Breaking: "'Rachel Corrie' offers deal"

[Barack_America]

Source: Jerusalem Post

A Malaysian NGO which has representatives on board the Rachel Corrie, "Perdana Global Peace Organization" stated on its website Saturday morning that the ship's passengers had agreed to let an international force search the ship, before it proceeds to Gaza.

The statement said that, while the activists rejected Israel's right to blockade Gaza, the activists "request and invite for an independent international body, preferably inspectors from the the United Nations to board the ship and do the necessary to certify as to the nature of the cargo on board. Currently the MV Rachel Corrie is 150 miles away from the 25 mile line of Gaza."

The ship is reported to be about 100 miles from Gaza. The Maylasian NGO described it as a joint Irish-Maylaysian effort. The organization's website describes its mission as to "oppose war and champion peace and global understanding."

Read more: http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=177520

---

Confirmation from the Perdana Global Peace Organization website:

"The peace activists also wholeheartedly declare that they all comprise
of unarmed civilians. The cargo on board the MV Rachel Corrie is void
of any weapons or any apparatus that may be used for harmful purposes.

In light of concerns by certain quarters i.e. the Israeli authorities,
the activists have therefore unanimously agreed to allow for the
inspection of the cargo on board the MV Rachel Corrie. They request
and invite for

an independent international body, preferably inspectors from the the
United Nations to board the ship and do the necessary to certify as to
the nature of the cargo on board. Currently the MV Rachel Corrie is
150 miles away from the 25 mile line of Gaza.

Issued on behalf of the peace activists by the Perdana Global Peace
Organisation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia"

http://www.perdana4peace.org/

---
Brilliant.

[EFerrari]

1. Careful. This is the JPost. n/t

[Barack_America]

2. Granted.

If there is confirmation from a more reliable source I'll be sure to post it.

[EFerrari]

8. Thank you. And agree with your post down thread.

They usually do get things first. What they do with them, though, is something else. :)

[Barack_America]

10. I found confirmation on the NGO website.

And updated the OP to reflect that.

[EFerrari]

20. TY. n/t

[Catherina]

3. Good point. Here is the last press release from the Free Gaza website

Rachel Corrie on Her Way Written by Free Gaza Team | 04 June 2010


The Rachel Corrie is 150 miles away from Gaza in international waters and on her way. They will arrive on Saturday morning. The 1200 ton cargo ship is the last ship from the Freedom Flotilla and is loaded with construction materials, 20 tons of paper and many other supplies that Israel refuses to allow into the imprisoned people of Gaza.

Some of the High-Profile people on board:

Mairead Maguire from Belfast, Ireland, a Nobel Peace Laureate (l976) and Co-founder of Peace People, Northern Ireland. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work for peace and a nonviolent solution to the Ethnic/political conflict in Northern Ireland. Mairead went on the maiden Voyage of Dignity in October 2008, the second successful voyage for the Free Gaza Movement. She was also on Board ‘Spirit’ when Israel hijacked the Boat in International Waters, taking all 2l humanitarian passengers to Israel, where they were arrested, detained for a week in an Israeli prison and then deported.

Denis Halliday, from Ireland, a UN Assistant Secretary-General from 1994-98. Appointed by SG Boutros Ghali, he served as ASG UN Human Resources Management in New York and in mid 1997 to end 1998 as Head, Humanitarian Programme in Iraq to support the Iraqi people struggling under the genocidal impact of UN Sanctions. Since resigning from the UN in 1998, Halliday has delivered numerous parliamentary briefings, provided extensive media inputs and has given public/university lectures on Iraq, human rights, and the UN, in particular its reform.

Matthias Chang Wen Chieh is a Malaysian of Chinese descent. He is a Barrister of 32 years standing and once served as the Political Secretary to the Fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. He is the author of three bestsellers, “Future Fast Forward”, “Brainwashed for War, Programmed to Kill”, and “The Shadow Money-Lenders and the Global Financial Tsunami”, published in the US and in Malaysia.

