In international waters Israeli Defense Forces have illegally intercepted woman activists’ boat named Zaytouna-Oliva, which left Spain on 14th September heading to Gaza to break the blockade. The boat was taken to Ashdod port by force.
Israeli Navy’s interception of Zaytouna-Oliva carrying woman activists is considered an attack as it took place in international waters 40 miles off the coast of Gaza. Israeli marines who using force landed on the boat searched through the vessel and then forced it to sail to the port of Ashdod thus Israel has kidnapped 13 woman human rights activists from different parts of the world who gathered on the boat by intercepting and forcing another route on the vessel.
On the day Women’s Boat to Gaza was intercepted by Israel, the warplanes bombed Gaza proving ruthless Israel’s total disregard of law and order.
Initially two boats carrying MPs, artists, writers, academicians, photographers, journalists, sportswomen and human rights activists from around the world were going to sail to Gaza in order to bring the blockade to the world’s attention and break it. One of the boats however could not continue the journey due to a technical problem.
Women’s Boat to Gaza was organized by Freedom Flotilla Coalition which is an umbrella organization including IHH Humanitarian Relief Founcation and NGOs and grassroots from many other countries. FFC is challenging Israel’s blockade on Gaza for years now and will continue the struggle until it is unconditionally removed, and Palestinians get their rights in every walks of life.
Protests for Interception of Women’s Boat to Gaza
Gazans demonstrated against Israel’s interception of Zaytouna-Oliva, which was carrying women activists who were trying to break the blockade on Gaza, in international waters.
The demonstrators who gathered before Mavi Marmara Martyrs’ Memorial carried signs that read “No Embargo to Gaza” “Let the Ships in to Gaza.”
During the demonstration organized by Council of International Movement to Break the Blockade, the council’s coordinator Ala el-Batta defined Israel’s interception of Zaytouna-Oliva "a clear violation of international law."
Batta said "We will keep advocating our legal rights in Gaza. Israel is using state terror against international activists by these violations and attacks.”
