The Israeli occupation forces released on Tuesday evening seven Palestinians who were onboard Freedom Flotilla II which sat sail from Gaza in an attempt to break the decade long Israeli siege on the coastal enclave.
Mahmoud Abu Ataya Raed Diab Adam al-Najar Aymen al-Louh Alyan al-Louh Mohamed al-Arour and Ali Abu Ataya were released at the Beit Hanun (Erez) crossing point. The captain has still been held captive.
Freedom Flotilla II carrying activists patients and some injured Gazans has sat sail from Gaza’s seaport on Tuesday marking a new attempt to break Israel’s crippling blockade on the enclave.
Gaza has been blockaded by Israel and Egypt 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 disbanded by the Israeli army. At least 139 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli gunfire.
The majority of those killed were non-violent protestors 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.
