21 june 2015
MK Dr. Basel Ghattas
Politicians attack and defend MK Dr. Basel Ghattas after he tells Ynet he plans to join pro-Palestinian flotilla currently making its way to Gaza.
MK Basel Ghattas of the Joint Arab List on Sunday confirmed to Ynet that he intends to board a solidarity flotilla from Greece to Gaza.
Ghattas is not the first Arab MK to board a flotilla: Five years ago, his colleague from the Joint Arab List, MK Hanin Zoabi, was on the Mavi Marmara, a flotilla that was raided by Israeli commandos in 2010.
Ghattas sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon stating his intention to board the ship.
"There is no reason to prevent us from reaching Gaza and administering the aid that we are bringing with us," he stated. "I call on you to instruct the Israeli Defense Forces to stay away from the flotilla and allow us safe passage. Taking over the ships and preventing them from reaching Gaza will only embroil Israel in another international crisis, for which you and your government will bear responsibility."
Politicians were quick to react to the news, with many censuring the decision.
According to former foreign minister and Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, "The whole purpose of the Joint Arab List is to hurt the state of Israel, while using Israeli democracy in an attempt to destroy it. Israeli society must stop these hypocritical games, and act to remove this bunch of terrorist supporters from within us."
The three-ship flotilla, which was organized by Swedish pro-Palestinian activists, will include academics, parliament members, artists and others. Even though the names of the participants have not been officially published, among the participants are Spanish MP Ana Miranda and ex-pat Israeli Dror Feiler -- an artist and left-wing activist who has lived in Sweden for many years.
In a conversation with Ynet, Ghattas explained his motives: "The situation in Gaza is severe, nothing has changed, and things are getting worse. The blockade has only gotten worse. The financial situation is very difficult and Israel and the world are driving this trend." Gatas said the aim of the flotilla is to put the situation in Gaza back on the global agenda, and "try to force international pressure on Israel to change its policies. If the current situation continues, the next outbreak of violence is only a matter of time."
The MK is not worried about the consequences, much like fellow party member MK Hanin Zoabi, who was on board the Mavi Marmara in 2010. "The flotilla includes people who want to administer aid, mainly medical. It’s a flotilla of peace, and not violence. To those who criticize me I say: Why don’t you join me? Why aren't Israelis who are worried about a renewed outbreak of hostilities joining me in order to end the severe blockade of Gaza?"
In the letter to Netanyahu and Ya'alon, Ghattas wrote that several parliament members and public figures from all over the world are on board the flotilla; "The civilian flotilla is peaceful, and aims to focus public attention to the plight of 1.8 million Palestinian living in prison-like conditions as a result of the blockade. There is no reason to prevent our arrival in Gaza."
Politicians attack and defend MK Dr. Basel Ghattas after he tells Ynet he plans to join pro-Palestinian flotilla currently making its way to Gaza.
MK Basel Ghattas of the Joint Arab List on Sunday confirmed to Ynet that he intends to board a solidarity flotilla from Greece to Gaza.
Ghattas is not the first Arab MK to board a flotilla: Five years ago, his colleague from the Joint Arab List, MK Hanin Zoabi, was on the Mavi Marmara, a flotilla that was raided by Israeli commandos in 2010.
Ghattas sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon stating his intention to board the ship.
"There is no reason to prevent us from reaching Gaza and administering the aid that we are bringing with us," he stated. "I call on you to instruct the Israeli Defense Forces to stay away from the flotilla and allow us safe passage. Taking over the ships and preventing them from reaching Gaza will only embroil Israel in another international crisis, for which you and your government will bear responsibility."
Politicians were quick to react to the news, with many censuring the decision.
According to former foreign minister and Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman, "The whole purpose of the Joint Arab List is to hurt the state of Israel, while using Israeli democracy in an attempt to destroy it. Israeli society must stop these hypocritical games, and act to remove this bunch of terrorist supporters from within us."
The three-ship flotilla, which was organized by Swedish pro-Palestinian activists, will include academics, parliament members, artists and others. Even though the names of the participants have not been officially published, among the participants are Spanish MP Ana Miranda and ex-pat Israeli Dror Feiler -- an artist and left-wing activist who has lived in Sweden for many years.
