A SECOND “freedom flotilla” is to be launched next month according to representatives of the convoy which attempted to break the Gaza blockade last month.
Nine Turkish crew members were killed when one of the vessels, the Mavi Marmara, was intercepted at sea by Israeli commandoes on May 31st as it attempted to bring humanitarian supplies intended for Gaza.
Speaking at the European Parliament ahead of a debate on the matter yesterday Mazen Kahel of the ‘European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza’ told journalists that a number of groups were preparing to send a second flotilla in an attempt to break the blockade.
“We have six boats which are ready to leave Europe. We are hoping to head off next month, in the last half of July,” he said, adding that other ships were expected from other parts of the world. He also made an open invitation to other organisations which had a genuine humanitarian intent to join the new convoy and voiced a commitment that media who wished to inspect the flotilla’s cargo before their voyage were welcome to do so to ensure “total transparency”.
The announcement of a planned second flotilla came as Israel’s security cabinet met to discuss the easing of the blockade on Gaza but was adjourned without agreement.
However, British MEP Richard Howitt said that the easing of restrictions was not enough.
“It is an illegal blockade that is a collective punishment on the Gazan people in contravention of international law. Every step to improve the humanitarian situation of the Gazan people has to be pursued but there is no justice until the siege is ended.”
Speaking in the European Parliament yesterday EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton called for the lifting of the current restricted number of products into Gaza, instead calling for a short list of prohibited goods over which Israel had legitimate security concerns.
She flagged European willingness to monitor the transit of goods between Israel and Gaza.
“The EU has people and a mission in Rafah that could be reactivated. And we are ready to support in the opening of other land crossings for goods and people, recalibrating our mission or developing a new one. There may also be a possibility of a more complex maritime option for a CSDP (Common Defence and Security Defence Policy) mission.”
Baroness Ashton also announced the formation of a task force to bring together all the relevant departments and expertise.