Mohd Nizar bin Zakaria,Perak, Malaysia, MP Mohd Nizar bin Zakaria is a Member of the Malaysian Parliament.

In addition, there is a three-member camera crew on board from Malaysia TV3 and journalis Shamsul Akmar bin Musa Kamal.

The passengers on board the ship have stated, “Communication is difficult and sometimes impossible and there are many rumors out there started by Israeli authorities, but there is no way we are going to Ashdod. We are, for sure, on our way to Gaza.”

Contact: Greta Berlin, 00 357 99 18 72 75

Mary Hughes 00 357 6 38 38 09

http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/press-releases/1204-rachel-corrie-on-her-way




No offense to the OP but I agree with you. Any information coming from Israeli sources is automatically suspect, especially the JPost.

If true, I agree with the OP- brilliant move but this could also be the Israelis providing themselves cover to say their paintball crews were part of an invited contingent.

[Barack_America]

4. It's hard because we all know the Israeli govt. reports first to JPost.

And the communication was obviously between the Rachel Corrie and Israeli officials.

It could take hours for another source to confirm this.

My take from the article was that an Israeli inspection would be particularly unwelcome.

[EFerrari]

7. LiveStream feed says 2 warships but I've seen no credible confirmation.

:shrug:

[truth2power]

24. Could you please tell me how to get to the livestream? I went to

FreeGaza but still can't find it. Just some videos about the USS Liberty.

Thanks.

[EFerrari]

27. This is what I found. Not really a live stream but there was a live chat:

http://snardfarker.ning.com/profiles/blogs/watch-live-stream-of-rachel?xg_source=activity

[truth2power]

34. Thank you. n/t

[aquart]

232. Yes. Pro-Palestinian activists are impartial with no axe to grind and no reason to lie.

They have absolutely no reason to want to make Israel look as bad as possible.

You can trust them implicitly. Because all they want is peace.

Which is why, according to their own truthful statement, they beat three Israelis senseless.

Honest, trustworthy, peaceful folk.

[Poll_Blind]

5. YNet in Hebrew reporting that the crew is willing to let UN inspectors inspect...

...their load and then they plan to continue on to Gaza.

Here is the Hebrew link

You can use Google translate or, if you're using Google Chrome it'll ask if you wanna translate the page directly.

Upthread, somebody said "Careful, it's JPost". I'll say "Careful, this is YNet." :)

PB

[davidpdx]

6. Expect that to be denied

This is going to get ugly....

[Barack_America]

9. Confirmed by the NGO in question.

I've updated the OP with that info.

[davidpdx]

15. wow

We will be holding our collective breath hoping there is no repeat of the massacre that previously happened.

[Catherina]

16. Thank you. Rec'd n/t

[defendandprotect]

11. k

[Peregrine Took]

12. For clarification, headline s/b tweaked to say "deal" is for inspection only so

they can proceed into Gaza and not go to Ashpod, the other non-Gaza port offered them.

[Barack_America]

18. Of course the deal is for inspection only.

Why should they give in to the illegal blockade?

[The abyss]

13. Thanks for this LBN and all updates!

[Ignis]

14. K&R

[Catherina]

17. Per twitter (thread in GD)

Peregrine Took (1000+ posts) Fri Jun-04-10 07:29 PM
Original message
Israeli navy approaching the Rachel Corrie ( 3 minutes ago.)

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8489652


From twitter:

At 10 am Malaysian time today, Matthias Chang from the Rachel Corrie informed his son that israeli navy ships approaching the ship - 13 minutes ago via web

'Rachel Corrie' near Alexandria, sailing along coast being approached by fast patrol boat - 18 minutes ago via web

Two warships coming on on the side of Rachel Corrie, 35 miles out of Gaza - 35 minutes ago via web

[EFerrari]

19. The feed I followed says she's been boarded.

http://twitter.com/_triaz_/rachellcorrie-2-gaza

I have no idea if that is right.

