13 may 2014
Following is a statement by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition regarding the April 29th attack on Gaza's Ark.
Statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition regarding the attack on Gaza's Ark, for immediate release.
London, May 12, 2014
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition met in London over the last two days to discuss future plans in the wake of the terrorist attack on Gaza's Ark in the port of Gaza, as well as future plans to struggle against the blockade of Gaza
The attack, which occurred on April 29th, caused substantial damage to the hull of the boat. These hull damages and others caused by the explosion need a minimum of 2 months work to repair at a cost of approximately US $30,000.
In response to this attack we will increase our efforts to challenge the blockade through non-violent direct action. We now plan to sail Gaza's Ark early in the fall of 2014
The authorities have not yet concluded their investigations of the incident, so it is premature to blame anyone, but it is well known who enforces the blockade on Gaza and who doesn't want it challenged.
Preliminary results of the investigation and inspection by our partners indicate that the materials which were used in the attack are not readily found in Gaza.
Freedom Flotilla boats have been sabotaged before in the ports of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, over the last 5 years, as they were preparing to sail to Gaza to challenge the blockade.
Boats that sailed to Gaza have been attacked by the Israeli Navy in international water, in one case lethally, and in others with force which caused a boat to sink. Boats that were not sabotaged (over half a dozen) were hijacked and towed to Ashdod.
This attack on Gaza's Ark took place as Israel is under increased legal pressure for its deadly attack on the first Freedom Flotilla in 2010 at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and in Turkish courts.
It also happens as Israel is increasing pressure against all Palestinians in retaliation against efforts at national reconciliation between the West Bank and Gaza.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition commits to continue its work against the blockade of Gaza in all ways and by all non-violent means possible, including supporting the May 31st International Freedom Day for Gaza.
For further information:
Ehab Lotayef +44 (753) 877 0353 or +1 (514) 941 9792
Ann Ighe +46 (70) 974 0739
Zaher Birawi +44 (785) 089 6057
Statement from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition regarding the attack on Gaza's Ark, for immediate release.
London, May 12, 2014
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition met in London over the last two days to discuss future plans in the wake of the terrorist attack on Gaza's Ark in the port of Gaza, as well as future plans to struggle against the blockade of Gaza
The attack, which occurred on April 29th, caused substantial damage to the hull of the boat. These hull damages and others caused by the explosion need a minimum of 2 months work to repair at a cost of approximately US $30,000.
In response to this attack we will increase our efforts to challenge the blockade through non-violent direct action. We now plan to sail Gaza's Ark early in the fall of 2014
The authorities have not yet concluded their investigations of the incident, so it is premature to blame anyone, but it is well known who enforces the blockade on Gaza and who doesn't want it challenged.
Preliminary results of the investigation and inspection by our partners indicate that the materials which were used in the attack are not readily found in Gaza.
Freedom Flotilla boats have been sabotaged before in the ports of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, over the last 5 years, as they were preparing to sail to Gaza to challenge the blockade.
Boats that sailed to Gaza have been attacked by the Israeli Navy in international water, in one case lethally, and in others with force which caused a boat to sink. Boats that were not sabotaged (over half a dozen) were hijacked and towed to Ashdod.
This attack on Gaza's Ark took place as Israel is under increased legal pressure for its deadly attack on the first Freedom Flotilla in 2010 at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and in Turkish courts.
It also happens as Israel is increasing pressure against all Palestinians in retaliation against efforts at national reconciliation between the West Bank and Gaza.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition commits to continue its work against the blockade of Gaza in all ways and by all non-violent means possible, including supporting the May 31st International Freedom Day for Gaza.
For further information:
Ehab Lotayef +44 (753) 877 0353 or +1 (514) 941 9792
Ann Ighe +46 (70) 974 0739
Zaher Birawi +44 (785) 089 6057
The following is a letter posted on May 12, 2014, at the official site of Gaza's Ark.