In a conversation with Ynet, Ghattas explained his motives: "The situation in Gaza is severe, nothing has changed, and things are getting worse. The blockade has only gotten worse. The financial situation is very difficult and Israel and the world are driving this trend." Gatas said the aim of the flotilla is to put the situation in Gaza back on the global agenda, and "try to force international pressure on Israel to change its policies. If the current situation continues, the next outbreak of violence is only a matter of time."
The MK is not worried about the consequences, much like fellow party member MK Hanin Zoabi, who was on board the Mavi Marmara in 2010. "The flotilla includes people who want to administer aid, mainly medical. It’s a flotilla of peace, and not violence. To those who criticize me I say: Why don’t you join me? Why aren't Israelis who are worried about a renewed outbreak of hostilities joining me in order to end the severe blockade of Gaza?"
In the letter to Netanyahu and Ya'alon, Ghattas wrote that several parliament members and public figures from all over the world are on board the flotilla; "The civilian flotilla is peaceful, and aims to focus public attention to the plight of 1.8 million Palestinian living in prison-like conditions as a result of the blockade. There is no reason to prevent our arrival in Gaza."
Ismail Haneyya, deputy chairman of Hamas political bureau, welcomed Flotilla 3 which is to reach Gaza in few days.
In a written statement, Haneyya hailed the foreign activists on board Flotilla 3 including representatives of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the international committee to lift the siege on Gaza in addition to the free people of the world.
He also hailed the efforts of lifting the siege on the Palestinian people and sending its just message to the world.
Freedom Flotilla 3 which consists of several ships is preparing to sail toward Gaza in the coming few days from the terminal European station.
Dozens of political and parliamentary figures along with international activists will be on board including former president of Tunisia Mohammad Muncef el-Marzouki as well as MPs from Jordan, Morocco, Algeria and Europe.
In a written statement, Haneyya hailed the foreign activists on board Flotilla 3 including representatives of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the international committee to lift the siege on Gaza in addition to the free people of the world.
He also hailed the efforts of lifting the siege on the Palestinian people and sending its just message to the world.
Freedom Flotilla 3 which consists of several ships is preparing to sail toward Gaza in the coming few days from the terminal European station.
Dozens of political and parliamentary figures along with international activists will be on board including former president of Tunisia Mohammad Muncef el-Marzouki as well as MPs from Jordan, Morocco, Algeria and Europe.
18 june 2015
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza has started the countdown for the launch of the Freedom Flotilla ships heading for Gaza in the third attempt to break the sea blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.
A few days ago, the Swedish ship arrived in the south-west of Italy; Marianne sailed from Sweden in early May.
In a written statement released yesterday, committee coordinator Zaher Birawi said that there are indicators that the flotilla's ships will reach their meeting point at sea, and there will be no obstacles to prevent this from happening.
"As to the possibility of arrival at Gaza's shores, this depends on how the occupation state will deal with the international activists and their peaceful humanitarian mission," he added.
Birawi stressed that all activists who are taking part in the flotilla are eager to arrive in Gaza to break the siege and deliver a message of love and solidarity to the people of Gaza.
He noted that the coalition of organisations taking part in the flotilla is constantly following up on all arrangements needed for the trip to be a success.
A few days ago, the Swedish ship arrived in the south-west of Italy; Marianne sailed from Sweden in early May.
In a written statement released yesterday, committee coordinator Zaher Birawi said that there are indicators that the flotilla's ships will reach their meeting point at sea, and there will be no obstacles to prevent this from happening.
"As to the possibility of arrival at Gaza's shores, this depends on how the occupation state will deal with the international activists and their peaceful humanitarian mission," he added.
Birawi stressed that all activists who are taking part in the flotilla are eager to arrive in Gaza to break the siege and deliver a message of love and solidarity to the people of Gaza.
He noted that the coalition of organisations taking part in the flotilla is constantly following up on all arrangements needed for the trip to be a success.