[Catherina]

21. all satellite signals have been jammed by Israeli authorities

less than a minute ago Israeli Radio reporting that all satellite signals have been jammed by Israeli authorities. #Flotilla


http://witnessgaza.com/

[Barack_America]

22. In international waters again, I presume. More piracy from Israel. nt

[Tripmann]

25. F**k

Is it definitely in international waters?

I had hoped that Israel might try to avoid another PR disaster, but having heard the news that the soldier that executed 6 of the aid workers may be getting a medal, I am really worried for the people onboard that ship/

[Barack_America]

32. That page just mysteriously disappeared.

:wtf:

[Ruby the Liberal]

229. Posting error

Link is http://twitter.com/_triaz_

[Eyerish]

33. I had been using this link and now it says "Sorry, that page doesn’t exist!"

[Ruby the Liberal]

230. Posting error

Link is http://twitter.com/_triaz_

[Catherina]

23. Israeli navy has boarded the ship

about 1 minute ago Reports from Malaysians that the Rachel Corrie has been taken by the Israeli navy who has boarded the ship. #Flotilla about 2 minutes ago

Unconfirmed reports from Israeli radio say troops have boarded Rachel Corrie. #Flotilla

[EFerrari]

26. TY.n/

[tango-tee]

181. If this is indeed the case then

Israel's actions must be condemned by the UN and sanctions must follow.

This is disgusting beyond belief.

[Catherina]

28. Reports from Malaysians that the Rachel Corrie has been taken by the Israeli navy

Reports from Malaysians that the Rachel Corrie has been taken by the Israeli navy who has boarded the ship. #Flotilla

[Barack_America]

29. At least they got this statement out of a perfectly reasonable alternative beforehand.

Israel just seems to prefer piracy and violating international law.

That much is very clear.

[Alamuti Lotus]

30. No deals should be offered to placate the whims of these "IDF" pirates and murderers

The naivety of these people is putting their lives at risk. They should know full well the nature of the force they are dealing with, even before the massacre earlier this week.

[Catherina]

31. No struggle or injuries, but the Rachel Corrie has been captured. Communications jammed.

No struggle or injuries, but the Rachel Corrie has been captured. Communications jammed. Report from Irish radio. #Flotilla


http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[Tripmann]

35. Thank heavens theres no injuries

I wonder where they captured the ship.

[EFerrari]

36. They say that the Israeil embassy in Dublin, surrounded?

[Tripmann]

40. Theres a camp outside the embassy maintaining a vigil, I believe

[EFerrari]

41. Thanks. Who are these people hyping everything.

Drama queens.

[Tripmann]

43. LOL!

We'd 1700 outside the embassy after the executions. Not bad for a few hours notice.

[EFerrari]

46. Not bad at all.

:)

[Catherina]

37. Per Israeli breaking news "a few dozen miles from Gaza"

05:56Aid ship Rachel Corrie a few dozen miles from Gaza (AP)

http://www.haaretz.com/misc/breaking-news

That's the last report there. No mention of the illegal boarding.

[EFerrari]

42. Boarding reported now. nt

[Tripmann]

44. Where? I can't find confirmation.

[Catherina]

45. I don't know. Scanning for news n/t

[EFerrari]

48. I saw this at Haaretz:

# 06:13
Activists say Gaza-bound Rachel Corrie boarded peacefully (Haaretz)
# 06:07
Free Gaza activists use 'Twitter' website to say Israel boarded ship on (Haaretz)


http://www.haaretz.com/misc/breaking-news

[Catherina]

39. Report from the ship's passengers. They have NOT been boarded. Followed by Israeli warships only. #F

less than a minute ago Confusing information coming from ship. Please bear with us as we do our best to get accurate information. #Flotilla about 1 minute ago

Report from the ship's passengers. They have NOT been boarded. Followed by Israeli warships only. #Flotilla

http://witnessgaza.com/


Holy Shit! The twitter page I was getting the same stuff from (http://twitter.com/_triaz_/rachellcorrie-2-gaza) just disappeared "Sorry, that page doesn’t exist!" within minutes! WTF

[The abyss]

38. Thanks for these updates Catherina!

More US tax dollars at work.

