Seaborne activists challenge Israel’s Gaza blockade

JERUSALEM: An international flotilla seeking to challenge Israel’s maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip is nearing its destination although its exact location is unknown, supporters said Saturday.

A three-vessel “Freedom Flotilla” left Palermo, Sicily, on July 21 and the first of them, the “Awda”, or “Return” in Arabic, could arrive off the Gaza shore as early as Sunday, Pierre Stambul, co-president of the French Jewish Union for Peace said in an e-mail to AFP.

Stambul, who is not aboard, said that about 40 activists from 15 countries, including two from France were taking part.

As in previous attempts to breach the blockade, the ships were expected to be stopped at sea by the Israeli navy and taken to an Israeli port.

A video report posted online Saturday from onboard one of the ships, by Richard Sudan of Iran’s Press TV UK, said that one of the smaller vessels had dropped out with an unspecified “problem”.

“So two boats are now currently making their way toward the Gaza Strip,” he said.

Passengers, he said, included journalists, activists and at least one lawmaker.

“There’s a Jordanian MP on the other boast, the Awda, and various activists from across Europe,” he said, adding that the blockade challenge “is a gesture of solidarity to the Palestinians.”

“There is also some medical aid on board, although the amount of medical aid is merely a gesture. We’re talking just a few boxes,” he added. — AFP