Freedom Flotilla is also known as the Free Gaza movement. The objective is to bring humanitarian aid to those within the Gaza strip. Freedom Flotilla II is a ship which set sail on June 27th 2011 the objective is to do the same, to bring aid to the Gaza strip. As of right now all ships aiming to get to the Gaza strip have been halted via Greek Authorities!
What was the aim of the Gaza Freedom flotilla?
The Free Gaza movement says it was intended to deliver aid to Gaza to get around the Israeli blockade and "to raise international awareness about the prison-like closure of the Gaza Strip and pressure the international community to review its sanctions policy and end its support for continued Israeli occupation". The movement is an international coalition of pro-Palestinian human rights organisations and activists. It has been endorsed by Desmond Tutu and Noam Chomsky and counts on the support of a number of Jewish groups that campaign for the rights of Palestinians.
Israel's deputy foreign minister, Danny Ayalon, said: "The armada of hate and violence in support of the Hamas terror organisation was a premeditated and outrageous provocation. The organisers are well-known for their ties to global Jihad, al-Qaida and Hamas. They have a history of arms smuggling and deadly terror. On board the ship we found weapons that were prepared in advance and used against our forces. The organisers' intent was violent, their method was violent, and unfortunately, the results were violent."Israel has singled out the Turkish-based Insani Yardim Vakfi or IHH ("humanitarian relief fund") as a radical Islamic organisation. More from this article here
One year after a similar effort ended in bloodshed, a coalition of some 1,500 human rights and peace activists are attempting to sail from Greece to the Gaza Strip -- looking to deliver emergency supplies despite warnings from officials not to violate Israel's blockade of the territory. Click here for more info.
What is the recent events of Freedom Flotilla?
As of July 4th 2011-Greek authorities seem to have halted efforts thus far. Boats trying to pass through the Greek ports have been stopped by the Greek authorities.
"Most of the boats which hoped to sail to Gaza in an effort to break Israel's blockade of the Palestinian territory have been stuck in Greek ports after being refused permission to embark on the journey by Greek authorities." To read more go here.
Another recent article posted today is about an 86 yr old woman who is traveling on one of the ships to help with the efforts of Freedom Flotilla."University City Patch is following the journey of the 86-year-old woman who is part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla II"You can read more about her story here.
US Boat to Gaza passengers cheered and chanted “Let us sail! Let us sail!” Some held signs reading, “Free Gaza” and “Let freedom ring,” a reference to a famous speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King, jr. during the African-American civil rights movement.“We call on the government of Israel to end the blockade,” Wright continued, closing with the words, “We say to the people of Gaza: we are coming!” For more on this story go here.
"Two ships from Sweden and Greece sabotaged over last two days; organizer Manolis Plionis says damage 'won't stop us from sailing,' believes both ships will participate in flotilla". For more on this report go here.
To follow recent updates from the ship Freedom Flotilla II go here!
To Support Freedom Flotilla go here!
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