[cal04]

47. Israel seizes new Gaza-bound aid ship -activist reuters updated

just posted to Reuters
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE65400N.htm

Israeli forces seized an Irish-owned ship bound for Gaza on Saturday, boarding the Rachel Corrie some 55 km (35 miles) out in the Mediterranean, a spokeswoman for the campaign group supporting the ship said.

It was unclear whether there was any violence, although those aboard had said in advance they would not resist. The vessel, named after an American pro-Palestinian activist killed in the Gaza Strip in 2003, was seized five days after a convoy of six was halted, including a Turkish ship on which 9 men were killed by Israeli commandos who stormed aboard.



Two Israeli warships intercept Gaza-bound aid ship Rachel Corrie with M'sians on board
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/5/nation/20100605110514&sec=nation


'Rachel Corrie' boarded at 5:50 am
http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=177525

updated
Report from the ship's passengers. They have NOT been boarded. Followed by Israeli warships only.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/LDE654013.htm

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg
On the phone with passengers. 25 miles from Gaza. They have NOT been boarded but are followed by two war ships.

[EFerrari]

49. I see The Star is repeating the anti-semitic claim of the IDF

"On Friday, the Israeli military released what it said was an edited radio exchange with the flotilla, captured from its own communications equipment, in which unidentified male voices were heard making anti-Semitic and anti-American comments.

It was impossible to independently authenticate the tape, which the military said pieced together segments of exchanges."

At least they included a disclaimer.

[Catherina]

50. The last coming from freeGaza is

Confusing information coming from ship. Please bear with us as we do our best to get accurate information. #Flotilla 28 minutes ago via web

Excuse me while I go pray for the safety and safe passage of those courageous people on the ship.

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[Catherina]

51. They have NOT been boarded and are on their way to Gaza

# SKY NEWS reports they talked to passengers just now. They have NOT been boarded and are on their way to Gaza. #Flotilla 3 minutes ago via web

# No contact with the Israeli navy who has not contacted them at all. Ship proceeding toward Gaza. #Flotilla 5 minutes ago via web

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg



Disinfo at work. Only trust the activist sources.

[rug]

52. 'Rachel Corrie' boarded, no one hurt.

Source: jpost.com

RT @freegazaorg No struggle or injuries, but the Rachel Corrie has been captured. Communications jammed. Report from Irish radio.

http://twitter.com/ESFBN

Edit for additional source:

http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=177525

'Rachel Corrie' boarded, no one hurt.
By JPOST.COM STAFF
06/05/2010 06:08

Reported on Twitter at about 5:50 am. Three navy boats involved. Passengers under arrest.

At about 5:50 am on Saturday, the first reports came in over Twitter that the 'Rachel Corrie' had been boarded close to Gaza. Earlier the activists reported that their radar had been jammed, however their Twitter accounts continued to operate.

The activists reported that three boats were following them for about twenty minutes and then that they had been boarded.

The passengers are said to be under arrest.

A couple of hours before the ship was seized, a Malaysian NGO which was co-sponsoring the ship, "Perdana Global Peace Organization" stated on its website that the ship's passengers had agreed to let an international force search the ship, before it proceeded to Gaza. The statement said that, while the activists rejected Israel's right to blockade Gaza, the activists "request and invite for an independent international body, preferably inspectors from the the United Nations to board the ship and do the necessary to certify as to the nature of the cargo on board."


No link yet.

[tekisui]

53. Glad there are no reports of violence.

I wonder if it was in International waters?

