The US-based Free Gaza movement was set to sail on its eighth mission to break Israel's ongoing siege of Gaza, setting off from Larnaca port in Cyprus with two boats.
But Israeli pressure means the Cypriot authorities have impounded the trip - dashing the hope of the voyage getting aid to those in need.
The Free Gaza and the Spirit of Humanity, was meant to depart from Larnaca Port on a 30-hour voyage, 240 miles to besieged Gaza, carrying 36 human rights activists who have travelled to Cyprus from all across the world for this journey, 3 tons of medical supplies, and 15 tons of badly needed concrete and reconstruction supplies such as cement. Also there were suitcases full of toys, crayons and colouring books for the Palestinian children.
That was their hope, but that is not what happened.
Instead, the ships were not given permission to leave today due to concerns about the crew's welfare and safety. The Cyprus authorities said the voyage to Gaza is too dangerous, and they are worried they will be harmed at sea.
In a statement released today the Free Gaza Movement said:
'Cyprus has been a wonderful home for the Free Gaza Movement over these last 10 months. Cypriots know first hand the terrible consequences of occupation. They too know what it is to suffer from violence, injustice, and exile. Since our first voyage to break through the siege of Gaza, the Cypriot authorities have been extremely helpful and understanding of the goals and intentions.
The journey to Gaza is dangerous. The Israeli navy rammed our flagship, the Dignity, when we attempted to deliver medical supplies to Gaza during their vicious assault in December/January. Israel has previously threatened to open fire on our unarmed ships, rather than allow us to deliver humanitarian and reconstruction supplies to the people of Gaza.
The risks we take on these trips are tiny compared to the risks imposed every day upon the people of Gaza.
The purpose of nonviolent direct action and civil resistance is to take risks - to put ourselves "in the way" of injustice. We take these risks well aware of what the possible consequences may be. We do so because the consequences of doing nothing are so much worse. Anytime we allow ourselves to be bullied, every time we pass by an evil and ignore it - we lower our standards and allow our world to be made that much harsher and unjust for us all.
In addition to the concerns expressed by our Cypriot friends today, the American consulate in Nicosia warned us not to go to Gaza, stating that:
"...[T]he Israeli Foreign Ministry informed U.S. officials at the American Embassy in Tel Aviv that Israel still considers Gaza an area of conflict and that any Free Gaza boats attempting to sail to the Gaza Strip will "not be permitted" to reach its destination."
Former U.S. Congresswoman & presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney responded to this warning by pointing out that, "The White House says that cement and medical supplies should get into Gaza and that's exactly what we are attempting to take to Gaza."
"Instead of quoting Israel policy to us," McKinney continued, "...the U.S. should send a message to Israel reiterating the reported White House position that the blockade of Gaza should be eased, that medical supplies and building materials, including cement, should be allowed in. The Free Gaza boats should be allowed to reach their destination, traveling from Cyprus territorial waters, through international waters, and straight into Gaza territorial waters."
"The State Department has chosen to advise us to take the Israeli notification seriously. Our question is, ‘Can we take President Obama seriously?' Will he stand by his own words and allow us to provide relief for Gaza or will he back down?"
Tomorrow the Free Gaza movement will deliver a waiver, signed by all going to Gaza, that they absolve Cyprus of all responsibility for their safety:
"We would like to tell our friends here in Cyprus that though we understand and appreciate their concerns, we will not back down to Israel's threats and intimidation."
FreeGaza.org
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