Co Tyrone man joins ‘freedom flotilla’ to break Israeli blockade

Lorry driver to take part in efforts bringing 5,500 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza

A CO Tyrone lorry driver is joining an “international freedom flotilla” bringing 5,500 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza to break the Israeli blockade.

John Hurson from Dungannon is one of four Irish people hoping to board a passenger ship which will set sail with cargo ships from Istanbul on Sunday.

He said he was “well aware” of the risks involved but couldn’t “sit back and do nothing while people in Gaza suffer and starve”.

A previous flotilla sent by the Turkish aid agency Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) in 2010 attempted to break a blockade on Gaza by delivering aid.

Israeli forces waved down and boarded the lead ship, Mavi Marmara, in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea. Nine crew members were shot dead and a tenth died after several years in a coma.

Speaking from Istanbul, Mr Hurson (54) said: “I know what happened the Mavi Marmara and I’m well aware of the risks in joining this freedom flotilla — but I couldn’t sit at home in Tyrone, watching what’s happening in Gaza and doing nothing.

“We cannot say we don’t know about it. We see it each and every night on our television screens. Horrific images are before our

‘Gaza has been the passion of my life for the past 15 years. I don’t want to talk about the brutality’

eyes on social media.

“Gaza has been the passion of my life for the past 15 years. I don’t just want to talk about the brutality, I want to do something to help those who are enduring it.”

Several hundred people from around 20 countries are expected to make the journey. “I’m very proud to be one of four Irish citizens joining the flotilla,” Mr Hurson said.

“There will be a Donegal woman, myself, and two Dubliners on board. People from the US, Australia, Malaysia, South Africa and New Zealand are joining as well.

“We’ve been told the journey will take three days.”

In 2022, Mr Hurson drove a lorry with dried food, clothes, bedding and medical aid to the Polish border with Ukraine to help its refugees.

“David Cameron drove a van containing supplies for Ukrainians at around the same time, and yet he now sits in Tel Aviv supporting Israel. Like many folk, I’m aghast at such double standards,” he said.

Mr Hurson said photos of emaciated Gazan children struck a particular chord with Irish people. “It’s particularly appropriate for me that this flotilla is leaving from Turkey,” he said.

“During the famine, Ottoman Sultan, Khaleefah Abdul-majid, wanted to send £10,000 to help Ireland.

“Queen Victoria intervened to restrict his gift to £1,000 because she had sent only £2,000 herself and his generosity would have shamed her.

“So he sent the £1,000 in 1847, but he also sent three ships full of food. They landed at Drogheda, and those supplies saved the lives of very many people.

“It is only right that Irish citizens do something now to help those in another land in their time of adversity.” In 2009 and 2010, Mr Hurson drove his lorry from Tyrone to Gaza three times bringing supplies to Palestinians in need.

“I brought blankets, clothes and building equipment, but mainly medical aid — cancer-treating drugs, dental equipment and medicines,” he said.

“It’s not just the practical help that’s appreciated in times like this, though. The act of solidarity is important too,” he added.

“People in these desperate situations need to know that the world isn’t just looking on at their suffering. They need to know that people enjoying better lives see them not as an inconvenience but as our brothers and sisters, as fellow human beings deserving of help.”