[rug]

54. I'm looking for something more detailed than Twitter.

[rug]

62. From sameTwitter feed, 16 miles from Gaza.

RT @GazaUnderSiege Breaking: #RachelCorrie: we are about 16 miles away from #Gaza but still in Int'l waters #Gaza 5 minutes ago via w

[Name removed]

111. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mikelgb]

55. Ashdod or bust

[UndertheOcean]

56. The bastards

[UndertheOcean]

57. "Report from Rachel Corrie's passengers. They have NOT been boarded. Followed by Israeli warships on

"

[CONN]

58. Jerusalem Post: (Israeli) Navy has taken the 'Rachel Corrie'

Report: Navy has taken the 'Rachel Corrie'
By JPOST.COM STAFF
06/05/2010 10:55 ET

The website of the Malaysian NGO which is co-sponsoring the Rachel Corrie, reports that the ship was taken by the navy at about 5:50 am on Saturday morning.

http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=177524

[rug]

60. Thanks, I'll edit the OP.

[PSzymeczek]

63. But Israel isn't interfering

with humanitarian aid. Right.

[Catherina]

75. Israel disinfo at work to discredit the information coming from the acitivists

Note the wording on the liberal website Haaretz breaking news

# 06:43
Activists aboard 'Rachel Corrie' say not been boarded by Israel navy, just shadowed (Reuters)
# 06:13
Activists say Gaza-bound 'Rachel Corrie' boarded peacefully, no struggle or injuries (Haaretz)
# 06:07
Free Gaza activists use 'Twitter' website to say Israel boarded aid ship (Haaretz)
# 05:56
Aid ship 'Rachel Corrie' a few dozen miles from Gaza (AP)

http://www.haaretz.com/misc/breaking-news

But the twitters from http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

# Report from Malaysians: Rachel is not turning around until they get to destination. Two warships from the back. Will continue. #Flotilla 3 minutes ago via web

# On the phone with passengers. 25 miles from Gaza. They have NOT been boarded but are followed by two war ships. #Flotilla 5 minutes ago via web

# Confusing information coming from ship. Please bear with us as we do our best to get accurate information. #Flotilla about 1 hour ago via web

# Report from the ship's passengers. They have NOT been boarded. Followed by Israeli warships only. #Flotilla about 1 hour ago via web

# Reports from Malaysians that the Rachel Corrie has been taken by the Israeli navy who has boarded the ship. #Flotilla about 1 hour ago via web

# Unconfirmed reports from Israeli radio say troops have boarded Rachel Corrie. #Flotilla about 1 hour ago via web

# Israeli Radio reporting that all satellite signals have been jammed by Israeli authorities. #Flotilla

Why are newspapers getting their information from Israeli sources instead of straight from the activists?

[EFerrari]

77. I'm lost. Can they get info from activists if sats are jammed?

Do you know, any journos on board?

[Catherina]

79. Jamming was reported by Israel, not the activists

There are journalists and professional filmakers on board.

SKY News talked to the activists.



Aha. Just as I thought

Gaza aid ship intercepted, not boarded - activist

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli navy intercepted and was shadowing an Irish-owned aid ship bound for Gaza on Saturday, but a spokeswoman for the activists aboard said an earlier report that troops were aboard the vessel was wrong.

"They have not been boarded. They are being followed," said Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza movement, who added that contact with those aboard the Rachel Corrie was intermittent. The group had based its earlier statement about a boarding on an unconfirmed report from an Israeli radio station, Berlin said.


http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news/international/Gaza_aid_ship_intercepted,_not_boarded_-_activist.html?cid=9024364

[EFerrari]

84. Thank you.

:hi:

[SILVER__FOX52]

59. God, wrap your protection around them.

I beg you..

[EFerrari]

61. Well done, Rachel Corrie.

There will be more behind you.

[proteus_lives]

65. Plenty of Israeli personnel for them too.

[EFerrari]

74. I hope Israel will soon rid itself of these right wing nutcases

that are driving it over a cliff. They deserve better than this.

