Dr. Clint Le Bruyns describes how Israel tries to prevent his team from boarding the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and why they have to limit their communication.
Click on the link below to read his blog:
I also received the following update this morning (29 June 2015):
“4 hours 49 min ago:
News: The Israeli military (IDF) announces on their blog that they have boarded the fishing vessel Marianne of Gothenburg on it’s way to Gaza. All passengers will be transported to the Israeli seaport Ashdod within 12 to 24 hours. The fishing trawler Marianne of Gothenburg, a rebuilt trawler loaded with medical equipment and solar panels, was boarded in international waters. Ship to Gaza had last contact with the crew onboard 00.57AM (GMT+2).”
and further:
“Statement by Ship to Gaza Sweden
Press release Created Today at 09:32Ship to Gaza’s Swedish-flagged fishing trawler Marianne of Gothenburg has been boarded by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) about 100 nautical miles from Gaza. Last contact with Marianne took place 00:57 Swedish time. According to information from the IDF, who does not deny that the attack took place far out in international waters, is the hijacked ship in this moment, along with the captured crew and passengers, brought to the Israeli seaport Ashdod, which they expect to reach during the day. Also this time there were active MPs among participants of the flotilla, as well as Tunisia’s former president.
Ship to Gaza Sweden protest against this flagrant abuse of the freedom of navigation. Israel’s repeated acts of piracy in international waters are worrying signs that the occupation and blockade policy extends to the entire eastern Mediterranean.
We demand that Marianne be returned, and that her crew and passengers will be immediately released, so that they can continue their journey to their destination in Gaza.
We urge our government and the international community to take immediate action against daily violations of international law and human rights under Israeli blockade and occupation.
The three boats Rachel, Vittorio and Juliano II who followed Marianne has now according to plan turned back towards Greek ports.”
marthiemombergblog 