16 june 2015
The organizers of the third Freedom Flotilla said their Gaza-bound convoy of vessels would leave the Greek mainland in the next few days despite Israeli threats to attack it.
This came in press remarks made by Mazen Kaheel, head of the European campaign to end the siege on Gaza, following a recent meeting held by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition in the Greek capital Athens.
Kaheel said that all members of the coalition stressed during the meeting the importance of their humanitarian move towards the besieged people of Gaza, who live under threat of slow death as a result of years of tight blockade.
He added that the third campaign of Freedom Flotilla would be taking place amid persistent international silence on Israel's blockade on Gaza, which he described as one of the greatest crimes committed against humanity in modern times.
More than one hundred people from around the world, including politicians, academics, jurists, human rights activists and media figures will be taking part in the third Freedom Flotilla campaign.
This came in press remarks made by Mazen Kaheel, head of the European campaign to end the siege on Gaza, following a recent meeting held by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition in the Greek capital Athens.
Kaheel said that all members of the coalition stressed during the meeting the importance of their humanitarian move towards the besieged people of Gaza, who live under threat of slow death as a result of years of tight blockade.
He added that the third campaign of Freedom Flotilla would be taking place amid persistent international silence on Israel's blockade on Gaza, which he described as one of the greatest crimes committed against humanity in modern times.
More than one hundred people from around the world, including politicians, academics, jurists, human rights activists and media figures will be taking part in the third Freedom Flotilla campaign.
Sources of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) disclosed that one hundred European MPs have signed the petition filed by the FFC to the European Parliament in May for ending the siege on Gaza.
The MPs included European Parliament President Demetris Papadamolis and MPs from over 15 European countries. The petition also demanded international protection of Flotilla 3.
The Palestinian European Forum quoted Monday the head of the Greek ship campaign as saying “the number of MPs signing the petition indicates change in the European people’s attitude towards the siege on Gaza after more than nine years.”
He said this means attacking Flotilla 3 will have negative implications on Israel.
The petition which was filed weeks ago in the European Parliament demanded ending the siege on Gaza, opening border crossings, guaranteeing freedom of transportation and travel, internationally protecting of Flotilla 3, recognizing Gaza’s right of harbor and waterway, abiding by the international law and fulfilling duties as an occupying power on Palestinian lands.
The MPs included European Parliament President Demetris Papadamolis and MPs from over 15 European countries. The petition also demanded international protection of Flotilla 3.
The Palestinian European Forum quoted Monday the head of the Greek ship campaign as saying “the number of MPs signing the petition indicates change in the European people’s attitude towards the siege on Gaza after more than nine years.”
He said this means attacking Flotilla 3 will have negative implications on Israel.
The petition which was filed weeks ago in the European Parliament demanded ending the siege on Gaza, opening border crossings, guaranteeing freedom of transportation and travel, internationally protecting of Flotilla 3, recognizing Gaza’s right of harbor and waterway, abiding by the international law and fulfilling duties as an occupying power on Palestinian lands.
5 june 2015
Dozens of Gazan women on Thursday participated in a protest sit-in demanding the Palestinian unity government to shoulder its humanitarian and legal responsibilities towards the Gaza Strip and pressure Israel to end its blockade.
The protest was staged by Palestinian women against the Siege outside the headquarters of the cabinet in Gaza, where the participants carried banners condemning what they described as the government's hypocrisy and accusing it of being responsible for the humanitarian suffering in the Strip.
Spokeswoman for the group Randa Swairki stated that the protest was organized on the first anniversary of the government's inception.
"We demand it to assume its responsibilities towards Gaza and pressure Israel to lift its blockade, which is ongoing for the ninth consecutive year," She said.
Hamas Organizes Protest against Unity Government, UNRWA
Hamas, on Friday, organized a march in Jabaliya refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip, to protest the national unity government's alleged neglect of the coastal enclave, as well as policies of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
According to Ma'an News Agency, the march set off from mosques across the refugee camp following Friday prayers, and ended at a home destroyed during last summer's Israeli offensive on Gaza.