[proteus_lives]

83. Yes, they do deserve better then constant threats from Gaza.

[proteus_lives]

64. Good.

I hope the seize the next one.

[Joanne98]

66. Reuters: Israel seizes new Gaza-bound aid ship - activist

Israeli forces seized an Irish-owned ship bound for Gaza on Saturday, boarding the Rachel Corrie some 55 km (35 miles) out in the Mediterranean, a spokeswoman for the campaign group supporting the ship said. Skip related content
It was unclear whether there was any violence, although those aboard had said in advance they would not resist.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said she had no information. Israel had said it would not let the ship through.

The vessel, named after an American pro-Palestinian activist killed in the Gaza Strip in 2003, was seized five days after a convoy of six was halted, including a Turkish ship on which 9 men were killed by Israeli commandos who stormed aboard.

Among those aboard the Rachel Corrie, campaigners said, were Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire from Northern Ireland and Denis Halliday, an Irish former senior official at the United Nations.
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/22/20100605/tts-uk-israel-flotilla-ca02f96.html

[annm4peace]

67. From the actual organization: The Free Gaza Movement

http://www.freegaza.org/


Rachel Corrie boarded, equipment jammed

Press Release - Wed 5th June, 3.30am
The IPSC has been contacted by the MV Rachel Corrie in the past few minutes. Jenny Graham reported that they had been followed by Israeli ships for about 2 hours, and that in the last few minutes 2 ships were approaching from the port side. Ms Graham said that equipment on board had been jammed by the Israeli navy, and that they expected their satellite phone (number below) to be jammed soon as well. The line was bad, and we were unable to determine the exact location of the Rachel Corrie relative to their destination.

On hearing of the news, Freda Hughes of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) said: "We all hope that those on board the Rachel Corrie will remain safe and that there will be no repeat of Monday's terrible attack on the Freedom Flotilla. Our hearts are with you."

The Rachel Corrie is flying their Irish, Malaysian and Filipino flags at half mark as a mark of respect for their murdered comrades from the Mavi Marmama which was hijacked on Monday by Israeli commandos in an attack that left at least 9 people dead.
Speaking about Minister Micheal Martin's statement earlier in which he said that those on board the Rachel Corrie had rejected a so-called deal that would involve them docking in the ISraeli port of Ashdod, Jenny Graham said: "We will have no part in a deal that involves us legitimising the siege of Gaza. We intend to continue on our mission to deliver our cargo of aid and supplies to the people of Gaza. This has always been our intention."

[EFerrari]

68. Thank you, Ann.

:grouphug:

[sam sarrha]

69. here is an interesting article on the flotilla mess..>>link>>

http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/10/06/0201.htm
According to intelligence disclosed during that meeting, these protesters wore bullet-proof vests, and carried with them night-vision goggles, weapons, and large sums of cash. Each person in this group had the exact same amount of cash in his pockets. While the rest of protesters was sent to the lower deck during the Shayetet Naval Special Force's interception of the ship, the group divided into cells and remained on the upper deck in order to attack the soldiers.

[rug]

70. Website Commanders?

http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/aboutsite.htm

Website Commanders

Commander of the Filming Unit and head editor: Lieutenant Colonel Dinor Shavit

Editor in Chief: Captain Yogev Atoon

Project director and site founder: Inbar Tzizar

The website was renovated by the IDF Film Unit Website Department of the IDF Spokesperson.

[sam sarrha]

73. yes.. is iit wrong to hear both sides..??.. they have the best anti terrorism system

[boppers]

96. "they have the best anti terrorism system"?

Yeah, there are never any terror attacks in Israel. They're great that way.

:eyes:

[EFerrari]

72. That's not interesting. That's more IDF baloney.

The protesters had on LIFE JACKETS, not bullet proof vests. Geeze, enough already. The dead are barely in their graves.

