25 dec 2012
Turkish relief material lands in Gaza
A Turkish aid convoy arrived in Gaza Strip on Monday carrying around 70 tons of medical supplies.
Sources in Turkey’s official aid agency TIKA said that the convoy consists of 12 trucks all loaded with needed medical supplies in the coastal enclave.
Mohammed Murtaja, the director of TIKA office in the Strip, said that the agency received a list from the health ministry in Gaza on medicines and medical supplies that are in shortage in the Strip after the Israeli aggression and prepared the convoy accordingly.
He disclosed that TIKA, Turkey's principal development aid agency, was currently studying providing Shuhada Al-Aqsa hospital in central Gaza Strip with dialysis machines. He added that TIKA was also planning to open a center for teaching Turkish language in Gaza.
Sources in Turkey’s official aid agency TIKA said that the convoy consists of 12 trucks all loaded with needed medical supplies in the coastal enclave.
Mohammed Murtaja, the director of TIKA office in the Strip, said that the agency received a list from the health ministry in Gaza on medicines and medical supplies that are in shortage in the Strip after the Israeli aggression and prepared the convoy accordingly.
He disclosed that TIKA, Turkey's principal development aid agency, was currently studying providing Shuhada Al-Aqsa hospital in central Gaza Strip with dialysis machines. He added that TIKA was also planning to open a center for teaching Turkish language in Gaza.
18 dec 2012
Malaysian Hope delegation arrives in Gaza
The Malaysian Hope delegation arrived in Gaza on Monday night through the Rafah border terminal carrying with it medical relief material.
Terminal sources told the PIC reporter that the 11-member delegation is carrying with it three tons of medicine and other medical supplies.
Dozens of delegations from various world areas landed in Gaza after last month's eight-day Israeli aggression that killed and maimed hundreds other than inflicting vast devastation to infrastructure and civilian property.
Terminal sources told the PIC reporter that the 11-member delegation is carrying with it three tons of medicine and other medical supplies.
Dozens of delegations from various world areas landed in Gaza after last month's eight-day Israeli aggression that killed and maimed hundreds other than inflicting vast devastation to infrastructure and civilian property.
3 nov 2012
'Ark' loaded with Gaza exports to set sail in 2013
The first siege-breaking ship to originate inside Gaza is set to depart for an early 2013 voyage to take goods to international markets, a Red Crescent official said Friday.
Muna al-Farra says the "Gaza Ark" aims to break the Israeli blockade with help from French and Canadian activists in partnership with Palestinian activists and traders.
The ship will have 13 activists on board with an undetermined number of Palestinian traders. The voyage is expected to depart in the first months of 2013, al-Farra said.
Organizers expect to load agricultural products onto the ship after coordinating with foreign ports. The ship will also accompany Palestinian fishermen to protect them from Israeli gunboats.
Late last month the Israeli navy boarded a Finnish ship attempting to break the sea blockade and deliver aid. The cargo included cement, wheel chairs, crutches, musical instruments and toys.
Activists have mounted several other attempts to break the blockade by sea. Most were stopped by Israel, including one in May 2010 when marines killed nine activists.
Israel loosened its siege after the bloodshed sparked international outrage, but it has only allowed a trickle of exports to leave the coastal enclave.
Exports ban
The ban on exports is the most damaging restriction holding back Gaza's economy. Experts say its private sector will not recover until access to traditional markets is restored.
The few products allowed to leave are generally only sent to foreign markets and not the West Bank. In March, Israel allowed a shipment of date bars to be sent to the West Bank.
In September an Israeli official said Israel would soon allow furniture and clothes to be exported to the West Bank, after allowing certain products to leave for Europe in May.
Israel tightened restrictions on Gaza after Hamas won elections in 2006 and imposed a crippling siege in the aftermath of Fatah's ouster in the summer of 2007 and a 2008-2009 invasion.
Muna al-Farra says the "Gaza Ark" aims to break the Israeli blockade with help from French and Canadian activists in partnership with Palestinian activists and traders.
The ship will have 13 activists on board with an undetermined number of Palestinian traders. The voyage is expected to depart in the first months of 2013, al-Farra said.
Organizers expect to load agricultural products onto the ship after coordinating with foreign ports. The ship will also accompany Palestinian fishermen to protect them from Israeli gunboats.
Late last month the Israeli navy boarded a Finnish ship attempting to break the sea blockade and deliver aid. The cargo included cement, wheel chairs, crutches, musical instruments and toys.
Activists have mounted several other attempts to break the blockade by sea. Most were stopped by Israel, including one in May 2010 when marines killed nine activists.
Israel loosened its siege after the bloodshed sparked international outrage, but it has only allowed a trickle of exports to leave the coastal enclave.
Exports ban
The ban on exports is the most damaging restriction holding back Gaza's economy. Experts say its private sector will not recover until access to traditional markets is restored.
The few products allowed to leave are generally only sent to foreign markets and not the West Bank. In March, Israel allowed a shipment of date bars to be sent to the West Bank.
In September an Israeli official said Israel would soon allow furniture and clothes to be exported to the West Bank, after allowing certain products to leave for Europe in May.
Israel tightened restrictions on Gaza after Hamas won elections in 2006 and imposed a crippling siege in the aftermath of Fatah's ouster in the summer of 2007 and a 2008-2009 invasion.
27 oct 2012
New convoy of Miles of Smiles lands in Gaza
Miles of Smiles – 17 aid convoy landed in the Gaza Strip at a late hour on Thursday night carrying relief material to the besieged coastal enclave.
Sources at the Rafah terminal said that the convoy entered Gaza with 25 vehicles for special needs, 50 tons of flour, and 40 tons of medicines.
The sources pointed out that this was one of the few occasions on which the Egyptian authorities allowed entry of other relief material along with medicines to enter Gaza through the border terminal.
They said that the decision to allow access for the relief material was one of the fruits of Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi’s facilities to break the siege on Gaza.
The sources said that 113 persons were accompanying the aid convoy from different nationalities.
Sources at the Rafah terminal said that the convoy entered Gaza with 25 vehicles for special needs, 50 tons of flour, and 40 tons of medicines.
The sources pointed out that this was one of the few occasions on which the Egyptian authorities allowed entry of other relief material along with medicines to enter Gaza through the border terminal.
They said that the decision to allow access for the relief material was one of the fruits of Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi’s facilities to break the siege on Gaza.
The sources said that 113 persons were accompanying the aid convoy from different nationalities.
23 oct 2012
Israel Deports Nine Solidity Activists
Israel officials reported that the Israeli Immigration Authority deported nine solidarity who were on the Estelle solidarity ship, that was boarded by the Israeli Navy in International waters on Sunday, 21 October 2012.
The Palestine News Network (PNN) reported that Sabine Haddad, spokeswoman of the Israeli Immigration Authority, told France Press Sunday that nine activists (5 from Greece, 3 from Span, and one Italian) voluntarily forfeited their right to appeal a judge’s decision for their deportation.
The Israeli Navy boarded the ship on Saturday, kidnapped 27 international peace activists, and three Israeli activists, who were aboard Estelle ship that was sailing under a Finnish flag.
Haddad said that 18 activists are still detained in an Israeli detention facility in Ramla, and are awaiting a judge’s order regarding their deportation, and added that such a decision could be made by Wednesday.
30 activists carrying humanitarian supplies were on board the ship; this includes Parliamentarians from Norway, Sweden, Spain and Greece, in addition to Israeli peace activists.
They intended to deliver humanitarian supplies to the besieged and impoverished coastal region; the supplies include 42 Tons of cement, medical supplies, books and toys.
The Palestine News Network (PNN) reported that Sabine Haddad, spokeswoman of the Israeli Immigration Authority, told France Press Sunday that nine activists (5 from Greece, 3 from Span, and one Italian) voluntarily forfeited their right to appeal a judge’s decision for their deportation.
The Israeli Navy boarded the ship on Saturday, kidnapped 27 international peace activists, and three Israeli activists, who were aboard Estelle ship that was sailing under a Finnish flag.
Haddad said that 18 activists are still detained in an Israeli detention facility in Ramla, and are awaiting a judge’s order regarding their deportation, and added that such a decision could be made by Wednesday.
30 activists carrying humanitarian supplies were on board the ship; this includes Parliamentarians from Norway, Sweden, Spain and Greece, in addition to Israeli peace activists.
They intended to deliver humanitarian supplies to the besieged and impoverished coastal region; the supplies include 42 Tons of cement, medical supplies, books and toys.
