Gaza Flotilla flounders with search to reflag vessels
The Gaza flotilla faces setbacks as two vessels lose state flags, hindering their sail. FFC seeks new flags, amid tensions with Israel.
After the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) lost the state flag for two vessels on April 26, the Gaza activist flotilla still cannot sail to the Palestinian coastal territory, although a smaller ship launched from Norway and arrived in Germany on May 13.The FFC is seeking another state flag after Guinea Bissau International Ships Registry requested an inspection and revoked its flag from the lead ship, Akdenez, and the flotilla’s cargo ship.The loss of the state flag for two of the three flotilla vessels was orchestrated by Israel, the organization claimed.
Gaza aid flotilla challenges Israel
"Israel cannot and will not crush our resolve to break its illegal siege and reach the people of Gaza," said the FFC in a press conference on April 27.
The FFC called on activists to demand that a nation-state reflag their craft because they are unable to sail without the flags, which determine a vessel’s legal jurisdiction and registration. Mandla Mandela called on the South African government to allow the flotilla to fly its flag on May 6 after South African president Cyril Ramaphosa said that he supported the flotilla.
The flotilla reportedly has 5,000 tons of aid materials, but organizers say they will not allow Israel to inspect the ship.The activists contend that Israel has denied entry to aid products that it deems to have dual-use military and civilian purposes.While the passenger ship Akdenez remained in port in the Marmara Sea, the small yacht Handala set sail on May 2 around Europe to Gaza. The ship, named after a Palestinian cartoon character, is being used for an awareness campaign, visiting European cities on its long voyage.The ship landed in Malmo, Sweden, to coincide with the Eurovision Song Contest, where Israeli singer Eden Golan reached the finale on May 11.The Handala is not expected to reach the eastern Mediterranean Sea until August.
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