikely that there will be much change in policy towards Israel.
Believing that grassroots action is the only way to break the blockade and let the Gazans know they have not been entirely forgotten by the rest of the world, Peter will be facing Israeli warships in order to deliver much needed school supplies and building materials to Gaza.
A 50kg bag of cement costs £3. If anyone would like to donate money for a bag of cement, or school supplies, please contact Rachel on [email protected]