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Israel kidnaps retired Canadian MP, Harper government silent
PCHR Calls For The Immediate Release Of ‘Estelle’ International Activists The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) condemns the interception by Israeli naval forces of the Swedish ship, the ‘Estelle’, on Sunday, 21 October 2012, while it was in international waters. Under the auspices of Gaza Freedom Flotilla, the ‘Estelle’ was carrying 30 international activists to the Gaza Strip in an effort to break the naval blockade imposed by Israel and send a universal message of solidarity with the people of Gaza. PCHR welcomes the activists’ efforts and calls upon the international community to put pressure on Israel to immediately release the international activists who are currently in detention. |
The Estelle, before leaving Sweden
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PCHR has been following the progress of the ‘Estelle’ on its journey, which set sail from the port of Napoli, Italy, on Monday, 8 October with 30 international activists onboard, including 5 Members of European Parliament (MEPs) and a former Canadian Member of Parliament (MP).
The ship was also carrying some humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. Sources associated with the Gaza Freedom Flotilla said that a number of warships of the Israeli naval forces approached the ‘Estelle’, which was flying the Finnish flag, while it was in international waters and still several days’ travel away from the Gaza Strip. |
At approximately 10:30, on Saturday, 20 October 2012, Israeli naval forces surrounded the ship, took control of it, arrested its passengers, and transported the ship to Ashdod Port in Israel, where the passengers were detained.
International activists have reported to PCHR that 9 of the international activists – 5 Greek activists, 3 Spanish activists and 1 Italian activist – were deported to their countries by the Israeli Department of Immigration, after signing a document declaring that they had entered Israel illegally.
The remaining activists refused to sign such a document.
The Department of Immigration transferred 3 members of the convoy to the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court because they hold Israeli citizenship.
Media sources report that the Israeli police representative submitted a secret report to the court, "requesting the court to detain the suspects for an additional five days to allow the police sufficient time to conduct six separate investigations".
The police representative "called for the suspects to be charged with incitement to rebellion, knowingly assisting the enemy and violating a lawful order".
The first two charges were rejected but the suspects have been remanded to police custody for an additional 48 hours to allow for investigation into whether they violated a lawful order, and to prevent them from obstructing the investigation.
One of the three suspects, Swedish activist Feiler Dror, refused to appear before the court. Dror emigrated from Israel 40 years ago, renouncing his Israeli citizenship in protest against the occupation and its policies.
PCHR holds that the closure imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip is illegal and constitutes a form of collective punishment, prohibited under Article 33 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. It is also a war crime, the recurrence of which must be prevented by all parties, including the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention.
This view is maintained in legal opinions issued by many international legal experts and UN bodies concerned with human right and international humanitarian law.
In light of the above, PCHR:
- Calls upon the Israeli authorities to release the detainees immediately and unconditionally;
- Calls upon Israel to bring an end to the illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which constitutes a form of collective punishment, prohibited under Article 33 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War;
- Calls upon Israel to respect the right to freedom of movement of international humanitarian organisations and human rights defenders; and
- Calls upon the international community and the High Contacting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations, apply the rules of international law, and put a just end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
International activists have reported to PCHR that 9 of the international activists – 5 Greek activists, 3 Spanish activists and 1 Italian activist – were deported to their countries by the Israeli Department of Immigration, after signing a document declaring that they had entered Israel illegally.
The remaining activists refused to sign such a document.
The Department of Immigration transferred 3 members of the convoy to the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court because they hold Israeli citizenship.
Media sources report that the Israeli police representative submitted a secret report to the court, "requesting the court to detain the suspects for an additional five days to allow the police sufficient time to conduct six separate investigations".
The police representative "called for the suspects to be charged with incitement to rebellion, knowingly assisting the enemy and violating a lawful order".
The first two charges were rejected but the suspects have been remanded to police custody for an additional 48 hours to allow for investigation into whether they violated a lawful order, and to prevent them from obstructing the investigation.
One of the three suspects, Swedish activist Feiler Dror, refused to appear before the court. Dror emigrated from Israel 40 years ago, renouncing his Israeli citizenship in protest against the occupation and its policies.
PCHR holds that the closure imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip is illegal and constitutes a form of collective punishment, prohibited under Article 33 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. It is also a war crime, the recurrence of which must be prevented by all parties, including the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention.
This view is maintained in legal opinions issued by many international legal experts and UN bodies concerned with human right and international humanitarian law.
In light of the above, PCHR:
- Calls upon the Israeli authorities to release the detainees immediately and unconditionally;
- Calls upon Israel to bring an end to the illegal closure of the Gaza Strip, which constitutes a form of collective punishment, prohibited under Article 33 of the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War;
- Calls upon Israel to respect the right to freedom of movement of international humanitarian organisations and human rights defenders; and
- Calls upon the international community and the High Contacting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal and moral obligations, apply the rules of international law, and put a just end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
21 oct 2012
Israeli navy illegally seizes humanitarian aid ship in international waters
In an act violating international maritime law, Israeli naval forces boarded a humanitarian aid ship, the SV Estelle, that was en route to the Gaza Strip bringing humanitarian aid supplies including musical instruments and building materials. These are among the thousands of items still banned by Israeli forces from entering Gaza.
The SV Estelle, which bears the flag of Finland, was guided into the Israeli port of Ashdod (formerly known as the Palestinian town Isdud before the Israeli takeover and expulsion of the indigenous inhabitants in 1948). The 30 passengers and crew, which include a former Canadian parliament member and several former members of the Israeli military who have since renounced the Israeli occupation of Palestine, have all been taken into custody by the Israeli military.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a statement praising the Israeli navy for intercepting the ship, saying that the aim of the humanitarian aid activists was to 'delegitimize Israel', and claiming that 'there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza'.
The attack on the international aid ship comes just days after a leaked document from the Israeli government revealed that Israeli officials had calculated the amount of food necessary to hold every Gazan man, woman and child to a 1200 calorie 'diet', and allowing just that amount of food to trickle into the besieged coastal Strip. This kind of calorie count and collective punishment of a population is a direct violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which Israel is a signatory.
In addition, just two weeks ago the United Nations issued a report stating that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is so severe that the entire Strip will be uninhabitable in less than 15 years. Currently, two thirds of the population of Gaza depend on United Nations food aid for survival.
Imports and exports of goods and services to and from the Gaza Strip were brought to a grinding halt in 2006 when Israel imposed its ground, sea and air blockade of Gaza. The Israeli airforce had previously bombarded and demolished the newly-constructed Gaza international airport, and have since tightly controlled the airspace over Gaza. The only air traffic allowed is the Israeli airforce missions to bombard the residents of the Gaza Strip.
Eva Manly, the wife of former Canadian legislator and ship passenger James Manly told the Associated Press, "It's hard to imagine what threat one sailboat, loaded with humanitarian supplies and a small number of people, could do to Israel's military".
A spokesperson for the Hamas party in Gaza called the Israeli seizure of the ship an act of piracy.
Al-Khudari: Gaza is entitled to a water route
MP Jamal Al-Khudari, the head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege, considered the Israeli attack on the aid ship Estelle and the arrest of international activists as an illegal piracy.
In an act violating international maritime law, the Israeli navy boarded on Saturday a humanitarian aid ship, the SV Estelle, 30 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, when the Israeli navy intercepted and diverted the boat to the nearby Israeli port of Ashdod.
He stressed in a written statement on the foreign peace activists' rights to support the Palestinian people and to reach Gaza by sea and through all means to break the Israeli siege.
He called on the international community and humanitarian and human rights organizations to immediately intervene to free the activists, holding the occupation responsible for their lives.
"The occupation has to think of ending the blockade on Gaza because it is immoral, instead of thinking of confronting the solidarity activists with Gaza," he said.
The head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege stressed on the Palestinian people's right to have a water route linking Gaza to the outside world, noting that this right will receive support from the free world and the international community.
The SV Estelle, which bears the flag of Finland, was guided into the Israeli port of Ashdod (formerly known as the Palestinian town Isdud before the Israeli takeover and expulsion of the indigenous inhabitants in 1948). The 30 passengers and crew, which include a former Canadian parliament member and several former members of the Israeli military who have since renounced the Israeli occupation of Palestine, have all been taken into custody by the Israeli military.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued a statement praising the Israeli navy for intercepting the ship, saying that the aim of the humanitarian aid activists was to 'delegitimize Israel', and claiming that 'there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza'.