Hamas leader Muhammad Abu Askar said before the march that that while the unity government had been formed to serve all Palestinians, one year on the situation in Gaza is continuing to worsen.
"Hamdallah's government prevented employment in Gaza, and today UNRWA has stopped hiring and is shrinking its services for refugees and those who were affected by the war."
UNWRA, the largest service provider for refugees in the Gaza Strip, announced in February that it had been forced to stop a cash assistance program for tens of thousands of Palestinians to make repairs to damaged and destroyed homes due to a lack of donor funding.
Abu Askar called on President Mahmoud Abbas and UNRWA to uphold their responsibilities to Palestinians in Gaza, calling on UNRWA to take a neutral side and support those living in the beleaguered coastal enclave.
He also used the march to welcomed Freedom Flotilla III, which intends to arrive at the Gaza Strip with a limited cargo of supplies.
The flotilla will be the third of its kind to attempt to break "the illegal and inhumane blockade of the Gaza Strip," according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
The protest was staged by Palestinian women against the Siege outside the headquarters of the cabinet in Gaza, where the participants carried banners condemning what they described as the government's hypocrisy and accusing it of being responsible for the humanitarian suffering in the Strip.
Spokeswoman for the group Randa Swairki stated that the protest was organized on the first anniversary of the government's inception.
"We demand it to assume its responsibilities towards Gaza and pressure Israel to lift its blockade, which is ongoing for the ninth consecutive year," She said.
Hamas Organizes Protest against Unity Government, UNRWA
Hamas, on Friday, organized a march in Jabaliya refugee camp, in the northern Gaza Strip, to protest the national unity government's alleged neglect of the coastal enclave, as well as policies of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
According to Ma'an News Agency, the march set off from mosques across the refugee camp following Friday prayers, and ended at a home destroyed during last summer's Israeli offensive on Gaza.
Hamas leader Muhammad Abu Askar said before the march that that while the unity government had been formed to serve all Palestinians, one year on the situation in Gaza is continuing to worsen.
"Hamdallah's government prevented employment in Gaza, and today UNRWA has stopped hiring and is shrinking its services for refugees and those who were affected by the war."
UNWRA, the largest service provider for refugees in the Gaza Strip, announced in February that it had been forced to stop a cash assistance program for tens of thousands of Palestinians to make repairs to damaged and destroyed homes due to a lack of donor funding.
Abu Askar called on President Mahmoud Abbas and UNRWA to uphold their responsibilities to Palestinians in Gaza, calling on UNRWA to take a neutral side and support those living in the beleaguered coastal enclave.
He also used the march to welcomed Freedom Flotilla III, which intends to arrive at the Gaza Strip with a limited cargo of supplies.
The flotilla will be the third of its kind to attempt to break "the illegal and inhumane blockade of the Gaza Strip," according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
30 may 2015
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Freedom Flotilla III, Marianne, is to arrive in Spain Saturday in one of several stops before making a final voyage to the besieged Gaza Strip, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition said.
The Swedish ship campaign, a founding member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, revealed that Marianne will stay, until the first of June, in the Spanish city of Pontevedra on its way to Gaza. It will continue sailing to Lisbon city in Portugal then to Andalusia port in Spain. The campaign also pointed out that Marianne will head to several ports in the Mediterranean Sea before it reaches Gaza. Preparation has been running for a big welcoming ceremony to receive the ship in Bueu port in Galicia Spanish city. Palestinian community and boycott |
activists are expected to participate in the reception activities on Saturday and Sunday.
The central event will be conducted on Sunday, May 31 which marks the five-year commemoration of the Israeli brutal attack on the first Freedom Flotilla Mavi Marmara in 2010, when Israeli naval forces killed ten human rights activists on board.
For his part, the representative of the European campaign to lift the siege on Gaza Dr. Naser Odeh said that “a representative delegation of the campaign along with human rights organizations, pressmen and technical teams will take part in receiving Marianne.
He expressed his hope that Marianne will succeed in achieving its humanitarian mission and reach the besieged Gaza Strip without any trouble in order to break the siege imposed on it since 2007.
