This morning, it was reported that the SS Free Gaza, escorting six Palestinian fishermen's boats, was 8-miles off the coast of Gaza and was encircled by three Israeli Dabur naval vessels. No shots were fired. In response, it was decided that the fishing boats would continue to exercise their right to fish, but the SS Free Gaza turned around (time was 10.15 a.m.).

The full reports can be read below:

Yesterday's,

Free Gaza Movement On Monday morning, Human Rights Workers go to sea to fish

24 August 2008

Two days after the SS FREE GAZA and the SS LIBERTY arrived to a jubilant welcome in Gaza, 20 to 25 of the human rights workers will go to sea with the fishermen in a show of support for their struggle to keep their industry productive.

According to a recent article in The Guardian, "in the 1990s, the Gazan fishing industry produced an annual income of around £5m. That had halved by 2007 and is still shrinking fast. Under the Oslo accords, which in 1993 were supposed to herald the coming of an independent Palestinian state, Gazan fishermen were to be allowed 20 nautical miles out to sea, where they could catch sardine as they migrated from the Nile delta up towards Turkey during the spring. But Israeli naval ships in recent years have imposed their own, much-reduced limits, sometimes less than 6 miles out."

The group will leave in the very early morning and go to sea at least 7 to 8 miles off the Gaza coast. They will be on board two to three of the small fishing boats lining the shores of the Gaza port, making sure they and their international flags are prominent. They intend to stay at sea for several hours, providing protection for the men as they search for and catch the fish.

"What gives Israel the right to take away the livelihood of these fishermen, and why does the world allow them to destroy an industry that used to provide for thousands of Palestinians?" Said Greta Berlin, one of the five organizers of The Free Gaza Movement: "We intend to challenge that right, backed up by warships and machine guns, just as we challenged Israel's right to prevent us from coming here on Saturday."

The organizers feel that, since they sailed to Gaza with no interference from the Israeli military, they have established a precedent to press for the human rights of Palestinians, who want nothing more than to be free to make a living, go to school, and receive medical treatment.

This morning's,

FREE GAZA MOVEMENT IS AT SEA AGAIN
on the 8 mile limit off Gaza Harbour.

25 August 2008

SS Free Gaza, with six Palestinian fishermen's boats, is 8-miles off the coast of Gaza, being circled by three Israeli Dabur naval vessels.  No shots have been fired.  The fishing boats are continuing to exercise their right to fish and have not turned round, but the Free Gaza has just now turned round (10.15 a.m.).  The Oslo Accords allow Palestinian Gazans a 20-mile limit off the coast of the Gaza Strip.  Currently the Navy is enforcing a 6 mile limit, so the Free Gaza Movement has broken that naval blockade, too.

Updates from Prof. Jeff Halper on a fishing boat (not on the Free Gaza): 0542 002 642 or Huwaida Arraf also on a fishing boat: 0599 130 426

Angela Godfrey-Goldstein, Media Team, for the Free Gaza Movement is available at this number: 0547-366 393

Other telephone numbers of interest:

(Gaza) Huwaida Arraf, tel. +972 599 130 426
(Gaza) Jeff Halper, tel. +972 542 002 642
(Cyprus) Osama Qashoo, tel. +357 99 793 595 / osamaqashoo@gmail.com
(Jerusalem) Angela Godfrey-Goldstein, tel. +972 547 366 393 / angela@icahd.org

To view the Free Gaza Movement website CLICK HERE

UPDATE: Third Nobel Peace prize winner speaks out.

Message from Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire

Dear Friends of Gaza,

Many thanks for your information and great news that the Free Gaza Boats have arrived safely in Gaza.

How wonderful - this is truly magnificent news. Congratulations and thanks to all those who participated in the breaking of the Seige of Gaza, and went by Boat to support the People of Gaza. You truly all represent the Great spirit of people and show what can be done when ordinary people believe in and have a passion for justice and truth. You have taken great risks for peace and your actions will bring closer the day of freedom for the People of Gaza.

Thank you on behalf of everyone around the world, and the many people whose hearts are with you in your wonderful Witness for peace.

God Bless you all and the people of Gaza.

Mairead Maguire Nobel Peace Laureate Peace People, N.Ireland