The attack on the international aid ship comes just days after a leaked document from the Israeli government revealed that Israeli officials had calculated the amount of food necessary to hold every Gazan man, woman and child to a 1200 calorie 'diet', and allowing just that amount of food to trickle into the besieged coastal Strip. This kind of calorie count and collective punishment of a population is a direct violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which Israel is a signatory.
In addition, just two weeks ago the United Nations issued a report stating that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is so severe that the entire Strip will be uninhabitable in less than 15 years. Currently, two thirds of the population of Gaza depend on United Nations food aid for survival.
Imports and exports of goods and services to and from the Gaza Strip were brought to a grinding halt in 2006 when Israel imposed its ground, sea and air blockade of Gaza. The Israeli airforce had previously bombarded and demolished the newly-constructed Gaza international airport, and have since tightly controlled the airspace over Gaza. The only air traffic allowed is the Israeli airforce missions to bombard the residents of the Gaza Strip.
Eva Manly, the wife of former Canadian legislator and ship passenger James Manly told the Associated Press, "It's hard to imagine what threat one sailboat, loaded with humanitarian supplies and a small number of people, could do to Israel's military".
A spokesperson for the Hamas party in Gaza called the Israeli seizure of the ship an act of piracy.
Al-Khudari: Gaza is entitled to a water route
MP Jamal Al-Khudari, the head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege, considered the Israeli attack on the aid ship Estelle and the arrest of international activists as an illegal piracy.
In an act violating international maritime law, the Israeli navy boarded on Saturday a humanitarian aid ship, the SV Estelle, 30 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, when the Israeli navy intercepted and diverted the boat to the nearby Israeli port of Ashdod.
He stressed in a written statement on the foreign peace activists' rights to support the Palestinian people and to reach Gaza by sea and through all means to break the Israeli siege.
He called on the international community and humanitarian and human rights organizations to immediately intervene to free the activists, holding the occupation responsible for their lives.
"The occupation has to think of ending the blockade on Gaza because it is immoral, instead of thinking of confronting the solidarity activists with Gaza," he said.
The head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege stressed on the Palestinian people's right to have a water route linking Gaza to the outside world, noting that this right will receive support from the free world and the international community.
20 oct 2012
Gaza-bound aid ship Estelle attacked by Israeli forces
The SV Estelle welcomes on board Greek pro-Palestinian activist Vassilis Pissias and a Greek left coalition Syriza party deputy on October 16
The Israeli navy forces have attacked and boarded a ship en route to Gaza strip, carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists who were trying to break Israel’s maritime blockade against the region.
The Finnish-flagged Estelle, which left Naples on 7 October with some 20 people of eight different nationalities aboard, was seized by the Israeli forces and taken to the port of Ashdod on Saturday.
The Estelle, which is reportedly carrying a cargo including cement and medical supplies, was boarded 30 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, activists said.
“Israeli warships surrounded the Estelle and the assault on the peaceful ship started,” a statement from Ship to Gaza, an organization affiliated with the mission, said.
The passengers on the ship, the Estelle, included five members of European parliaments and a former Canadian lawmaker.
“We have no confirmation from them of how they are, and we may not for some time hear directly from them,” David Heap, an activist connected to the movement said.
The Israeli regime denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, including the freedom of movement and the right to decent living, work, health and education.
The Estelle was the latest of more than a dozen ships that had tried to break the blockade since 2010.
On May 31, 2010, Israeli forces attacked the Gaza-bound humanitarian Freedom Flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea, killing nine Turkish nationals aboard Turkey’s Mavi Marmara and injuring about 50 other activists who were part of the six-ship convoy.
Also in November 2011, a Canadian and an Irish yacht were prevented by Israeli forces in the international waters to transport pro-Palestinian activists and medical supplies to Gaza.
Israeli navy hijacks aid ship "Estelle" in Gaza waters
Israeli navy soldiers boarded the Gaza-bound relief ship "Estelle," which was seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the blockade imposed on its people, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said on Saturday morning.
The newspaper said the soldiers seized control of the ship, which is carrying pro-Palestinian activists.
"When the passengers made it clear that they would not cooperate or accept the invitation to sail to Ashdod port, it was decided to seize the vessel and bring it to the port," an Israeli military source told the newspaper.
Earlier on the same day, the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang said the Israeli navy intends to attack the humanitarian aid ship Estelle off the coast of Gaza.
The newspaper affirmed that if the aid ship did not change its course and kept sailing into Gaza waters, the Israeli navy would certainly intercept it sometime on Saturday or Sunday.
The CNN also quoted passengers onboard as saying that the aid ship was flanked by Israeli gunboats this morning.
The ship is carrying humanitarian aid including two olive trees, 41 tons of cement, books, toys and medical equipment, the CNN reported.
It noted that "those onboard the ship are hoping to call attention to the blockade of the Palestinian territory, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007."
"I want to say that we are here to give a message of solidarity to the people of Gaza," one of the passengers said.
"The siege is inhuman and immoral," he added.
Barhoum: Attack on Estelle piracy
A Hamas spokesman has described the Israeli attack on Estelle aid ship and kidnapping solidarity activists on board as “sheer piracy” and a crime against humanity.
Fawzi Barhoum said in a press release on Saturday that Israel had gone too far in its crimes thanks to the international silence.
He said that Israel was turning a deaf ear to the official and popular demands for ending the Gaza siege.
The blockade and the attack on the aid ship should pose as a new impetus for more such ships and solidarity convoys, he said, calling for regional and international action to break the siege on Gaza and end its people’s suffering.
The Israeli navy forces have attacked and boarded a ship en route to Gaza strip, carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists who were trying to break Israel’s maritime blockade against the region.
The Finnish-flagged Estelle, which left Naples on 7 October with some 20 people of eight different nationalities aboard, was seized by the Israeli forces and taken to the port of Ashdod on Saturday.
The Estelle, which is reportedly carrying a cargo including cement and medical supplies, was boarded 30 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, activists said.
“Israeli warships surrounded the Estelle and the assault on the peaceful ship started,” a statement from Ship to Gaza, an organization affiliated with the mission, said.
The passengers on the ship, the Estelle, included five members of European parliaments and a former Canadian lawmaker.
“We have no confirmation from them of how they are, and we may not for some time hear directly from them,” David Heap, an activist connected to the movement said.
The Israeli regime denies about 1.7 million people in Gaza their basic rights, including the freedom of movement and the right to decent living, work, health and education.
The Estelle was the latest of more than a dozen ships that had tried to break the blockade since 2010.
On May 31, 2010, Israeli forces attacked the Gaza-bound humanitarian Freedom Flotilla in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea, killing nine Turkish nationals aboard Turkey’s Mavi Marmara and injuring about 50 other activists who were part of the six-ship convoy.
Also in November 2011, a Canadian and an Irish yacht were prevented by Israeli forces in the international waters to transport pro-Palestinian activists and medical supplies to Gaza.
Israeli navy hijacks aid ship "Estelle" in Gaza waters
Israeli navy soldiers boarded the Gaza-bound relief ship "Estelle," which was seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the blockade imposed on its people, Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper said on Saturday morning.
The newspaper said the soldiers seized control of the ship, which is carrying pro-Palestinian activists.
"When the passengers made it clear that they would not cooperate or accept the invitation to sail to Ashdod port, it was decided to seize the vessel and bring it to the port," an Israeli military source told the newspaper.
Earlier on the same day, the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang said the Israeli navy intends to attack the humanitarian aid ship Estelle off the coast of Gaza.
The newspaper affirmed that if the aid ship did not change its course and kept sailing into Gaza waters, the Israeli navy would certainly intercept it sometime on Saturday or Sunday.
The CNN also quoted passengers onboard as saying that the aid ship was flanked by Israeli gunboats this morning.
The ship is carrying humanitarian aid including two olive trees, 41 tons of cement, books, toys and medical equipment, the CNN reported.
It noted that "those onboard the ship are hoping to call attention to the blockade of the Palestinian territory, which has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007."
"I want to say that we are here to give a message of solidarity to the people of Gaza," one of the passengers said.
"The siege is inhuman and immoral," he added.
Barhoum: Attack on Estelle piracy
A Hamas spokesman has described the Israeli attack on Estelle aid ship and kidnapping solidarity activists on board as “sheer piracy” and a crime against humanity.
Fawzi Barhoum said in a press release on Saturday that Israel had gone too far in its crimes thanks to the international silence.
He said that Israel was turning a deaf ear to the official and popular demands for ending the Gaza siege.
The blockade and the attack on the aid ship should pose as a new impetus for more such ships and solidarity convoys, he said, calling for regional and international action to break the siege on Gaza and end its people’s suffering.