The central event will be conducted on Sunday, May 31 which marks the five-year commemoration of the Israeli brutal attack on the first Freedom Flotilla Mavi Marmara in 2010, when Israeli naval forces killed ten human rights activists on board.
For his part, the representative of the European campaign to lift the siege on Gaza Dr. Naser Odeh said that “a representative delegation of the campaign along with human rights organizations, pressmen and technical teams will take part in receiving Marianne.
He expressed his hope that Marianne will succeed in achieving its humanitarian mission and reach the besieged Gaza Strip without any trouble in order to break the siege imposed on it since 2007.
24 may 2015
A number of Gazan boats will sail from Gaza port to receive the Freedom Flotilla 3 on May 31 on the anniversary of the Israeli attack on the Turkish solidarity ship Mavi Marmara, the representative of Miles of Smiles convoys Ali al-Nazli said.
Nazli revealed, in a statement on Sunday, that the Gazan boats will be raising the flag of Palestine along with other flags of the participating countries in Flotilla 3. The boats will raise banners calling for lifting the siege on Gaza as well.
He also renewed the Palestinian welcoming of Flotilla ships saying “it is time to end the illegal and unmoral siege on Gaza and to hold accountable all those who contributed to the siege which is a collective punishment crime”.
Nazli called on the Arab and Muslim peoples in addition to all countries of the world to support the Palestinians and to end the Israeli occupation.
On the same day, marches and demonstrations will be launched in several Arab countries including The Sudan, Morocco and Lebanon as well as European and African capitals including London, Copenhagen, Rome and Cape Town.
Nazli revealed, in a statement on Sunday, that the Gazan boats will be raising the flag of Palestine along with other flags of the participating countries in Flotilla 3. The boats will raise banners calling for lifting the siege on Gaza as well.
He also renewed the Palestinian welcoming of Flotilla ships saying “it is time to end the illegal and unmoral siege on Gaza and to hold accountable all those who contributed to the siege which is a collective punishment crime”.
Nazli called on the Arab and Muslim peoples in addition to all countries of the world to support the Palestinians and to end the Israeli occupation.
On the same day, marches and demonstrations will be launched in several Arab countries including The Sudan, Morocco and Lebanon as well as European and African capitals including London, Copenhagen, Rome and Cape Town.
21 may 2015
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza announced the preparatory arrangements to organize navy demonstrations in international ports and coastal cities on Sunday May 31.
The calls for navy demonstrations aim to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the First Freedom Flotilla which was attacked by Israeli navy off Gaza shore in 2010. The Israeli attack led to the killing of ten Turkish people, the injury of dozens of others and the arrest of hundreds of solidarity foreigners.
Quds Press quoted the coordinator of the committee Zaher Birawi as saying that the demonstrations also aim at demanding to break the unjust siege of Gaza which affects two million Palestinians living in the blockaded enclave.
Birawi also revealed that small ships and boats will participate in the navy demonstrations in several countries. It will board international and solidarity activists carrying the Palestinian flag and banners demanding breaking the siege and building Gaza harbor.
One more objective is supporting and protecting the Third Freedom Flotilla from the Israeli army which threatens to prevent its access to Gaza coast, according to Birawi.
He underlined that solidarity organizations in more than ten countries have so far confirmed its participation while the number is likely to increase during the coming days.
The committee organizes the activities of breaking the siege of Gaza in sea and over land as a founding member of the Freedom Flotilla alliance.
The calls for navy demonstrations aim to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the First Freedom Flotilla which was attacked by Israeli navy off Gaza shore in 2010. The Israeli attack led to the killing of ten Turkish people, the injury of dozens of others and the arrest of hundreds of solidarity foreigners.
Quds Press quoted the coordinator of the committee Zaher Birawi as saying that the demonstrations also aim at demanding to break the unjust siege of Gaza which affects two million Palestinians living in the blockaded enclave.
Birawi also revealed that small ships and boats will participate in the navy demonstrations in several countries. It will board international and solidarity activists carrying the Palestinian flag and banners demanding breaking the siege and building Gaza harbor.
