Palestinians plan mass fly-in
As Israel's security apparatus mulls options ahead of next Gaza-bound flotilla, pro-Palestinians call on refugees to swarm into Ben-Gurion Airport, say 500 people already booked flights
Amid heightened tensions over the next Gaza-bound flotilla set to depart in June, pro-Palestinian elements are planning to send a large number of activists on commercial flights to the Ben-Gurion airport in the beginning of July, with the aim of showing solidarity with the Palestinians, embarrassing the Israeli government and raising awareness for the Palestinian right of return.
A report published by the Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center claims the organizers of the event believe the "end the siege" convoys are "too limited" and broader actions are needed to "remove the blockade from the entire land of Palestine."
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According to the organizers' website, the date of arrival to Ben-Gurion airport is set on July 8, because on July 9, 2004 the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an advisory opinion stating that the security fence erected by Israel is illegal.
According to the organizers, 500 people already booked their flights to Israel, including families and children hailing from Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa.
After holding a protest rally at Ben-Gurion Airport, the activists plan to travel to the West Bank for solidarity meetings with local Palestinians.
Fifteen organizations, most of which are Palestinian, are behind the fly-in initiative, including the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), which "specializes" in disrupting IDF activities in the West Bank.
Meanwhile, Hamas sources also called on Palestinian refugees to arrive to Israeli airports on commercial flights as part of the "Naksa Day" events.
A message posted on the group's website called Palestinian refugees to fly into Israel's airports on June 4 and 5.
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