As Ship Approaches Gaza Shore, Israel To Attack Estelle Ship
Recent Picture Of Estelle Solidarity Activists
The Canadian Boat To Gaza reported that they received a message from the Finnish Foreign Department informing that Israel informed them that its soldiers will board Estelle solidarity ship currently around 120 Nautical Miles away from the Gaza shore.
The Estelle ship is sailing under a Finnish flag; its crew was informed that the army will board the ship in international waters, and will tow the ship along with the activists to the Ashdod Port.
Activists on-board the ship said that if the Israeli army attacks them, the attack will be another act of piracy and kidnapping to enforce the illegal Israeli siege and blockade on the coastal region.
Irene McInnis of the Canadian Boat to Gaza stated that the ship is challenging the illegal and inhuman siege imposed on the coastal region, and added that “the world should not be silent anymore”.
It is worth mentioning that retired Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) is on board the Estelle solidarity ship.
A recent tweet from the ship says; "The crew reports that it is dark and still calm, but there are unidentified boats moving around them. We wish for peace and justice", the Ship to Gaza Sweden Ship to Gaza Sweden @ShiptoGazaSE said on its twitter account.
Last Sunday, Israel issued a warning informing Finland that its army will intercept and stop the Estelle solidarity ship heading to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian supplies.
The Canadian Boat To Gaza reported that they received a message from the Finnish Foreign Department informing that Israel informed them that its soldiers will board Estelle solidarity ship currently around 120 Nautical Miles away from the Gaza shore.
The Estelle ship is sailing under a Finnish flag; its crew was informed that the army will board the ship in international waters, and will tow the ship along with the activists to the Ashdod Port.
Activists on-board the ship said that if the Israeli army attacks them, the attack will be another act of piracy and kidnapping to enforce the illegal Israeli siege and blockade on the coastal region.
Irene McInnis of the Canadian Boat to Gaza stated that the ship is challenging the illegal and inhuman siege imposed on the coastal region, and added that “the world should not be silent anymore”.
It is worth mentioning that retired Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) is on board the Estelle solidarity ship.
A recent tweet from the ship says; "The crew reports that it is dark and still calm, but there are unidentified boats moving around them. We wish for peace and justice", the Ship to Gaza Sweden Ship to Gaza Sweden @ShiptoGazaSE said on its twitter account.
Last Sunday, Israel issued a warning informing Finland that its army will intercept and stop the Estelle solidarity ship heading to the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian supplies.
Israel Deploys Saar 4 Ships In The Mediterranean
Saar 4
The Israeli Navy revealed that it deployed several Saar 4 war ships, equipped with cameras, radars and advanced surveillance equipment, in large areas of the Mediterranean, to monitor and stop ships that sail to what it called “Israeli territorial waters”, the Quds Net News Agency reported.
The ships complement surveillance missions conducted by the Shoval Israeli drones; the navy started flying those drones after the Lebanon-based Hezbollah party recently managed to send a surveillance drone that flew over southern Israel before, and managed to take pictures of sensitive areas, before the Israeli Air Force noticed it and shot it down.
Israel believes that Hezbollah will be sending more drones to spy on Israel, especially on the Demona nuclear facility in the Negev. It also believes that Hezbollah might even try to send drones that are armed and capable of firing missiles into certain facilities in the country.
Israel’s Navy concluded its training on the new Saar ship, while part of the drill was a simulation on how to intercept the Estelle solidarity ship that is approaching Gaza. Israel said it will not allow the ship to reach the Gaza shore, and will stop and board it.
The training was conducted by the Shalit 14 division, it included training and simulation on how to intercept and board the ship dozens of kilometers away from the shore, including simulation on towing the ship to the Ashdod Port.
The ship carries medical and humanitarian aid to the residents of the besieged and impoverished Gaza Strip.
The army said it will interrogate all activists on-board the ship before “taking legal measures against them”.
In a recent tweet, the activists said that they have a peaceful mission to transfer urgently needed medical and humanitarian supplies to the coastal region, and that Israel has no right to stop and attack them, as they are heading to Gaza and not to Israel.
The Israeli Navy revealed that it deployed several Saar 4 war ships, equipped with cameras, radars and advanced surveillance equipment, in large areas of the Mediterranean, to monitor and stop ships that sail to what it called “Israeli territorial waters”, the Quds Net News Agency reported.
The ships complement surveillance missions conducted by the Shoval Israeli drones; the navy started flying those drones after the Lebanon-based Hezbollah party recently managed to send a surveillance drone that flew over southern Israel before, and managed to take pictures of sensitive areas, before the Israeli Air Force noticed it and shot it down.
Israel believes that Hezbollah will be sending more drones to spy on Israel, especially on the Demona nuclear facility in the Negev. It also believes that Hezbollah might even try to send drones that are armed and capable of firing missiles into certain facilities in the country.
Israel’s Navy concluded its training on the new Saar ship, while part of the drill was a simulation on how to intercept the Estelle solidarity ship that is approaching Gaza. Israel said it will not allow the ship to reach the Gaza shore, and will stop and board it.
The training was conducted by the Shalit 14 division, it included training and simulation on how to intercept and board the ship dozens of kilometers away from the shore, including simulation on towing the ship to the Ashdod Port.
The ship carries medical and humanitarian aid to the residents of the besieged and impoverished Gaza Strip.
The army said it will interrogate all activists on-board the ship before “taking legal measures against them”.
In a recent tweet, the activists said that they have a peaceful mission to transfer urgently needed medical and humanitarian supplies to the coastal region, and that Israel has no right to stop and attack them, as they are heading to Gaza and not to Israel.
19 oct 2012
An Israeli Ex-IAF Pilot on Board of Swedish Boat To Gaza
Yonatan Shapira
Spokesperson of Gush Shalom, Adam Keller, said in a press release that Israeli peace activist Yonatan Shapira, who had been a combat pilot in the Israeli Air Force and refused to take part in the bombing of Palestinian cities, has arrived on board the Swedish boat "Estelle" which is making her way towards the coast of Gaza. When the Estelle passed near the shores of Greece, Shapira and other activists made their way in a motor boat, evading vessels of the Greek Coast Guard which sought to bar their way.
"Along with the Greek Coast Guard we saw a ship which seemed very much like an Israeli Navy vessel, though it did not fly a flag" said Shapira. He was received with cheers by activists already on board. Shapira had taken part in a similar sailing last year, being taken off by Israeli Navy Commandos near the Gaza shore and spending time in police detention, but not charged with any criminal offence.
Meanwhile, Israel's Ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor has sent a letter calling on the United Nations to stop the Estelle from reaching her destination. To this activists on board respond: "If this means that Israel has decided to cede control over Palestinian territorial waters to the UN, this would actually be a step forward.
The UN and many other representatives of the International Community have for years characterized the siege of the Gaza strip as inhuman and incompatible with International Law.
Ship to Gaza Sweden assumes that that UN will not take over the implementation of this policy, by itself preventing a peaceful vessel from delivering humanitarian supplies.
Ship to Gaza and the Freedom Flotilla have never opposed lawful inspections of cargo and vessel by representatives of the UN, as well as by national authorities in the ports and waters we have passed through. We welcome further inspections of this kind by the UN, once we have anchored at Gaza City. What we refuse to accept is something which also the UN and the majority of The International Community oppose: The illegal siege of the Gaza Strip, with its devastating humanitarian results.
The Estelle has now set course to Gaza and, weather permitting, is due to get there on Saturday.
Adam Keller, Spokesperson of Gush Shalom, who is in ongoing contact with the Estelle activists, says that Israel's Prime Minister and Defense Minister still have some forty-eight hours' grace to make a wise and courageous decision, avoid another show of Israeli brute force in international waters and let the Estelle dock at the Port of Gaza – while implementing a thorough UN inspection of her cargo, to which the activists specifically consent.
Spokesperson of Gush Shalom, Adam Keller, said in a press release that Israeli peace activist Yonatan Shapira, who had been a combat pilot in the Israeli Air Force and refused to take part in the bombing of Palestinian cities, has arrived on board the Swedish boat "Estelle" which is making her way towards the coast of Gaza. When the Estelle passed near the shores of Greece, Shapira and other activists made their way in a motor boat, evading vessels of the Greek Coast Guard which sought to bar their way.
"Along with the Greek Coast Guard we saw a ship which seemed very much like an Israeli Navy vessel, though it did not fly a flag" said Shapira. He was received with cheers by activists already on board. Shapira had taken part in a similar sailing last year, being taken off by Israeli Navy Commandos near the Gaza shore and spending time in police detention, but not charged with any criminal offence.