One more objective is supporting and protecting the Third Freedom Flotilla from the Israeli army which threatens to prevent its access to Gaza coast, according to Birawi.
He underlined that solidarity organizations in more than ten countries have so far confirmed its participation while the number is likely to increase during the coming days.
The committee organizes the activities of breaking the siege of Gaza in sea and over land as a founding member of the Freedom Flotilla alliance.
20 may 2015
Essam Yousif, chairman of Miles of Smiles convoys, said in a press release issued Tuesday that activists of Miles of Smiles decided to join Freedom Flotilla III and to reach Gaza in few weeks.
The activists include Parliamentary personalities, former ministers, artists, businessmen, and academics from Arab, Muslim, and European countries, he pointed out.
“Israeli authorities would not succeed in preventing those international activists from carrying out their humanitarian duty towards the two million Palestinians living under siege and poverty in the Gaza Strip for more than eight years, during which they witnessed three devastating assaults, resulted in thousands of martyrs and injured people and tens of thousands of destroyed buildings.”
Youssef said that Freedom Flotilla III and the ongoing international efforts came in the context of exposing Israeli violations to international laws.
"Mariana has already started its trip to break the siege of Gaza as part of Freedom Flotilla III," he continued.
Chairman of Miles of Smiles convoys concluded his statement by stressing the urgent need to lift the siege on Gaza as it totally violates all international laws and norms.
The activists include Parliamentary personalities, former ministers, artists, businessmen, and academics from Arab, Muslim, and European countries, he pointed out.
“Israeli authorities would not succeed in preventing those international activists from carrying out their humanitarian duty towards the two million Palestinians living under siege and poverty in the Gaza Strip for more than eight years, during which they witnessed three devastating assaults, resulted in thousands of martyrs and injured people and tens of thousands of destroyed buildings.”
Youssef said that Freedom Flotilla III and the ongoing international efforts came in the context of exposing Israeli violations to international laws.
"Mariana has already started its trip to break the siege of Gaza as part of Freedom Flotilla III," he continued.
Chairman of Miles of Smiles convoys concluded his statement by stressing the urgent need to lift the siege on Gaza as it totally violates all international laws and norms.
19 may 2015
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Photos of Palestinians holding flags and banners in Palestine during a rally to show solidarity for Third Freedom Flotilla.
The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza said the group's Marianne ship which left Sweden last week arrived in Germany's Kehl port on Sunday en route to the French port of Brest. A member of the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza, Khamis Kart, said in a statement yesterday that the ship was received by a large gathering of activists and Palestinians living in Germany and members of the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza as well as representatives of the Palestinian assembly in Germany. The campaign continues its meeting with the Freedom Flotilla III team in the |
Greek capital Athens where the two are expected to hold a press conference on Tuesday.
Deputy President of the Palestinians Assembly in Germany, Fadi Al-Tayesh, who joined the crowds who welcomed the ship, said people cheered for the ship and called for freedom for Palestine and condemned the Israeli siege on Gaza.
The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza has launched an international campaign to mobilise support and advocacy politically and diplomatically for the Freedom Flotilla III which included a number of meetings with European parliamentarians and parties' advisers.
The campaign confirmed during these meetings on the need to press Israel to immediately lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The first Freedom Flotilla was led by Turkish Mavi Marmara ship which set off towards the besieged Gaza Strip in May 2010 before Israeli forces attacked it in international waters killing ten activists and injuring others.
Deputy President of the Palestinians Assembly in Germany, Fadi Al-Tayesh, who joined the crowds who welcomed the ship, said people cheered for the ship and called for freedom for Palestine and condemned the Israeli siege on Gaza.
The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza has launched an international campaign to mobilise support and advocacy politically and diplomatically for the Freedom Flotilla III which included a number of meetings with European parliamentarians and parties' advisers.
The campaign confirmed during these meetings on the need to press Israel to immediately lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip.