12 May 2014
Dear supporters,
This weekend representatives of the Gaza's Ark steering committee met with our Flotilla Coalition partners in London, England, and this morning we are standing together to tell the world that our campaign to challenge the blockade will not be deterred by threats or by violence.
The media statement from our London press conference is here.
With your support, we got within a few weeks of having the Ark ready to sail. With your ongoing help, we will repair the Ark and be ready to sail in the next few months – we will keep supporters informed.
We have been touched by the many expressions of solidarity with the Palestinians of Gaza which we have received in the last two weeks. What we need now is for you, your families, friends, co-workers and organizations to all get on board and support this campaign. Please support us now as generously as you can, and please forward this message to any of your contacts who you think would like to support this campaign.
Please click here to donate. Thank you so much!
In solidarity,
Gaza's Ark Steering Committee
Editor's note: At 3:45 AM Gaza time, on April 29th, the night guard on board Gaza's Ark received a call to leave the boat because it was going to be attacked.
12 May 2014
Dear supporters,
This weekend representatives of the Gaza's Ark steering committee met with our Flotilla Coalition partners in London, England, and this morning we are standing together to tell the world that our campaign to challenge the blockade will not be deterred by threats or by violence.
The media statement from our London press conference is here.
With your support, we got within a few weeks of having the Ark ready to sail. With your ongoing help, we will repair the Ark and be ready to sail in the next few months – we will keep supporters informed.
We have been touched by the many expressions of solidarity with the Palestinians of Gaza which we have received in the last two weeks. What we need now is for you, your families, friends, co-workers and organizations to all get on board and support this campaign. Please support us now as generously as you can, and please forward this message to any of your contacts who you think would like to support this campaign.
Please click here to donate. Thank you so much!
In solidarity,
Gaza's Ark Steering Committee
Editor's note: At 3:45 AM Gaza time, on April 29th, the night guard on board Gaza's Ark received a call to leave the boat because it was going to be attacked.
12 may 2014
|
10 may 2014
At 3:45 AM Gaza time, April 29, Gaza’s Ark was sabotaged; explosions blew two holes through the hull. Gaza’s Ark is a boat built in Gaza by Palestinian and International civil society efforts and funds. It is the latest in a series of attempts by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to challenge the illegal and inhumane Israeli blockade of Gaza. Updates on the situation can be found at: www.gazaark.org
The attack on Gaza's Ark came directly after we had launched an international appeal to the United Nations to press for an end to the blockade and for a safe journey for our ship. This appeal was signed by dignitaries and human rights defenders from all over the world. Hundreds of people in the UK have signed, including former MP Clare Short, Baroness Jenny Tonge, and actor Andy de la Tour (http://www.gazaark.org/2014/04/26/petition-to-the-un)
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition will be meeting in London on May 10 and 11 to discuss the plans to continue our work for a permanent end to the blockade. Representatives of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Gaza's Ark will be speaking about the latest developments and future plans in light of the recent events.
The attack on Gaza's Ark came directly after we had launched an international appeal to the United Nations to press for an end to the blockade and for a safe journey for our ship. This appeal was signed by dignitaries and human rights defenders from all over the world. Hundreds of people in the UK have signed, including former MP Clare Short, Baroness Jenny Tonge, and actor Andy de la Tour (http://www.gazaark.org/2014/04/26/petition-to-the-un)
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition will be meeting in London on May 10 and 11 to discuss the plans to continue our work for a permanent end to the blockade. Representatives of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and Gaza's Ark will be speaking about the latest developments and future plans in light of the recent events.
7 may 2014
|
While the police investigation continues, the task is to asses the extent of the damage on Gaza's Ark.