[slipslidingaway]

80. All the tapes should be released ...

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/6/2/872387/-Israel-Must-Release-the-Full-Raid-Tapes

Israel Must Release the Full Raid Tapes
by Cenk Uygur

"Israel Must Release the Full Raid Tapes Wed Jun 02, 2010 at 03:48:38 PM PDT
Every news outlet in the world has been running the tape of the Israeli commando raid on Free Gaza Flotilla released by the Israeli Defense Forces. It lasts about a minute and clearly shows the commandos being attacked by the people on board as they rappel down from their helicopters.

I don't argue with that portion of the tape at all. You can see the sticks and rods clearly. The passengers do hit the commandos boarding their ship. To argue otherwise is ludicrous. But what we don't see is what happened before and after that one minute of tape that was released..."

[EFerrari]

95. sam sarrha ---

I'm sorry that I was rude to you.

[Catherina]

71. No. Not boarded per freegaza twitter

# Report from Malaysians: Rachel is not turning around until they get to destination. Two warships from the back. Will continue. #Flotilla 3 minutes ago via web

# On the phone with passengers. 25 miles from Gaza. They have NOT been boarded but are followed by two war ships. #Flotilla

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[UndertheOcean]

76. can we trust twitter at all ?

SKY NEWS reports they talked to passengers just now. They have NOT been boarded and are on their way to Gaza. #Flotilla

[Catherina]

78. freegazaorg twitter was accurate the entire time. The hype came from Israeli sources

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

Here are the twitters. My opinion is that Israeli sources are trying to make the activists look like unreliable liars

# SKY NEWS reports they talked to passengers just now. They have NOT been boarded and are on their way to Gaza. #Flotilla 3 minutes ago via web

# No contact with the Israeli navy who has not contacted them at all. Ship proceeding toward Gaza. #Flotilla 5 minutes ago via web

# Report from Malaysians: Rachel is not turning around until they get to destination. Two warships from the back. Will continue. #Flotilla 11 minutes ago via web

# On the phone with passengers. 25 miles from Gaza. They have NOT been boarded but are followed by two war ships. #Flotilla 13 minutes ago via web

# Confusing information coming from ship. Please bear with us as we do our best to get accurate information. #Flotilla about 1 hour ago via web

# Report from the ship's passengers. They have NOT been boarded. Followed by Israeli warships only. #Flotilla about 1 hour ago via web

# Reports from Malaysians that the Rachel Corrie has been taken by the Israeli navy who has boarded the ship. #Flotilla about 1 hour ago via web

# Unconfirmed reports from Israeli radio say troops have boarded Rachel Corrie. #Flotilla about 1 hour ago via web

# Israeli Radio reporting that all satellite signals have been jammed by Israeli authorities. #Flotilla about 1 hour ago via web

# At 10 am Malaysian time today, Matthias Chang from the Rachel Corrie informed his son that israeli navy ships approaching the ship about 2 hours ago via web

# 'Rachel Corrie' near Alexandria, sailing along coast being approached by fast patrol boat about 2 hours ago via web

# Two warships coming on on the side of Rachel Corrie, 35 miles out of Gaza about 2 hours ago via web

[rug]

82. BBC reports it is "unclear".

Israel has intercepted the latest aid ship attempting to break its blockade of the Gaza Strip, activists say.

Israeli officials have not commented, but they had warned they would not let the MV Rachel Corrie reach Gaza.

* * * *

It is unclear whether Israeli forces have boarded the vessel or if they are just tracking from a distance.

The activists on board the Rachel Corrie had said earlier that they would not resist.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10244301.stm

[Joanne98]

81. ..........

[rug]

86. "Editing period has expired."

[Joanne98]

85. @freegazaorg SAZ Trying to contact on phone there is NO answer.

