Israeli War Ships approaching Freedom Flotilla to Gaza in international

international | rights, freedoms and repression | news report

Sunday May 30, 2010 23:04

by Freda H - IPSC

In the last hour two of the boats in The Freedom Flotilla (the Turkish IHH ship and Free Gaza's Challenger 2) have been approached and contacted by Israeli Navy ships in international waters. Three Israeli war ships are currently approaching the Freedom Flotilla 90 miles off the coast of Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla which is carrying humanitarian aid to the beleagured coastal strip has approximately 800 passengers on board it's ships including a number of Irish people.

Fears of a night time attack have now become a reality. Earlier today unmanned drones were seen in the sky above the flotilla. Israel has vowed to divert the ships to Ashdod, by force if necessary, where all Israeli participants will be arrested, Palestinians will be questioned by Israeli secret police and internationals will be deported or held in a detention centre if they refuse deportation. If Israel attacks the flotilla in international waters it will be in clear breach of international law.

Dr. Fintan Lane from the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign speaking from the Challenger 2 ship said, " Tension is mounting amongst the passengers. Everyone is wearing their life jackets and preparing for an Israeli attack. We hope that Israel will not break international law by attacking our flotilla in international waters."

Dr. Lane continued, " We are determined to break Israel's blockade and will not be intimidated. The people of Gaza have a right to access to the outside world and the right to determine their own future. Ours is a humanitarian mission and one of solidarity with the people of Gaza who have suffered collective punishment from the Israeli state and it's aparthied regime. We are appealing to the international community to act now to guarantee us safe passage to Gaza."

Satelite transmissions from the flotilla have been repeatedly jammed by the Israeli Navy however,Dr. Lane is available for press interview at intervals. Contact the IPSC for more information.

Meanwhile, the IPSC is organising a demonstration in solidarity with the Flotilla, tomorrow Monday 31st May at 6pm at the Spire on O'Connell Street, Dublin 1. We are calling on Irish people to show their support for this important mission by coming out on the streets.