The attack seems to have aimed at destroying the engine of the boat given the location of the explosives. While the engine may have beed affected, the major concern for damage may well be from the saline sea water that flooded the engine while underwater. This remains to be seen when our Palestinian marine engineer is able to examine the engine. In the meantime, fragments believed to be part of the explosive device have been recovered and are being analysed by the police. |
5 may 2014
Charlie Andreasson is a member activist of Ship to Gaza – Sweden, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition partner - who is in Gaza cooperating with the Gaza’s Ark project. He writes his personal reflections about the attack on the Ark last Tuesday 29 April 2014 at 3:45 local time.
4 May 2014
More than one year of work and now she lies there, the boat we rebuilt to break the siege, resting on the bottom of the harbour. A month of struggling with authorities in Egypt before I was allowed to come here, and eight months of struggling with the daily life and the work on the boat in Gaza, just to stand at the dock and watch the devastation. Just a few weeks before we were to sail to Europe. And I´m thinking of the work I had to leave at home, to follow my conscience, to do whatever I can for the people who are denied their human rights, for no other reason, than that they are Palestinians, that they were born here. Two explosives, two holes below the waterline. So easy. Next to no attention in the media afterwards. Business as usual. The abuses against the people of Palestine can continue.
Palestinians – humans, approach me to express their support, saying that God will compensate me. But this project is not for me, it is for them. My sadness is that we might not be able to fulfil what we promised. Not in time. As long as the illegal and inhumane blockade continues, we must all do what we can to lift it. If we want to live in safety and be able to provide security to our children, we cannot have a world where human rights are denied to some because of their ethnicity, or where fishers and farmers are shot at. This does not create security; rather it brings insecurity, as well as being contrary to international law.
We have to repair what has been destroyed and continue to challenge the blockade until it is lifted once and for all. I cannot throw away all of my time here and my work at home to achieve nothing. This project is not for me; it’s for them. It is those who try to console me who are the victims.
I was impressed by the response of fishermen, police, divers and firefighters, when the Ark, with water spilling over its deck, was towed to shore. It started in the morning, with cables connected to the Ark. Meter-by-meter, she came closer and eventually she rose from the water. Despite the darkness of night falling, the onlookers stayed at the dock. Suddenly, from nowhere, two fire trucks rolled in, tearing the darkness away with their headlights. A short while later, the boat was raised sufficiently to reveal two gaping holes well below the waterline on the port side. Police cordoned off the area and the investigation, to find clues, began. But questions rise up in my mind, crying for answers: Can she be repaired? How long will it take? What will the cost be? But I don’t ask myself who might be behind the sabotage – that will change nothing.
Will we ever be allowed to leave Gaza? It would be so easy to ruin everything with one or more additional explosives. The media makes no big deal of it. But can we allow ourselves to turn our backs on these assaults on human rights? Can we go fishing when we know that the fishermen of Gaza every day are in danger of being shot at and having their boats confiscated? Can we plant new flowers in our gardens without thinking of farmers in Gaza, shot at while they sow seeds by hand? Will we ever be able to feel safe, whilst we allow one of the world’s most militarily powerful nations to continue its occupation of another people's land and violate international conventions, just because they are stronger? And how can we allow ourselves to believe the lie that exports from Gaza constitute a threat to the occupying power, its military or their civilians? If we are to look at ourselves in the mirror without feeling shame, we must repair the Ark, sail out to break the siege, with a cargo of olive oil, honey, hand-woven carpets, solidarity and human dignity – a cargo so threatening that they are willing to sink the boat, whoever they might be.
Charlie
4 May 2014
More than one year of work and now she lies there, the boat we rebuilt to break the siege, resting on the bottom of the harbour. A month of struggling with authorities in Egypt before I was allowed to come here, and eight months of struggling with the daily life and the work on the boat in Gaza, just to stand at the dock and watch the devastation. Just a few weeks before we were to sail to Europe. And I´m thinking of the work I had to leave at home, to follow my conscience, to do whatever I can for the people who are denied their human rights, for no other reason, than that they are Palestinians, that they were born here. Two explosives, two holes below the waterline. So easy. Next to no attention in the media afterwards. Business as usual. The abuses against the people of Palestine can continue.