Meanwhile, Israel's Ambassador to the UN Ron Prosor has sent a letter calling on the United Nations to stop the Estelle from reaching her destination. To this activists on board respond: "If this means that Israel has decided to cede control over Palestinian territorial waters to the UN, this would actually be a step forward.
The UN and many other representatives of the International Community have for years characterized the siege of the Gaza strip as inhuman and incompatible with International Law.
Ship to Gaza Sweden assumes that that UN will not take over the implementation of this policy, by itself preventing a peaceful vessel from delivering humanitarian supplies.
Ship to Gaza and the Freedom Flotilla have never opposed lawful inspections of cargo and vessel by representatives of the UN, as well as by national authorities in the ports and waters we have passed through. We welcome further inspections of this kind by the UN, once we have anchored at Gaza City. What we refuse to accept is something which also the UN and the majority of The International Community oppose: The illegal siege of the Gaza Strip, with its devastating humanitarian results.
The Estelle has now set course to Gaza and, weather permitting, is due to get there on Saturday.
Adam Keller, Spokesperson of Gush Shalom, who is in ongoing contact with the Estelle activists, says that Israel's Prime Minister and Defense Minister still have some forty-eight hours' grace to make a wise and courageous decision, avoid another show of Israeli brute force in international waters and let the Estelle dock at the Port of Gaza – while implementing a thorough UN inspection of her cargo, to which the activists specifically consent.
18 oct 2012
Palestinians await ship attempting to break Gaza siege
Civil society leaders and NGO representatives gathered at Gaza City's port on Wednesday to show solidarity with the Estelle ship as it heads toward Gaza.
Amjad al-Shawwa, director of the Gaza network of NGOs, said the boat was facing incitement campaigns and that Israel was pressuring governments of the activists' countries to stop them reaching Gaza.
The group gathered near a memorial for the Mavi Marmara, a 2010 flotilla that was raided by Israeli forces who killed nine passengers. Several small boats sailed off the coast as a symbolic reception for the Estelle, which is due to arrive Saturday.
An Israeli military source told The Jerusalem Post that the navy was preparing to intercept the boat. A foreign ministry spokeswoman told the newspaper Israel would not allow the vessel to reach Gaza.
Al-Shawwa said solidarity activists on board the Estelle, a Swedish boat flying a Finnish flag, would ignore Israeli threats and sail to Gaza to break the blockade.
The activists are demonstrating that "the Palestinian people are not facing this Israeli blockade alone as there are free people in the world who stand by their side and support them as they demand freedom, justice and human rights," he said.
He urged UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon to protect the ship and help it reach Gaza safely.
Muhsin Abu Ramadan, chairman of the board of Gaza NGOs, said the activists were risking their lives by confronting Israel's naval blockade of Gaza because they opposed tyranny and oppression.
"The Gaza Strip has the right to a safe water passage and to be freed from this blockade. Those activists are the ones who expose the Israeli violations," Abu Ramadan said.
Cement, footballs
The Estelle set sail in June around Europe, and left Naples on Oct. 6 heading for Gaza. European MPs and international activists, including Israeli nationals, are on board.
The boat's cargo, listed on the flotilla's website, includes cement, wheel chairs, crutches, toys, musical instruments and 300 footballs.
Responding to Israel's UN ambassador Ron Prosor's letter to the UN urging the world body to stop the flotilla, the activists said they welcomed further inspections of their cargo by the UN.
"What we refuse to accept is something which also the UN and the majority of the international community oppose: the illegal and in a humanitarian perspective devastating siege of the Gaza Strip," they said in a statement.
The passengers have undergone non-violent training in case Israel's military boards the vessel. They have signed a pledge to act peacefully even if their lives are threatened, a statement on the group's website says.
Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, said Wednesday that he was in touch with activists on board.
He said he was concerned they would be attacked by Israeli authorities, but expressed pride in their resistance to Israel's blockade.
Amjad al-Shawwa, director of the Gaza network of NGOs, said the boat was facing incitement campaigns and that Israel was pressuring governments of the activists' countries to stop them reaching Gaza.
The group gathered near a memorial for the Mavi Marmara, a 2010 flotilla that was raided by Israeli forces who killed nine passengers. Several small boats sailed off the coast as a symbolic reception for the Estelle, which is due to arrive Saturday.
An Israeli military source told The Jerusalem Post that the navy was preparing to intercept the boat. A foreign ministry spokeswoman told the newspaper Israel would not allow the vessel to reach Gaza.
Al-Shawwa said solidarity activists on board the Estelle, a Swedish boat flying a Finnish flag, would ignore Israeli threats and sail to Gaza to break the blockade.
The activists are demonstrating that "the Palestinian people are not facing this Israeli blockade alone as there are free people in the world who stand by their side and support them as they demand freedom, justice and human rights," he said.
He urged UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon to protect the ship and help it reach Gaza safely.
Muhsin Abu Ramadan, chairman of the board of Gaza NGOs, said the activists were risking their lives by confronting Israel's naval blockade of Gaza because they opposed tyranny and oppression.
"The Gaza Strip has the right to a safe water passage and to be freed from this blockade. Those activists are the ones who expose the Israeli violations," Abu Ramadan said.
Cement, footballs
The Estelle set sail in June around Europe, and left Naples on Oct. 6 heading for Gaza. European MPs and international activists, including Israeli nationals, are on board.
The boat's cargo, listed on the flotilla's website, includes cement, wheel chairs, crutches, toys, musical instruments and 300 footballs.
Responding to Israel's UN ambassador Ron Prosor's letter to the UN urging the world body to stop the flotilla, the activists said they welcomed further inspections of their cargo by the UN.
"What we refuse to accept is something which also the UN and the majority of the international community oppose: the illegal and in a humanitarian perspective devastating siege of the Gaza Strip," they said in a statement.
The passengers have undergone non-violent training in case Israel's military boards the vessel. They have signed a pledge to act peacefully even if their lives are threatened, a statement on the group's website says.
Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, said Wednesday that he was in touch with activists on board.
He said he was concerned they would be attacked by Israeli authorities, but expressed pride in their resistance to Israel's blockade.
14 oct 2012
Israel threatens to use force against peaceful solidarity boat
A Palestinian human rights group has warned of the possible Israeli use of force against the solidarity vessel Estelle to block its arrival to Gaza.
The Assembly for Palestinian Rights said in a press release on Sunday that activists on board the ship were contacted by the Finnish foreign ministry and informed of the Israeli threat. The boat is hoisting the flag of Finland.
It said that Israel told the ministry that if the boat crossed the 20 nautical miles limit off Gaza coast it would be stopped by force.
The assembly warned that the threat meant that the lives of those on board were in danger, bringing back to mind the tragic results of the Israeli navy attack on the Turkish Mavi Marmara ship.
The assembly called on all Arab, European and international parties concerned to pressure Israel into allowing Estelle safe passage to Gaza since it was carrying out a humanitarian mission and posed no threat to any party.
The Assembly for Palestinian Rights said in a press release on Sunday that activists on board the ship were contacted by the Finnish foreign ministry and informed of the Israeli threat. The boat is hoisting the flag of Finland.
It said that Israel told the ministry that if the boat crossed the 20 nautical miles limit off Gaza coast it would be stopped by force.
The assembly warned that the threat meant that the lives of those on board were in danger, bringing back to mind the tragic results of the Israeli navy attack on the Turkish Mavi Marmara ship.
The assembly called on all Arab, European and international parties concerned to pressure Israel into allowing Estelle safe passage to Gaza since it was carrying out a humanitarian mission and posed no threat to any party.
8 oct 2012
Aid convoy Ansar 3 arrives in Gaza
The Jordanian aid convoy Ansar 3 arrived on Sunday evening in the besieged Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing to deliver humanitarian assistance and supplies.
67 activists, mostly from Jordan, are members of this aid convoy led by Bashir Al-Zamili.
Former Palestinian minister of labor and social affairs Ahmed Al-Kurd and representatives of women's movement in Gaza received the convoy at Rafah crossing.
In a news conference held at the Palestinian side of Rafah crossing upon its arrival, Minister Kurd expressed appreciation to all members of the convoy for their efforts to help Gaza people.
He said that such anti-siege convoys help strengthen the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in Gaza in the face of the Israeli occupation regime.
In his speech, head of the convoy Bashir Al-Zamili said he and all his fellow activists are very happy to visit Gaza and help its people.
