Wednesday 19 May 2010

The "Freedom Fleet" insists on access to Gaza despite Israeli blockade decision

JNOUBIYEH | 12:44 PM |

The President of the Popular Committee Against the Siege has said that the forthcoming Freedom Fleet insists on being allowed to reach the shores of Gaza in its attempt to break the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip. In a statement, MP Jamal Al-Khodary called Israel's decision to stop vessels from reaching Gaza "an attempt to put pressure on lawful and peaceful activists". The Israeli Foreign Ministry has had a meeting with the ambassadors of the countries taking part in the flotilla of ships to stop them from setting sail; the Israelis believe that the flotilla is "illegal".

According to Al-Khodary, "Israel is in trouble and cannot deal with so many ships wishing to show solidarity with the people of Gaza." The participants in the flotilla have a fierce determination to succeed, he added. Activists from around 40 European, Arab and Islamic countries are due to take part.

Stopping vessels from reaching Gaza is, said Al-Khodary, "A violation of international law and would be piracy. An attack on any of the ships by Israeli forces will be an attack on 40 countries, which won't stand idly by." The flotilla is attempting to take much-needed goods to Gaza in defiance of the blockade imposed by Israel, and Al-Khodary called on the Israeli government to allow the ships through and to lift the siege completely.

The first ship of the flotilla has already left Ireland with full and legal documentation, including correct marine insurance. Israel, noted Al-Khodary, must bear the responsibility and consequences of any steps taken to prevent lawful vessels in international waters from entering Gaza's territorial waters.

Source

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