Palestinians – humans, approach me to express their support, saying that God will compensate me. But this project is not for me, it is for them. My sadness is that we might not be able to fulfil what we promised. Not in time. As long as the illegal and inhumane blockade continues, we must all do what we can to lift it. If we want to live in safety and be able to provide security to our children, we cannot have a world where human rights are denied to some because of their ethnicity, or where fishers and farmers are shot at. This does not create security; rather it brings insecurity, as well as being contrary to international law.
We have to repair what has been destroyed and continue to challenge the blockade until it is lifted once and for all. I cannot throw away all of my time here and my work at home to achieve nothing. This project is not for me; it’s for them. It is those who try to console me who are the victims.
I was impressed by the response of fishermen, police, divers and firefighters, when the Ark, with water spilling over its deck, was towed to shore. It started in the morning, with cables connected to the Ark. Meter-by-meter, she came closer and eventually she rose from the water. Despite the darkness of night falling, the onlookers stayed at the dock. Suddenly, from nowhere, two fire trucks rolled in, tearing the darkness away with their headlights. A short while later, the boat was raised sufficiently to reveal two gaping holes well below the waterline on the port side. Police cordoned off the area and the investigation, to find clues, began. But questions rise up in my mind, crying for answers: Can she be repaired? How long will it take? What will the cost be? But I don’t ask myself who might be behind the sabotage – that will change nothing.
Will we ever be allowed to leave Gaza? It would be so easy to ruin everything with one or more additional explosives. The media makes no big deal of it. But can we allow ourselves to turn our backs on these assaults on human rights? Can we go fishing when we know that the fishermen of Gaza every day are in danger of being shot at and having their boats confiscated? Can we plant new flowers in our gardens without thinking of farmers in Gaza, shot at while they sow seeds by hand? Will we ever be able to feel safe, whilst we allow one of the world’s most militarily powerful nations to continue its occupation of another people's land and violate international conventions, just because they are stronger? And how can we allow ourselves to believe the lie that exports from Gaza constitute a threat to the occupying power, its military or their civilians? If we are to look at ourselves in the mirror without feeling shame, we must repair the Ark, sail out to break the siege, with a cargo of olive oil, honey, hand-woven carpets, solidarity and human dignity – a cargo so threatening that they are willing to sink the boat, whoever they might be.
Charlie
3 may 2014
|
After Gaza's Ark has been successfully pulled out of the water, initial images clearly reveal the damage that the explosion has caused on the boat.
While the police investigation continues to find clues about the attackers, an evalaution of the damage, possibility and cost of repairs will be initiated. (Photo credit: Awni Farhat) |
2 may 2014
|
Thanks to the tens of workers and volunteers at the port of Gaza, Gaza's Ark is brought back to shore barely 72 hours after the explosion that attempted to sink the boat.
We still don't know who is responsible for the attack, but we do know that you can't sink hope. Here is a photographic report of the careful work to pull the boat out of the water. Australian Senator supports Gaza’s Ark Australian Senator Lee Rhiannon supports Gaza's Ark In a statement on her website: |
"I extend my support to Gaza's Ark following the recent bombing of their boat. This has been identified as a terrorist attack by Knesset member Haneen Zoabi. I support Mrs Zoabi's call for a thorough investigation.
With an international and Palestinian crew Gaza's Ark was due to sail out of Gaza with a cargo of Palestinian products to fulfil trade deals with international buyers. This peaceful action is challenging the illegal and inhuman Israeli blockade.
This is the latest attempt at violent suppression of peaceful actions against the seven year blockade of Gaza. In 2010 nine activists were killed when Israeli commandos opened fire on a Gaza bound aid ship.
The blockade of Gaza has been condemned as illegal collective punishment by Amnesty International, the Red Cross, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (links below).