"We have come from Jordan in order to break the unjust siege and to affirm that we will never forsake you," he stated.
He also pointed out that a galaxy of Jordanian engineers, doctors and pharmacists came along with this convoy to provide assistance in their fields for the Gaza people.
67 activists, mostly from Jordan, are members of this aid convoy led by Bashir Al-Zamili.
Former Palestinian minister of labor and social affairs Ahmed Al-Kurd and representatives of women's movement in Gaza received the convoy at Rafah crossing.
In a news conference held at the Palestinian side of Rafah crossing upon its arrival, Minister Kurd expressed appreciation to all members of the convoy for their efforts to help Gaza people.
He said that such anti-siege convoys help strengthen the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in Gaza in the face of the Israeli occupation regime.
In his speech, head of the convoy Bashir Al-Zamili said he and all his fellow activists are very happy to visit Gaza and help its people.
"We have come from Jordan in order to break the unjust siege and to affirm that we will never forsake you," he stated.
He also pointed out that a galaxy of Jordanian engineers, doctors and pharmacists came along with this convoy to provide assistance in their fields for the Gaza people.
7 oct 2012
Estelle leaves Naples port for Gaza
The European campaign to end the siege on Gaza said the Swedish-owned aid ship "Estelle" left the port of Naples city in Italy en route to the besieged Gaza Strip.
Spokesman for the campaign Mazen Kahil said he expects the aid ship to arrive in Gaza in two weeks carrying different aid supplies including medicines and school items.
Spokesman Kahil added the organizers of the aid campaign held many activities and events advocating the issue of Gaza in different European port cities and there will be about 40 activists from 15 countries aboard the ship.
He noted that nearly 250 European lawmakers signed a pledge to support the mission of the ship and to intervene in case it faced any obstacles on its way to Gaza.
Spokesman for the campaign Mazen Kahil said he expects the aid ship to arrive in Gaza in two weeks carrying different aid supplies including medicines and school items.
Spokesman Kahil added the organizers of the aid campaign held many activities and events advocating the issue of Gaza in different European port cities and there will be about 40 activists from 15 countries aboard the ship.
He noted that nearly 250 European lawmakers signed a pledge to support the mission of the ship and to intervene in case it faced any obstacles on its way to Gaza.
2 oct 2012
PLC welcomes Miles of Smiles 16 Convoy
Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) in the Gaza Strip has welcomed the Miles of Smiles 16 Solidarity Convoy which was composed of 45 solidarity activists from Arab, Islamic and European countries.
The convoy which was headed by Dr. Essam Youssef, was received by Dr. Ahmed Bahar, PLC Deputy Speaker, and a number of other MPs.
Dr. Bahar welcomed the convoys in solidarity with the besieged Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and stressed that these convoys prove that the Arab and Islamic peoples and the world's free people are standing by the Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate rights to dignity, independence and freedom.
"This convoy, which is composed of people from different Arab and Islamic capital cities and from the world's countries, reflects the unity of the Arab and Islamic nation concerning Palestine and Jerusalem, and represents a significant step on the path of supporting Jerusalem and liberating al-Aqsa Mosque," said Dr. Bahar.
For his part, the head of the convoy Essam Youssef said that Miles of Smiles convoys will keep flocking towards Palestine, and pointed out that the next convoy will be organized for Eid al-Adha. He also noted that Ansar 3 solidarity convoy will arrive to Gaza on the anniversary of the glorious October War.
Heads of delegations talked about their countries' role and determination to support the Palestinian cause and Palestinian people until it regains its freedom and until the end of the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Ahmed Bahar honored the convoy and hailed its members.
A delegation from Miles of Smiles convoy also visited "Irada" center for the rehabilitation and training of people with disabilities. The delegation, composed of a number of dignitaries and businessmen, was received by Engineer Imad al-Masri, Irada Project Director, and Ahmed Tanira, deputy Project Director.
The convoy which was headed by Dr. Essam Youssef, was received by Dr. Ahmed Bahar, PLC Deputy Speaker, and a number of other MPs.
Dr. Bahar welcomed the convoys in solidarity with the besieged Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and stressed that these convoys prove that the Arab and Islamic peoples and the world's free people are standing by the Palestinian people and supporting their legitimate rights to dignity, independence and freedom.
"This convoy, which is composed of people from different Arab and Islamic capital cities and from the world's countries, reflects the unity of the Arab and Islamic nation concerning Palestine and Jerusalem, and represents a significant step on the path of supporting Jerusalem and liberating al-Aqsa Mosque," said Dr. Bahar.
For his part, the head of the convoy Essam Youssef said that Miles of Smiles convoys will keep flocking towards Palestine, and pointed out that the next convoy will be organized for Eid al-Adha. He also noted that Ansar 3 solidarity convoy will arrive to Gaza on the anniversary of the glorious October War.
Heads of delegations talked about their countries' role and determination to support the Palestinian cause and Palestinian people until it regains its freedom and until the end of the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Ahmed Bahar honored the convoy and hailed its members.
A delegation from Miles of Smiles convoy also visited "Irada" center for the rehabilitation and training of people with disabilities. The delegation, composed of a number of dignitaries and businessmen, was received by Engineer Imad al-Masri, Irada Project Director, and Ahmed Tanira, deputy Project Director.
30 sept 2012
Miles Of Smiles 16 Convoy Enters Gaza
The “Miles Of Smiles 16” Solidarity Convoy arrived in the Gaza Strip on Saturday carrying 38 solidarity activists and medical supplies urgently needed in the besieged coastal region.
Dr. Isam Yousef, coordinator of the Miles of Smiles convoy stated all convoy members from Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Lebanon and South Africa, managed to enter Gaza through the Rafah Border Terminal between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.
Yousef added that medical supplies and medications, worth a million US Dollars, will be handed to hospitals and medical centers; all supplies and medications have been purchased from Egypt.
Convoy members will be staying in Gaza for several days in order to distribute the medical supplies.
Ahmad Al-Kurd, former Minister of Labor and Social Affairs in Gaza, stated that the repeated solidarity convoys are a clear indication that the Arab people and the international activists insist on challenging the illegal Israeli siege imposed on the coastal region.
Al-Kurd added that Miles Of Smiles is a main contributor in aiding the Palestinians in Gaza, “and managed to draw a smile on the faces of thousands of residents suffering under constant Israeli attacks, and Israel’s illegal siege”.
It is worth mentioning that all trips conducted by Miles of Smiles were successful in entering the Gaza Strip through Egypt, despite repeated delays conducted by the Egyptian border authority.
The first Miles of Smiles convoy made it into the Gaza Strip in mid-November 2009, after being stranded at the Egyptian side of the Rafah Border Terminal for 25 days. All Miles of Smiles convoy managed to enter Gaza despite numerous obstacles and delays.
Dr. Isam Yousef, coordinator of the Miles of Smiles convoy stated all convoy members from Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Lebanon and South Africa, managed to enter Gaza through the Rafah Border Terminal between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.
Yousef added that medical supplies and medications, worth a million US Dollars, will be handed to hospitals and medical centers; all supplies and medications have been purchased from Egypt.
Convoy members will be staying in Gaza for several days in order to distribute the medical supplies.
Ahmad Al-Kurd, former Minister of Labor and Social Affairs in Gaza, stated that the repeated solidarity convoys are a clear indication that the Arab people and the international activists insist on challenging the illegal Israeli siege imposed on the coastal region.
Al-Kurd added that Miles Of Smiles is a main contributor in aiding the Palestinians in Gaza, “and managed to draw a smile on the faces of thousands of residents suffering under constant Israeli attacks, and Israel’s illegal siege”.
It is worth mentioning that all trips conducted by Miles of Smiles were successful in entering the Gaza Strip through Egypt, despite repeated delays conducted by the Egyptian border authority.
The first Miles of Smiles convoy made it into the Gaza Strip in mid-November 2009, after being stranded at the Egyptian side of the Rafah Border Terminal for 25 days. All Miles of Smiles convoy managed to enter Gaza despite numerous obstacles and delays.
25 sept 2012
Challenging Blockade of Gaza: Message from a Canadian on Board the Estelle
By David Heap
It is a great honour to be able to accompany the Swedish sailing ship Estelle for a few days, from Barcelona to Ajaccio (Corsica), on its way towards Gaza to challenge the illegal and inhuman blockade which has lasted now for more than five years.
The Estelle in a 90 year-old three-masted schooner purchased from a Finnish fair-trade organization by Ship to Gaza Sweden in April and renovated for this sea voyage. She began a Swedish coastal tour in June, with solidarity and information events in communities to raise awareness about the blockade in Gaza.
