Large walls have been erected to cut the interaction with the outer world in Gaza where basic humanitarian supplies, medical equipment and construction materials are not allowed entry. A nation has been subjected to isolation thanks to a lack of media attention to the situation there in an age of information.
IHH, known for its pro-Palestinian aid activities for many years, together with aid organizations from other countries embarked on a journey to Gaza in response to the isolation and desperation in the region. The initiative, called Freedom Flotilla, is the largest aid convoy up to this day. The Flotilla sailed off to Gaza on the 22nd of May, 2010, carrying power units, construction iron, precast homes, children’s playgrounds, medical supplies, medicines, construction supplies, stationery items, textiles, house appliances and food items.
If the aid ships had reached Gaza, it would have been the opening of a new aid corridor for the 1,500,000-populated region which has been under a blockade for over 3 years and almost completely destroyed by the 22-day military operation by Israel last year. It is not even possible to meet the basic needs of people in Gaza.
If only the convoy had reached Gaza… Basic humanitarian needs of its people would have been met, the sick would have had access to medical treatment, the schools, hospitals and medical facilities which were razed to the ground during Israeli military campaign would have been rebuilt.
People of Gaza would have had the opportunity to rebuild their lives and homes with those construction materials and equipment. Students would have been given notebooks, pencils, eraser, hospitals would have been provided with ultrasound devices, x-ray devices, electric hospital beds, dentist units, wheelchairs, electric wheel chairs, stretchers, microscopes, hemodialysis machines, radiology monitors, crutches, ENT examination units, gynecology examination chairs, Doppler echocardiography devices, deambulateurs, autoclaves, mammography devices, operating beds. Debris would have been removed from streets and children’s playgrounds would have been set up instead. Children of Gaza would have been able to play as they wish. Prefabricated homes and furnitures would have been given to those families who were left without homes thanks to Israeli destruction.
Yes, the ships could not make it to Gaza, however, new ships have embarked on their journey towards Gaza in the hearts and minds of all.