The Israeli government argues that restricting the movement of goods into Gaza is to protect its citizens but their claim defies belief. At various times cooking condiments, fabrics and writing implements have been restricted [PDF]. Water shortages caused by the blockade have resulted in an ongoing health crisis. Restricting basic necessities available to the people of Gaza is not about security for Israelis, it is an assault on human dignity designed to further Israeli control over Palestinian land.
I support Gaza's Ark and reiterate the Greens' call for Israel to cease its illegal occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. You can show your support for the people of Palestine by signing this petition and making a donation to Gaza's Ark. "
References:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/30/world/middleeast/blast-in-gaza-damages-boat-meant-for-protest.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10306193
http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/06/05/israel-flotilla-un-idUSLDE65404020100605
With an international and Palestinian crew Gaza's Ark was due to sail out of Gaza with a cargo of Palestinian products to fulfil trade deals with international buyers. This peaceful action is challenging the illegal and inhuman Israeli blockade.
This is the latest attempt at violent suppression of peaceful actions against the seven year blockade of Gaza. In 2010 nine activists were killed when Israeli commandos opened fire on a Gaza bound aid ship.
The blockade of Gaza has been condemned as illegal collective punishment by Amnesty International, the Red Cross, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (links below).
The Israeli government argues that restricting the movement of goods into Gaza is to protect its citizens but their claim defies belief. At various times cooking condiments, fabrics and writing implements have been restricted [PDF]. Water shortages caused by the blockade have resulted in an ongoing health crisis. Restricting basic necessities available to the people of Gaza is not about security for Israelis, it is an assault on human dignity designed to further Israeli control over Palestinian land.
I support Gaza's Ark and reiterate the Greens' call for Israel to cease its illegal occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. You can show your support for the people of Palestine by signing this petition and making a donation to Gaza's Ark. "
References:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/30/world/middleeast/blast-in-gaza-damages-boat-meant-for-protest.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10306193
http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/06/05/israel-flotilla-un-idUSLDE65404020100605
1 may 2014
US
UK
English:
Arabic:
http://www.gdp.ch/notizie/esteri/esplosione-danneggia-larca-di-gaza-id22538.html
Sweden
Doha – English
Lebanon – English
Palestine:
English
Israel
Hebrew:
Spanish:
VIDEOS
UK:
Arabic
Palestine:
Spanish
Visual
France:
French (AFP)
English (AFP)
- http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/30/world/middleeast/blast-in-gaza-damages-boat-meant-for-protest.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=1
- http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2014/04/29-1#.U1_pTIVfLA0.twitter
- http://www.truth-out.org/speakout/item/23404-gazas-ark-attacked
- http://richardedmondson.net/2014/04/29/gazas-ark-attacked/
- http://www.aljazeerah.info/Opinion-Editorials/2014/April/30
- http://davidshoebridge.org.au/2014/04/30/appalling-attack-on-gazas-ark/
- http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2014/05/01/explosion-sinks-protest-boat-gaza
- http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/content/media-releases/support-gazas-ark
UK
English:
Arabic:
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/arabic/middleeast/2014/04/140429_gaza_boat_bombing.shtml
