[Peace-discuss] Press Release: Freedom Flotilla III sets sail: #NextPortGaza

[Robert Naiman]

Freedom Flotilla III sets sail: #NextPortGaza

contacts:

Robert Naiman, Policy Director, Just Foreign Policy
Phone: +2024482898
E-mail: press at justforeignpolicy.org

Freedom Flotilla III media team
Phone: +30 2110115937
E-mail: media at freedomflotilla.org
http://www.freedomflotilla.org/

Today, June 27th 2015, at 4AM Gaza time, four boats of the 2015 the Freedom
Flotilla III set sail from their final European points of departure.
Through nonviolent resistance they will challenge the illegal blockade of
the Palestinian Gaza strip, which is running on its 9th year, sailing as
always from international waters directly into Palestinian waters.

The Flotilla is due to reach Gaza in just a few days. Participants on board
include 48 human rights activists, journalists, artists, and political
figures representing 17 countries. This is the third Freedom Flotilla to
sail, in addition to nine single boats that have undertaken to sail to
Gaza, beginning in 2008 when several voyages reached Gaza City harbor and
returned to Europe from their mission of bringing supplies and solidarity
to the people of Gaza.

A converted fishing trawler, the 'Marianne of Gothenburg'  left Sweden in
May to join the flotilla and has made numerous stops along its journey
around Europe. Marianne is carrying solar panels that would help alleviate
the serious problem of electricity in Gaza, as well .as medical equipment.
Three other sailing vessels (Rachel, Vittorio and Juliano II) are
accompanying Marianne in its mission to break the blockade of Gaza, in
solidarity to the 1.8 million Palestinians in Gaza. With different
strategies and different itineraries, we will continue to sail until the
blockade is lifted and Gaza’s port is open.

Dr. Basel Ghattas, a member of the Israeli Knesset, is on board the ships,
as well as Dr. Moncef Marzouki, former President of Tunisia, the first
president after the 2011 popular uprising. Members of parliament from
Spain, Jordan, Greece and Algeria are also on board together with members
of European Parliament. Former US Army Col. Ann Wright and USS Liberty
veteran Joe Meadors are on board. Ten participants and crew have been on
previous missions. Media outlets on board the flotilla are Al Jazeera,
Euronews, Maori TV (New Zealand), Al-Quds TV, Channel 2 TV (Israel) and
Russia Today TV, as well as several independent print journalists.

Over 100 European Parliamentarians have signed a letter to the EU’s High
Representative, Federica Mogherini, in support of the Freedom Flotilla and
calling for an end to the blockade of Gaza. It’s time to say enough is
enough, and that the international community stands in solidarity with the
Palestinians of Gaza.

A full list of participants will be available soon at
https://ff3.freedomflotilla.org/

===
Robert Naiman
Policy Director
Just Foreign Policy
www.justforeignpolicy.org
naiman at justforeignpolicy.org
(202) 448-2898 x1
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