Thanks to Rachel Bridgeland, from IW Friends of Palestine, who has sent this update about the Flotilla to Gaza, in her own words. Ed
Peter Venner, who was on the Mavi Marmara when nine of his fellow passengers were killed in an attack by Israel last year, had hoped to join the international flotilla to Gaza in June.
The purpose was two-fold – to deliver aid and also challenge the illegal blockade of Gaza by Israel, which has reduced 80% of the population to surviving on food hand outs.
Missing aid for schools
Despite assurances to the contrary, aid from the last flotilla – mostly school books and construction materials – was stolen by Israel and never reached Gaza, including a £600 set of Cambridge University textbooks sent from the Isle of Wight. (Despite numerous requests, the British Foreign Office has felt unable to ask their Israeli counterparts what has happened to these books).
Boats sabotaged
Israeli/Western pressure was put on the Turkish government to prevent the Mavi Marmara from joining the flotilla and three of the remaining boats had their propellers sabotaged.
Next, the Greek government refused to allow boats to leave the Greek ports where they were based and arrested a number of participants in the flotilla when they attempted to leave.
Peaceful participants
Participants in the flotilla point out that their intention is to sail through international waters to Gaza. They are entirely peaceful and pose no threat to Israel, so there is no reason under international law why they should be prevented from sailing to Gaza.
Meanwhile, restrictions are also being placed on Palestinians in the West Bank. As the Israelis control Palestinian borders and airspace, they have full control over who enters or leaves Palestine.
Flytilla
Thirteen Welsh and Scottish people, most of whom are retired and including an 83 year old, flew in to Israel recently stating openly their intention to peacefully visit friends in Palestine. They were imprisoned for several days but are now on their way home.
Both the flotilla and ‘flytilla’ challenge the right of the Israeli government to prevent people from peacefully visiting friends and relatives in Palestine.
Whilst the remainder of the flotilla is held in Greek ports – and despite assurances from the Israeli navy that they will be met with force – the French boat ‘Dignity’ is currently heading for Gaza.
Please keep them in your thoughts as this will be relevant whether they are still planning their strategy/en route to Gaza/in prison in Israel.
Image: Freedom Flotilla