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/arabic/tvandradio/2014/05/140505_gaza_siege.shtml
- http://www.europalestine.com/spip.php?article9294
- http://www.france-palestine.org/Sabotage-de-L-Arche-de-Gaza
- http://www.france-palestine.org/L-Arche-de-Gaza-a-ete-attaquee
- http://blogs.mediapart.fr/blog/anastassia-politi/290414/l-arche-de-gaza-attaquee
- http://www.politis.fr/A-Gaza-la-non-violence-prend-l-eau,26779.html
- http://www.agencemediapalestine.fr/
- http://www.afp.fr/fr/node/2337568
- http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/monde/20140429.AFP5989/explosion-contre-un-bateau-de-gaza-devant-briser-le-blocus-israel-accuse.html
- http://www.lecourrierdelatlas.com/707829042014Un-bateau-stationne-dans-le-port-de-Gaza-victime-d-une-attaque.html
- http://www.liberation.fr/monde/2014/04/29/explosion-contre-un-bateau-de-gaza-devant-briser-le-blocus-israel-accuse_1007312
- http://www.politis.fr/A-Gaza-la-non-violence-prend-l-eau,26779.html
- http://www.lepartidegauche.fr/actualites/communique/attaque-l-arche-gaza-on-cherche-terroriser-celles-ceux-qui-se-battent-contre-le-blocus-28075
- http://www.agencemediapalestine.fr/blog/2014/04/30/attaque-contre-larche-de-gaza-revue-de-presse/
- http://www.plateforme-palestine.org/spip.php?article3951
- http://www.movinstream.com/video/hHUjYvlzkoq/l-arche-de-gaza-cible-d-une-explosion-de-nature-non-identifiee.html
- http://orleansloiretpalestine.net/2014/04/29/larche-de-gaza-piratee-par-les-terroristes-sionistes/
- http://cjpp5.over-blog.com/article-association-france-palestine-solidarite-communique-de-l-arche-de-gaza-l-arche-de-gaza-a-ete-attaquee-123477830-comments.html
- http://www.europalestine.com/spip.php?article9294
- http://amisdupg.blogspot.fr/2014/04/le-peuple-palestinien-toujours-soumis.html
- http://www.ujfp.org/spip.php?article3194
- http://la-feuille-de-chou.fr/archives/65175
- http://medialternative.fr/fr/l-arche-de-gaza-a-ete-attaquee,748907.html
- http://www.ism-france.org/temoignages/L-Arche-de-Gaza-piratee-par-les-terroristes-sionistes–article-18862
- http://www.titrespresse.com/ch/article/l-arche-de-gaza-cible-d-une-explosion-de-nature-non-identifiee?id=271976d14d4
- https://fr-fr.facebook.com/pages/Agence-M%C3%A9dia-Palestine/142268225846700
- http://ilmanifesto.it/bomba-contro-larca-di-gaza/
- http://nena-news.it/affondata-larca-di-gaza/
- http://nena-news.it/larca-di-gaza-come-la-nave-del-ritorno/?
- http://www.lapresse.it/mondo/asia/gaza-barca-attivisti-filo-palestinesi-danneggiata-in-esplosione-1.498227
- http://www.classicistranieri.eu/?p=2860 (also audio interview)
- http://www.radiondadurto.org/2014/04/29/gaza-atto-di-terrorismo-israeliano-contro-la-barca-arca-della-speranza/
- http://www.infoaut.org/index.php/blog/conflitti-globali/item/11561-attaccata-larca-di-gaza-della-freedom-flotilla
- https://it.notizie.yahoo.com/gaza-barca-attivisti-filo-palestinesi-danneggiata-esplosione-173425453.html
- http://ilmanifesto.it/freedom-flotilla-non-intendiamo-mollare/
- http://rete-eco.it/2012/home/19-dossier/gaza/40301-affondata-l-arca-di-gaza.html
- http://www.bocchescucite.org/tag/arca-di-gaza/
- http://arabpress.eu/gaza-misteriosa-esplosione-nave-solidale/
- http://www.ansa.it/sito/videogallery/mondo/2014/04/29/esplosione-danneggia-nave-arca-di-gaza_9a881d8f-93f6-4f12-8488-bd430d9828c7.html (Gaza's Ark news with video images of 'Estelle' in La Spezia)
- http://nena-news.it/larca-di-gaza-tornera-navigare/
- http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=22768&subid=2&pubid=63999946
- http://www.efsyn.gr/?p=193853
- http://www.avgi.gr/article/2455083/apofasismenoi-na-spasoun-ton-israilino-apokleismo-oi-diorganotes-tis-kibotou-tis-gazas-
- http://left.gr/news/345-pm-nyhterini-epithesi-kai-vythisi-tis-kivotoy-tis-gazas
- http://www.google.gr/url?sa
