Ongoing activities

Press release – ongoing activities

02-06-10

We continue to respond on two fronts – the worldwide media attention and analysis of the Gaza flotilla situation, and the position of New Zealander Nicola Enchmarch.

Ms Enchmarch was offered the opportunity of immediate deportation when she disembarked in the Israeli port of Ashdod yesterday. She chose not to do this, and was taken to the Eila Custody Centre near Beersheva.

However, the latest news (at 17.00 NZ time) is that many detainees, among them Nicola Enchmarch, are now in buses on the way from Beersheva to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

We note that her family has issued a statement requesting privacy in this difficult time for Nicola, and will respect this.

The media and blogosphere continue to pulsate with misinformed opinion. Much has been made of the fact that the boarding of the flotilla ships took place in international waters, as if this is in itself a breach of international law. On the contrary, international maritime law permits such actions when a blockade has been declared, as exists for Gaza (and was advised well in advance to the flotilla).

There is an attempt to brand Israel as the instigator of the violence on board the ship Mavi Marmara. It is now clear that the flotilla organizers declared in advance their intention to use violence against Israelis (see the website: http://tinyurl.com/IHHViolence).

It is totally dishonest to portray those on board the ship as all being “peace activists.” The violence against the Israeli commandos as they landed on the ship can be seen clearly at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYjkLUcbJWo

ENDS

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