From Sweden she traveled to ports in Norway, France, Spain and will stop in Corsica and two Italian ports before continuing towards Gaza. The educational value from the hundreds of people who visited the ship in different harbours has made thousands of connections with the Estelle and her mission of solidarity. The beauty of a tall ship coupled with the pace of sail power (which the skipper and crew prefer to motors wherever possible) has brought this voyage towards Gaza into the hearts of communities as never before.
The Estelle is unique in that she has been both a commercially licensed cargo vessel and a sail training ship for some years. There are no passengers on a training vessel: everyone who is not part of the crew is a "trainee" and we all do a watch (two shifts of four hours each day), where each person contributes according to their ability. While I am at the beginning of my learning curve when it comes to knots, rigging, steering or charting a course, I can mop a floor and wash dishes as well as the next trainee (which on our watch includes a Swedish MP who is Chair of his party's parliamentary caucus). There are also several professional mariners who are donating their time: the ship and all aboard are in good hands.
The Estelle carries a varied cargo: from school supplies donated by school-kids to cement to aid the reconstruction of Gaza. But as always the most precious cargo on these trips is human solidarity: the Palestinians of Gaza need that much more than they need material aid.
Indeed, the crippling dependence on humanitarian aid is entirely a product of the blockade. If their right to trade and travel freely were upheld by ending the blockade, the Palestinians of Gaza would be able to rebuild their formerly thriving economy and eliminate the need for aid.
International solidarity with the Estelle's voyage is growing with every port of call. The receptions in the Spanish ports of Donosti, Bermeo, Santa Pola, Alicante and Barcelona were huge: performances by international artists such as Che Sudaka and Manu Chao as well as boat tours reached beyond the usual activists to touch a broad spectrum of the population.
On its last leg, from Naples to Gaza, the Estelle will carry another Canadian representative, as well as material needed for the construction of Gaza's Ark, the ship we are rebuilding in Gaza to challenge the blockade from the inside out. The international Freedom Flotilla Coalition is now involved in sailing both to and from Gaza as we continue steadfast on same course: the conscience of humanity.
We know all too well the dangers faced by the Estelle and everyone on board as she approaches her destination. Those of us who have been attacked by the Israeli navy, abducted in international waters and imprisoned in Israel know it in personal detail, but the whole world is now becoming aware of the lawless actions of this rogue state.
Israel continues to defy international law with impunity because the governments of the world fail to hold it accountable. So it falls to civil society to demand accountability and to support those who personally defy this flagrantly illegal and inhumane blockade.
There is not room on a few small boats in the Eastern Mediterranean to welcome all the supporters of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, but there is more than enough room for everyone to get on board with your support for the Estelle in defying the blockade of Gaza.
Please sign the statement of support and please spread the word far and wide. You can also follow the Estelle's progress towards her destination here.
When I leave my shipmates in a few short days, my thoughts will go with these brave souls as they continue their voyage of solidarity to defy injustice with their bodies: as always, their best guarantee of safety is our eyes and voices. Where the governments of the world fail, engaged international civil society must act instead.
We sail until the Palestinians of Gaza regain their freedom of movement.
David Heap is a Steering Committee member with the Canadian Boat to Gaza and Gaza's Ark. He was on the Tahrir in July and again when it was attacked in November 2011, spending six days in Israeli prison before being deported back to Canada.
You have received this message from the Canadian Boat to Gaza.
It is a great honour to be able to accompany the Swedish sailing ship Estelle for a few days, from Barcelona to Ajaccio (Corsica), on its way towards Gaza to challenge the illegal and inhuman blockade which has lasted now for more than five years.
The Estelle in a 90 year-old three-masted schooner purchased from a Finnish fair-trade organization by Ship to Gaza Sweden in April and renovated for this sea voyage. She began a Swedish coastal tour in June, with solidarity and information events in communities to raise awareness about the blockade in Gaza.
From Sweden she traveled to ports in Norway, France, Spain and will stop in Corsica and two Italian ports before continuing towards Gaza. The educational value from the hundreds of people who visited the ship in different harbours has made thousands of connections with the Estelle and her mission of solidarity. The beauty of a tall ship coupled with the pace of sail power (which the skipper and crew prefer to motors wherever possible) has brought this voyage towards Gaza into the hearts of communities as never before.
The Estelle is unique in that she has been both a commercially licensed cargo vessel and a sail training ship for some years. There are no passengers on a training vessel: everyone who is not part of the crew is a "trainee" and we all do a watch (two shifts of four hours each day), where each person contributes according to their ability. While I am at the beginning of my learning curve when it comes to knots, rigging, steering or charting a course, I can mop a floor and wash dishes as well as the next trainee (which on our watch includes a Swedish MP who is Chair of his party's parliamentary caucus). There are also several professional mariners who are donating their time: the ship and all aboard are in good hands.
The Estelle carries a varied cargo: from school supplies donated by school-kids to cement to aid the reconstruction of Gaza. But as always the most precious cargo on these trips is human solidarity: the Palestinians of Gaza need that much more than they need material aid.
Indeed, the crippling dependence on humanitarian aid is entirely a product of the blockade. If their right to trade and travel freely were upheld by ending the blockade, the Palestinians of Gaza would be able to rebuild their formerly thriving economy and eliminate the need for aid.
International solidarity with the Estelle's voyage is growing with every port of call. The receptions in the Spanish ports of Donosti, Bermeo, Santa Pola, Alicante and Barcelona were huge: performances by international artists such as Che Sudaka and Manu Chao as well as boat tours reached beyond the usual activists to touch a broad spectrum of the population.
On its last leg, from Naples to Gaza, the Estelle will carry another Canadian representative, as well as material needed for the construction of Gaza's Ark, the ship we are rebuilding in Gaza to challenge the blockade from the inside out. The international Freedom Flotilla Coalition is now involved in sailing both to and from Gaza as we continue steadfast on same course: the conscience of humanity.
We know all too well the dangers faced by the Estelle and everyone on board as she approaches her destination. Those of us who have been attacked by the Israeli navy, abducted in international waters and imprisoned in Israel know it in personal detail, but the whole world is now becoming aware of the lawless actions of this rogue state.
Israel continues to defy international law with impunity because the governments of the world fail to hold it accountable. So it falls to civil society to demand accountability and to support those who personally defy this flagrantly illegal and inhumane blockade.
There is not room on a few small boats in the Eastern Mediterranean to welcome all the supporters of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, but there is more than enough room for everyone to get on board with your support for the Estelle in defying the blockade of Gaza.
Please sign the statement of support and please spread the word far and wide. You can also follow the Estelle's progress towards her destination here.
When I leave my shipmates in a few short days, my thoughts will go with these brave souls as they continue their voyage of solidarity to defy injustice with their bodies: as always, their best guarantee of safety is our eyes and voices. Where the governments of the world fail, engaged international civil society must act instead.
We sail until the Palestinians of Gaza regain their freedom of movement.
David Heap is a Steering Committee member with the Canadian Boat to Gaza and Gaza's Ark. He was on the Tahrir in July and again when it was attacked in November 2011, spending six days in Israeli prison before being deported back to Canada.
You have received this message from the Canadian Boat to Gaza.
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New Irish ship seeks to break Israeli supplies blockade on Gaza
79 Irish parliamentarians have signed a statement condemning Israel’s ongoing blockade of the Gaza strip and supporting a large humanitarian sailing ship, the SV Estelle, that is now on its way from Europe to the port of Gaza.
Northern Irish Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has also signed his name to the statement that expresses unambiguous support for the non-violent Gaza flotilla movement.
Those who have signed their support to Gaza span both Northern and the Republic of Ireland, as well as an array of political parties. TDs, MEPs, senators, MLAs and MPs have signed, as well as many independents.
The list includes members of the Labour Party (such as Nessa Childers MEP and Ciaran Lynch TD), Sinn Fein (such as Conor Murphy MP and Gerry Adams TD), Fianna Fail (such as Senators Darragh O’Brien and Jim Walsh), SDLP (such as Mark Durkan MP and Conall McDevitt MLA), Fine Gael (James Bannon TD) and United Left Alliance (such as Paul Murphy MEP and Joan Collins TD).
The ship, Estelle, aims to break through Israel’s illegal maritime blockade. A tall ship built in the 1920s, the Estelle sailed from Sweden several weeks ago, before stopping twice along the coast of Spain. It is now in Corsica and will head for Italy soon, before sailing directly for the port of Gaza.