The first Freedom Flotilla was led by Turkish Mavi Marmara ship which set off towards the besieged Gaza Strip in May 2010 before Israeli forces attacked it in international waters killing ten activists and injuring others.
A Palestinian government commission has warned that Israel will use every means possible, including piracy, to prevent Freedom Flotilla 3 from sailing for the besieged Gaza Strip.
The commission, which is responsible for receiving visiting delegations, said the aid convoy Freedom Flotilla 3 would leave for Gaza in mid-June with the participation of former Tunisian president Mohamed Marzouki and several European activists.
In a news conference held on Monday in Gaza, head of the commission Alaaddin al-Batta stated that three passenger ships would take part in the convoy, carrying dozens of multinational politicians, lawmakers, jurists and pro-Palestinian activists.
Batta affirmed that there were coordination committees inside and outside Gaza working around the clock to facilitate the arrival of the convoy safely to Gaza.
He added that multiple events would be organized in several cities around the world to support the convoy.
The commission, which is responsible for receiving visiting delegations, said the aid convoy Freedom Flotilla 3 would leave for Gaza in mid-June with the participation of former Tunisian president Mohamed Marzouki and several European activists.
In a news conference held on Monday in Gaza, head of the commission Alaaddin al-Batta stated that three passenger ships would take part in the convoy, carrying dozens of multinational politicians, lawmakers, jurists and pro-Palestinian activists.
Batta affirmed that there were coordination committees inside and outside Gaza working around the clock to facilitate the arrival of the convoy safely to Gaza.
He added that multiple events would be organized in several cities around the world to support the convoy.
17 may 2015
Palestinians in Gaza organized the Return Activity on Sunday evening to welcome the Freedom Flotilla 3, the first ship of which, Marianne, reached Kiel port in Germany after it had kicked off from Sweden last week.
Head of the International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza Zaher Birawi said, in a press statement on Sunday, “These popular moves indicate the importance of Flotilla 3 and reflects the need of the Gazan people for its arrival to the blockaded enclave as they count on it for breaking the siege”.
Birawi pointed out that all the segments of the Palestinian people including the factions in Gaza, the West Bank and even in diaspora rushed to participate in activities supporting Flotilla 3.
He said, “All the Palestinian people support Flotilla 3 except for only a small group of people who invest in the suffering of the people of Gaza for factional interests”.
Head of the International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza Zaher Birawi said, in a press statement on Sunday, “These popular moves indicate the importance of Flotilla 3 and reflects the need of the Gazan people for its arrival to the blockaded enclave as they count on it for breaking the siege”.
Birawi pointed out that all the segments of the Palestinian people including the factions in Gaza, the West Bank and even in diaspora rushed to participate in activities supporting Flotilla 3.
He said, “All the Palestinian people support Flotilla 3 except for only a small group of people who invest in the suffering of the people of Gaza for factional interests”.
16 may 2015
Marianne reached Friday port of Copenhagen-Denmark after it kicked off from Sweden heading to break the siege of Gaza as part of Freedom Flotilla III, a peaceful nonviolent action to break the illegal and inhumane blockade of the Gaza Strip.
On the 10 of May, the trawler, which has been acquired by Ship to Gaza Sweden and Ship to Gaza Norway jointly, departed for a voyage of almost 5000 nautical miles to eastern Mediterranean and the blockaded Gaza Strip.
On board are Danish and Norwegian members of Parliament as well as other well known Scandinavian activists, artists and academics including Rosa Lund, Member of Parliament (Denmark)Rosa Lund, Member of Parliament (Denmark).
The Danish politician and Member of Parliament for the Socialist People's Party (SF) Özlem Sara Cekic stated that Marianne will join other ships and together they will form the Freedom Flotilla III.
For her part, the Danish-Syrian doctor Haifa Awad pointed out that cancer patients’ number has increased due to the Israeli siege on Gaza Strip.
Spokesperson for the campaign Stefan Garner appreciated the “great international efforts made to break the siege of Gaza.”
Marianne will join other ships to form Freedom Flotilla III. On its way Marianne will call at many European and will serve as a focus for demonstrations and manifestations against the blockade.