- http://www.enet.gr/?i=news.el.article&id=428120
- http://www.newsbeast.gr/world/arthro/673312/ekrixi-prokalese-ektetamenes-zimies-sto-ploio-kivotos-tis-gazas-/
- http://www.enet.gr/?i=news.el.article&id=428120
- http://www.iefimerida.gr/news/152808/
- https://omniatv.com/blog/4341
- http://www.tv-10.gr/?page=12&asi=32&aid=10101
http://www.gdp.ch/notizie/esteri/esplosione-danneggia-larca-di-gaza-id22538.html
Sweden
- http://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.aspx?programid=104&artikel=5849264
- http://www.internationalen.se/2014/04/terroristattack-mot-ship-to-gaza/
- http://bloggar.aftonbladet.se/ledarbloggen/
- http://www.fria.nu/artikel/114263
Doha – English
Lebanon – English
Palestine:
English
- http://english.pnn.ps/index.php/politics/7453-gaza-s-ark-attacked
- http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=693711
- http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/blast-damages-gazas-ark-sail
- http://www.maannews.net/arb/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=693929
- http://www.alwatanvoice.com/arabic/news/2014/04/29/530075.html
- http://safa.ps/details/news/127604/
- http://pnn.ps/index.php/policy/88270/
- http://fpnp.net/site/news/18914
- http://web4.alquds.com/news/article/view/id/501722
- http://fateh-voice.ps/arabic/?Action=Details&ID=10310
- http://www.wattan.tv/ar/news/92128.html
- http://samanews.com/ar/mobile.php?act=post&id=198286
- https://www.paldf.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1143972
- http://www.amad.ps/ar/?Action=DetailLight&ID=23357
Israel
Hebrew:
- http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4514490,00.html
- http://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/1.2308278
- http://www.timesofisrael.com/mysterious-blast-targets-europe-bound-gaza-ship/
- http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.588062
- http://www.richardsilverstein.com/2014/04/29/israeli-naval-commandos-sink-gaza-flotilla-ship/
- http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/180071#.U2Dcxq2SyGk
Spanish:
- http://www.diagonalperiodico.net/global/22736-arca-gaza-sufre-ataque-semanas-antes-intentar-romper-bloqueo-israeli.html
- http://www.europapress.es/internacional/noticia-flotilla-libertad-denuncia-ataque-submarino-explosivos-contra-arca-gaza-20140429124410.html
- http://www.rumboagaza.org/arca-de-gaza-ha-sido-atacada/
- http://www.tercerainformacion.es/spip.php?article67646
VIDEOS
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- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOj3P8F8lKU
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhR-uRGmiLA [With subtitles in Greek]
29 apr 2014
Boat after sinking
At 3:45 AM Gaza time, on April 29th, the night guard on board Gaza's Ark received a call to leave the boat because it was going to be attacked.
The guard left but, when nothing happened after 5 minutes, he returned. A few minutes later, a large explosion rocked the boat, causing extensive damage.
The boat sank part way and is now sitting on the shallow sea floor. The guard was not injured but was taken to a hospital for tests.
Mahfouz Kabariti, Gaza’s Ark Project Manager, says: “The extent and nature of the damage are currently being investigated. We will provide an update when available.”
"Gaza’s Ark and all our partners in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition are considering our next move in response to this cowardly act of terrorism, but our position remains clear: Neither this nor any other attack will stop our efforts to challenge the blockade of Gaza until it ends," adds David Heap of Gaza's Ark Steering Committee.
"Freedom Flotilla boats have been sabotaged before. This attack comes as we were almost ready to sail. You can sink a boat but you can't sink a movement," concludes Ehab Lotayef, another member of the Steering Committee.