It is expected to reach Gaza in early to mid October. On board the aid ship are reconstruction materials and other humanitarian goods that are banned or heavily restricted by Israel.
An Irish ship, the MV Saoirse, attempted to reach Gaza in November 2011, but 60 miles from its destination was surrounded in international waters by up to 20 Israeli naval vessels and forcibly seized. Fourteen Irish citizens were on board the Saoirse at the time.
Fintan Lane, a spokesperson for Gaza Action Ireland, said: “Gaza Action Ireland would like to sincerely thank all the politicians who signed this letter. It is an important statement in that political figures from across the island of Ireland have united to say that enough is enough and the blockade of Gaza must end now.
“It is also a recognition that, unfortunately, little has changed since Gaza became a huge international issue – the Israeli blockade has been condemned by many governments, and deemed illegal by the UN, but nothing concrete has been done to end the suffering. Men, women and children continue to subsist in the largest open-air prison in the world.”
Fintan continued, “This statement is an expression of human empathy with the people of Gaza and a declaration to Israel that the Palestinian people will not be forgotten. Palestinians and Israelis are equally entitled to have their political and human rights respected. What Israel is doing to Gaza is indefensible and must end now.”
The politicians’ signatures were collected by Gaza Action Ireland, which was formed in July 2012 as a successor to the Irish Ship to Gaza organization, which was behind the MV Saoirse, the Irish ship that participated in Freedom Flotilla 2 in June 2011, and later in the Freedom Waves to Gaza flotilla in November last year.
79 Irish parliamentarians have signed a statement condemning Israel’s ongoing blockade of the Gaza strip and supporting a large humanitarian sailing ship, the SV Estelle, that is now on its way from Europe to the port of Gaza.
Northern Irish Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has also signed his name to the statement that expresses unambiguous support for the non-violent Gaza flotilla movement.
Those who have signed their support to Gaza span both Northern and the Republic of Ireland, as well as an array of political parties. TDs, MEPs, senators, MLAs and MPs have signed, as well as many independents.
The list includes members of the Labour Party (such as Nessa Childers MEP and Ciaran Lynch TD), Sinn Fein (such as Conor Murphy MP and Gerry Adams TD), Fianna Fail (such as Senators Darragh O’Brien and Jim Walsh), SDLP (such as Mark Durkan MP and Conall McDevitt MLA), Fine Gael (James Bannon TD) and United Left Alliance (such as Paul Murphy MEP and Joan Collins TD).
The ship, Estelle, aims to break through Israel’s illegal maritime blockade. A tall ship built in the 1920s, the Estelle sailed from Sweden several weeks ago, before stopping twice along the coast of Spain. It is now in Corsica and will head for Italy soon, before sailing directly for the port of Gaza.
It is expected to reach Gaza in early to mid October. On board the aid ship are reconstruction materials and other humanitarian goods that are banned or heavily restricted by Israel.
An Irish ship, the MV Saoirse, attempted to reach Gaza in November 2011, but 60 miles from its destination was surrounded in international waters by up to 20 Israeli naval vessels and forcibly seized. Fourteen Irish citizens were on board the Saoirse at the time.
Fintan Lane, a spokesperson for Gaza Action Ireland, said: “Gaza Action Ireland would like to sincerely thank all the politicians who signed this letter. It is an important statement in that political figures from across the island of Ireland have united to say that enough is enough and the blockade of Gaza must end now.
“It is also a recognition that, unfortunately, little has changed since Gaza became a huge international issue – the Israeli blockade has been condemned by many governments, and deemed illegal by the UN, but nothing concrete has been done to end the suffering. Men, women and children continue to subsist in the largest open-air prison in the world.”
Fintan continued, “This statement is an expression of human empathy with the people of Gaza and a declaration to Israel that the Palestinian people will not be forgotten. Palestinians and Israelis are equally entitled to have their political and human rights respected. What Israel is doing to Gaza is indefensible and must end now.”
The politicians’ signatures were collected by Gaza Action Ireland, which was formed in July 2012 as a successor to the Irish Ship to Gaza organization, which was behind the MV Saoirse, the Irish ship that participated in Freedom Flotilla 2 in June 2011, and later in the Freedom Waves to Gaza flotilla in November last year.
12 sept 2012
Convoy arrives in Gaza
The convoy was expected to arrive Thursday via Rafah
A convoy of 64 activists will arrive in the Gaza Strip on Thursday via the Rafah crossing on Egypt's border, officials said.
The group of 64 men and women, including artist Wajdi al-Awabi and Amal Khalifa, a professor in al-Aqsa Mosque studies, said Anwar Attallah of the government committee against the siege.
They will tour the enclave, visiting youth groups and areas affected by Israeli bombing, and meet officials during the three day trip, Attallah told Ma'an.
A convoy of 64 activists will arrive in the Gaza Strip on Thursday via the Rafah crossing on Egypt's border, officials said.
The group of 64 men and women, including artist Wajdi al-Awabi and Amal Khalifa, a professor in al-Aqsa Mosque studies, said Anwar Attallah of the government committee against the siege.
They will tour the enclave, visiting youth groups and areas affected by Israeli bombing, and meet officials during the three day trip, Attallah told Ma'an.
9 sept 2012
Jordanian "Lifeline" campaign to finance 23 projects in Gaza
The Jordanian "Lifeline" campaign committee agreed to finance 23 development projects in the Gaza Strip out of 150 applications submitted by the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
The coordinator of the Committee KIfah Amayreh stated, in a press statement on Saturday, that the committee has studied all the Palestinian presented projects, including agricultural, vocational, industrial, educational, health and fishing projects.
He added that each project needs about seven thousand dollars, noting that other projects will be studied to be funded in the coming days during Ansar 3 visit to Gaza strip.
The projects will be funded on an interest-free loan repayable within two years to support other new projects. The project beneficiaries are required to employ at least three non-relatives, he stressed.
He noted that the Jordanian Lifeline Health Committee works to provide the medications needed in the sector according to Ministry of Health's lists to fill the shortage of medicine items
Amayreh called on citizens to support Ansar 3 convoy to fund the projects through donating for the Committee in the Islamic Bank branch Shmeisani (49230) or through the General Secretariat of the Professional Associations.
The coordinator of the Committee KIfah Amayreh stated, in a press statement on Saturday, that the committee has studied all the Palestinian presented projects, including agricultural, vocational, industrial, educational, health and fishing projects.
He added that each project needs about seven thousand dollars, noting that other projects will be studied to be funded in the coming days during Ansar 3 visit to Gaza strip.
The projects will be funded on an interest-free loan repayable within two years to support other new projects. The project beneficiaries are required to employ at least three non-relatives, he stressed.
He noted that the Jordanian Lifeline Health Committee works to provide the medications needed in the sector according to Ministry of Health's lists to fill the shortage of medicine items
Amayreh called on citizens to support Ansar 3 convoy to fund the projects through donating for the Committee in the Islamic Bank branch Shmeisani (49230) or through the General Secretariat of the Professional Associations.
3 sept 2012
Egypt to allow Jordanian convoy Ansar 3 to cross its lands to Gaza
The Jordanian lifeline committee said the Egyptian authorities agreed to allow its aid convoy Ansar 3 into the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing at the end of September.
Coordinator of the convoy Kifah Amayreh said in a statement on Saturday that the convoy would be able to cross the Egyptian lands to Gaza to deliver its humanitarian assistance later this month.
Amayreh added the convoy might head to Cairo by air or to Nuweiba port by sea before going to Rafah area.
He said members of the convoy include representatives of trade unions, political parties and popular institutions, and intend to spend one week in Gaza.
The coordinator affirmed that the funds that were raised by the Lifeline committee for the convoy would be allocated to support development projects contributing to the reduction of poverty and unemployment in Gaza.
The Lifeline committee invited everyone who likes to join the convoy to register his or her name at the general secretariat of trade unions in Amman.
Coordinator of the convoy Kifah Amayreh said in a statement on Saturday that the convoy would be able to cross the Egyptian lands to Gaza to deliver its humanitarian assistance later this month.
Amayreh added the convoy might head to Cairo by air or to Nuweiba port by sea before going to Rafah area.
He said members of the convoy include representatives of trade unions, political parties and popular institutions, and intend to spend one week in Gaza.
The coordinator affirmed that the funds that were raised by the Lifeline committee for the convoy would be allocated to support development projects contributing to the reduction of poverty and unemployment in Gaza.
The Lifeline committee invited everyone who likes to join the convoy to register his or her name at the general secretariat of trade unions in Amman.