In 2010, Freedom Flotilla 1, comprised of 6 seats, was on its way to Gaza when it was attacked and boarded in international waters by Israeli navy forces. During the attack, the Israeli soldiers murdered 10 unarmed activists on Mavi Marmara.
In 2011, Freedom Flotilla 2 comprised of 12 boats attempted to sail from Greece and Turkey. Most boats were prevented from leaving their ports; however three of them sailed towards Gaza and were attacked by the Israeli Navy. The boats were illegally confiscated by Israel.
On the 10 of May, the trawler, which has been acquired by Ship to Gaza Sweden and Ship to Gaza Norway jointly, departed for a voyage of almost 5000 nautical miles to eastern Mediterranean and the blockaded Gaza Strip.
On board are Danish and Norwegian members of Parliament as well as other well known Scandinavian activists, artists and academics including Rosa Lund, Member of Parliament (Denmark)Rosa Lund, Member of Parliament (Denmark).
The Danish politician and Member of Parliament for the Socialist People's Party (SF) Özlem Sara Cekic stated that Marianne will join other ships and together they will form the Freedom Flotilla III.
For her part, the Danish-Syrian doctor Haifa Awad pointed out that cancer patients’ number has increased due to the Israeli siege on Gaza Strip.
Spokesperson for the campaign Stefan Garner appreciated the “great international efforts made to break the siege of Gaza.”
Marianne will join other ships to form Freedom Flotilla III. On its way Marianne will call at many European and will serve as a focus for demonstrations and manifestations against the blockade.
In 2010, Freedom Flotilla 1, comprised of 6 seats, was on its way to Gaza when it was attacked and boarded in international waters by Israeli navy forces. During the attack, the Israeli soldiers murdered 10 unarmed activists on Mavi Marmara.
In 2011, Freedom Flotilla 2 comprised of 12 boats attempted to sail from Greece and Turkey. Most boats were prevented from leaving their ports; however three of them sailed towards Gaza and were attacked by the Israeli Navy. The boats were illegally confiscated by Israel.
14 may 2015
The first Freedom Flotilla set off towards the besieged Gaza Strip in May 2010 before Israeli forces attacked it in international waters killing ten activists and injuring others
Israel said it would not allow "unauthorised boats" to enter the territorial waters of the Gaza Strip, the Jerusalem Post reported. Swedish boat, named Marianne of Gothenburg, announced it set off from Sweden, to take part in the flotilla, several days ago.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nachshon described the action as "unnecessary provocation".
He added: "If the so-called helpful Gaza flotillas were really interested in the welfare of the population in Gaza, they would send their aid via Israel."
According to the Israeli newspaper, the Israeli foreign ministry has appointed someone to coordinate policy on the matter between the foreign ministry, the prime minister's office and the defence ministry.
In 2010, Israeli commandos attacked the Freedom Flotilla II when it entered Gaza's territorial waters, killing ten people on board.
The Marianne is the first boat in the Freedom Flotilla III to leave for Gaza. It is scheduled to stop at ports in Helsingborg, Malmo and Copenhagen, as well as other ports that will be announced later. Other boats will join it on its journey.
Israel said it would not allow "unauthorised boats" to enter the territorial waters of the Gaza Strip, the Jerusalem Post reported. Swedish boat, named Marianne of Gothenburg, announced it set off from Sweden, to take part in the flotilla, several days ago.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nachshon described the action as "unnecessary provocation".
He added: "If the so-called helpful Gaza flotillas were really interested in the welfare of the population in Gaza, they would send their aid via Israel."
According to the Israeli newspaper, the Israeli foreign ministry has appointed someone to coordinate policy on the matter between the foreign ministry, the prime minister's office and the defence ministry.
In 2010, Israeli commandos attacked the Freedom Flotilla II when it entered Gaza's territorial waters, killing ten people on board.
The Marianne is the first boat in the Freedom Flotilla III to leave for Gaza. It is scheduled to stop at ports in Helsingborg, Malmo and Copenhagen, as well as other ports that will be announced later. Other boats will join it on its journey.
