Freedom Flotilla II carrying activists patients and some injured Gazans has set sail from Gaza’s seaport marking a new attempt to break Israel’s crippling blockade on the enclave.
Salah Abdul Atti one of the organizers called on the UN to protect the flotilla and those on board and pressure Israel to allow it to reach Cyprus.
Abdul Atti also called on international organizations to work for the release of the captain of the first flotilla Sahel al-Amoudi who is still being detained by Israel following the interception of the boat.
Gaza has been blockaded by Israel for over a decade preventing vital supplies reaching Palestinians there.
The 11-year-long Israeli blockade has long prevented the Gaza Strip from receiving much needed humanitarian aid including foodstuff medical equipment and clean water.
Since protests began on March 30 at the Gaza border protesters have been violently quelled by the Israeli army. At least 139 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire while thousands were wounded.
The majority of those killed were non-violent protesters as well as journalists bystanders and paramedics. Only a small number were seeking to breach or damage the border fence although they too were unarmed. No Israelis have been killed.
