A new Freedom Flotilla will attempt to break Israel’s blockade on the Gaza Strip on Tuesday the Higher National Committee for the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege said during a press conference Monday.
Member of the committee Salah Abdul-Ati said “We have decided to send a new flotilla from the Gaza Strip to draw the world’s attention to the suffering of the Palestinian people in the besieged enclave.” Other anti-siege ships are expected to arrive at Gaza port in August.
Abdul-Ati said that the second Freedom Flotilla set to leave Gaza on Tuesday will be carrying activists patients and Gazans injured in the border protests.
He held Israel responsible for their safety and called on the international community to protect the flotilla and those on board.
The National Committee also called on Israeli authorities to release the captain of the first flotilla launched from Gaza Sahl al-Amudi who was arrested during an attempt to break the siege about a month ago.
On 29th May the Israeli navy stopped and seized a similar flotilla who had left Gaza port with the goal of reaching Cyprus. All passengers were arrested and later released except al-Amudi who is still detained by the Israeli authorities.
About 12 years ago Israel decided to close all Gaza crossings leaving one partially opened and depriving Gaza residents of much needed humanitarian aid goods and medical equipment.
