A SHIP OFF THE OL'BLOC

Westminster got a flavour of the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza today as campaigners from the Free Gaza movement and OneWorld sailed along the Thames to Parliament to deliver a message of freedom for Palestine.

Draped in a huge Palestinian flag, and pumping out the online hit “Freedom For Palestine” by OneWorld, a boat packed with campaigners, press and supporters sailed from Festival Pier to the Houses of Parliament.

They were there to raise awareness and to build support for the Freedom Flotilla currently preparing to sail to Gaza in order to break the Israeli siege.  

A police boat tailed along behind. Unlike the Israelis in international waters last year, the police did not board the vessel while sailing. In 2010 Israeli commandos boarded the first Freedom Flotilla and killed nine peace activists on board Turkish aid ship the Mavi Marmara. (see SchNEWS 725)

Meanwhile the Gaza flotilla itself waits in various Mediterranean ports after suspicious acts of sabotage delayed the sailing date.

* see www.freegaza.org