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Protest rally in Athens
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Flotilla activists reject Greek offer to ship aid to Gaza

Harbor-bound pro-Palestinian activists say Athens' offer to deliver aid to Strip a scheme concocted in cahoots with Israel

Participants of the Gaza-bound flotilla claimed Sunday that Greece's offer to ferry their humanitarian aid cargo to the Strip through the Ashdod or El Arish ports, in coordination with the United Nations, was a fraud.

 

The activists rejected the offer, calling it "a fraud that aims to preserve Israel's blockade on Gaza."

 

 

Earlier Sunday, Athens – whose authorities have so far prevented any vessel associated with the flotilla from leaving its ports to Gaza – stated that "Greece reiterates its willingness and proposes to undertake the task of transporting the humanitarian aid, with Greek vessels or other appropriate means, through the existing channels…

 

"To this avail, Greece will come into immediate and direct contact with the UN and all the concerned parties, in order to render the mission feasible on behalf of our country."

 

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has reportedly called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to discuss the latest developments in the Palestinian arena and the efforts to restart the peace talks with Israel, as well as convey Athens' offer.

 

Members of the "flotilla coalition" said the offer was the result of the two's conversation, and slammed Abbas for "stabbing us in the back."

 

The activists further quoted a 2008 statement by the Palestinian president suggesting that any attempt to breach the blockade was "a foolish game." They claimed that Abbas said at the time that since all vessels entering Gaza undergo security checks, they can hardly be seen as "breaching the siege."

 

Meanwhile, the American passengers of the "Audacity of Hope," which was prevented from sailing to the Gaza Strip on Saturday, have declared a hunger strike and staged a protest outside the US Embassy in Athens.

 

Some activists also marched on the Israeli Embassy in the Greek capital and together with local pro-Palestinian Greek activists staged a protest rally.

 

Protesters were reportedly shouting "Free Palestine," "Stop the occupation," and "Lift the Gaza siege." One of the American protesters described the atmosphere as "very supportive."

 

Members of the various organizations taking part in the flotilla said that would try to set sail again on Monday.

 

Former Israeli Dror Feiller, who is among the flotilla's organizers, said that "there are still surprises to come. We intend to set sail soon. If the Greek want to stop us – let them stop up. We won't stop trying."

 

Elior Levy is Ynet's Palestinian affairs correspondent

 

Aviel Magnezi contributed to this report

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.04.11, 00:32
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