At 3:45 AM Gaza time, on April 29th, the night guard on board Gaza's Ark received a call to leave the boat because it was going to be attacked.
The guard left but, when nothing happened after 5 minutes, he returned. A few minutes later, a large explosion rocked the boat, causing extensive damage.
The boat sank part way and is now sitting on the shallow sea floor. The guard was not injured but was taken to a hospital for tests.
Mahfouz Kabariti, Gaza’s Ark Project Manager, says: “The extent and nature of the damage are currently being investigated. We will provide an update when available.”
"Gaza’s Ark and all our partners in the Freedom Flotilla Coalition are considering our next move in response to this cowardly act of terrorism, but our position remains clear: Neither this nor any other attack will stop our efforts to challenge the blockade of Gaza until it ends," adds David Heap of Gaza's Ark Steering Committee.
"Freedom Flotilla boats have been sabotaged before. This attack comes as we were almost ready to sail. You can sink a boat but you can't sink a movement," concludes Ehab Lotayef, another member of the Steering Committee.
Gaza's Ark was badly damaged and partially sunk by a large explosion at about 3:45 AM Gaza time on April 29th. No-one was injured. Mustafa Abu Awad, the guard who was on duty at the time, was taken to the hospital for tests and he has now been discharged. The Ark was in the port of Gaza being readied to put to sea in June. Whether and when the boat can be repaired is something we will not know for sure until it can be pulled out of the water for inspection.
Awad said he had been warned to leave the area by an anonymous caller. "I was [sleeping] near the boat and someone phoned me — an unidentified caller. I answered and he told me: 'Mustafa, leave the boat right now because we are going to blow it up.'" The Gaza's Ark project has been working for more than a year to prepare the boat to carry goods and passengers in the attempt to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza. If successful, it would be the first time goods from Gaza have been exported by sea since 1994.
"This is a reckless and violent attack not only on a boat, but on thousands of supporters and donors worldwide," says David Heap of the Gaza's Ark Steering Committee. "We are closely following the police investigation of the attack and hope to know soon if the boat can be repaired." "What is certain is that we remain committed to continue challenging the blockade by any peaceful means available until it is lifted permanently," adds Robert Naiman, another Steering Committee member. "Hope and justice are unsinkable."
Less than 24 hours before this attack, Gaza's Ark launched an international petition calling on the UN to act to lift the blockade. The appeal was signed by parliamentarians, Nobel Laureates, and other prominent figures from many countries, and now has more than 7,500 signatories from around the world. We strongly encourage our supporters to respond to this attack by signing, sharing and re-sharing our petition: http://www.gazaark.org/2014/04/26/petition-to-the-un/
Awad said he had been warned to leave the area by an anonymous caller. "I was [sleeping] near the boat and someone phoned me — an unidentified caller. I answered and he told me: 'Mustafa, leave the boat right now because we are going to blow it up.'" The Gaza's Ark project has been working for more than a year to prepare the boat to carry goods and passengers in the attempt to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza. If successful, it would be the first time goods from Gaza have been exported by sea since 1994.
"This is a reckless and violent attack not only on a boat, but on thousands of supporters and donors worldwide," says David Heap of the Gaza's Ark Steering Committee. "We are closely following the police investigation of the attack and hope to know soon if the boat can be repaired." "What is certain is that we remain committed to continue challenging the blockade by any peaceful means available until it is lifted permanently," adds Robert Naiman, another Steering Committee member. "Hope and justice are unsinkable."
Less than 24 hours before this attack, Gaza's Ark launched an international petition calling on the UN to act to lift the blockade. The appeal was signed by parliamentarians, Nobel Laureates, and other prominent figures from many countries, and now has more than 7,500 signatories from around the world. We strongly encourage our supporters to respond to this attack by signing, sharing and re-sharing our petition: http://www.gazaark.org/2014/04/26/petition-to-the-un/