Just over a year after nine people were killed when Israeli marines stormed a pro-Palestinian flotilla, Greece imposed a ban on all Gaza-bound ships saying it feared for the safety of the activists who are now trying to find a way to set sail. Pro-Palestinian activists hoping to sail to Gaza this week fully expected their flotilla to be blocked by Israeli marines. Instead, to their shock, the mission was holed even before they put to sea -- by Greece.
Pro-Palestinian activists included politicians, journalists and members of academia from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The profound unjustness of the blockade united these citizens of the world together for a common good, to only have their efforts thwarted by Greece. In an effort to calm the activists, Greece offered to ferry the aid to Gaza in cooperation with the United Nations. The activists turned the offer down saying this was "insufficient" as their mission was also about the rights of the Palestinian people and not just about aid.
To Read:
July 10th, Israel begins deportation of pro-Palestinian 'flytilla' activists
July 10th, Israel-Greece Ties Keeps Flotilla Anchored
July 9th, Pro-Palestinian 'flytilla' stopped at airports by Israeli security
July 8th, Aharonovitch: 100 activists expected to land in Israel
July 5th, Analysis: Gaza Flotilla a foretaste of future diplomatic furor
July 4th, Greek Coastguard Intercepts Gaza-bound Canadian Ship
June 29th, Organizers of Pro-Palestinian flotilla accuse Israel of Sabotaging second ship before Gaza voyage
June 27th, On Journalist Treatment: Israel threat to bar Gaza flotilla journalists under review
On the legality of the issue: UNHCR condemned Israel's previous 2010 raids on the blockaded Gaza strip and initiated a private investigation into possible violations into international law.
Videos to Watch:
Coldplay "One World For Palestine"
On July 4th, Second Gaza boat is blocked. Activists on a French vessel to Gaza are prevented from setting sail to Greece.
On July 2nd, some 36 activists on Audacity of Hope Flotilla are forced back to port by Greek authorities.
Photo Gallery
Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla:
Sydney Morning Herald photographer Kate Geraghty was travelling with the Turkish-backed aid flotilla bound for Gaza, and witnessed the Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara
Related Articles by Ship:
Audacity of Hope (USA)
Greece stops Gaza-bound boat, immobilizes flotilla
Greek coastguard intercepts Gaza-bound Canadian ship
Tahrir (Canadian)
Greece stops Gaza-bound boat, immobilizes flotilla
Greek coastguard intercepts Gaza-bound Canadian ship
Pro-Palestinian activists withdraw Tahrir ship from Gaza flotilla
Dignity