Trying to contact passengers on dedicated phone. No answer from them. #Flotilla

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[UndertheOcean]

87. Trying to contact passengers on dedicated phone. No answer from them. #Flotilla

[Pavulon]

88. They may be busy..(nt)

[UndertheOcean]

89. From Twitter : We have been trying every two minutes to contact passengers. No answer. #Flotilla

[Libertas1776]

90. 2 mins ago

Haaretz says Rachel Corrie ship closing in on Gaza shore. Posted this information to their page 20 minutes ago. #Flotilla

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[UndertheOcean]

91. Haaretz breaking news : Report: Rachel Corrie aid ship closing in on Gaza shore (Haaretz)

[Catherina]

92. From Haaretz' page to God's ears! n/t

[EFerrari]

93. It's been a long and confusing night. I hope it ends well.

:)

[kas125]

94. latest twitter : Rachel Corrie ship closing in on Gaza shore.

Haaretz says Rachel Corrie ship closing in on Gaza shore. Posted this information to their page 20 minutes ago. #Flotilla 11 minutes ago via web

[EFerrari]

97. Now:

Freegazaorg

Al Jazeera reports that the Navy is insisting they go to Ashdod. Passengers say 'no'. Navy says they will drag boat to Ashdod. Not possible

[Catherina]

98. I love these activists. Now that's valour n/t

[EFerrari]

99. In praise of what persists!

:toast:

[Catherina]

104. In praise of Rachel!

:toast:

She's back. They bull-dozed her and made her even bigger!

[kas125]

101. I hate that they jammed the signals and we can't watch it

live. (I stayed up all Sunday night watching what they were showing on that live feed/news from Turkey.) But I'm glad word is getting out.

[EFerrari]

102. I know. But someone will be filming.

Right now, I'm just happy no one is being hurt.

[kas125]

103. After all this time, I finally sent you a friend request on

facebook, only to see that you haven't been there in a year and a half, lol. Anyway, you and I have many mutual friends and we really should know each other. Oh, and I'm happy no one is being hurt, too, but I really didn't think they'd actually hurt people again after being condemned by the entire world except for the US Gov't. I hope I'm right and that everyone continues to be safe!

[EFerrari]

106. The IDF and the Israeli government seem so out of control to me

that I don't feel as though I can predict what they will do.

I have to take these poor dogs out before they explode and will be back. Don't worry about FB, it'll happen.

[EFerrari]

100. Latest via twitter:

freegazaorg

From the BBC: IOF issued initial request to ship to identify. No warning to the ship. Not boarding ship yet. No contact for hour and a half. half a minute ago via web

[UndertheOcean]

105. Haretz BreakingNews : IDF: We have sighted the 'RachelCorrie' and have radioed it to identify itself

[EFerrari]

107. Is there an engineer around here, anywhere?

lol

Shouldn't the Rachel Corrie be right about at Gaza now? Someone give me a quantity!

:)

[UndertheOcean]

108. I am one , but Electrical , distances are too complicated for me.

[EFerrari]

109. Oh, come on. You can fake it, can't you?

:rofl:

I just want to know, is it five miles, ten miles, as far as you can throw a ham sandwich?

Thanks for keeping vigil, UndertheOcean. :hi:

[kas125]

112. On facebook, Bill Perry said 'they're just minutes away" Oh,

wow, I hope and pray that they get there...

[Catherina]

110. WTF

I went to Al_Jazeera Arabic and got this message:

"Sorry, we are not allowed to display this channel in your region.

This channel can be viewed worldwide, not USA

We detected you are in United States of America (US)

If you feel you have received this message in error please contact us for assistance."

http://www.livestation.com/channels/43-al_jazeera_arabic


Free Press America? Censorship? WTF

[kas125]

114. OMG, Really? WTF???

[kas125]

116. I got it, too. HOLY FUCK, this is supposed to be the United

States, home of the fucking free... goddamn. just goddamn...

[Catherina]

123. If you find a good channel, let me know. I'm still looking n/t

[kas125]

127. I will, for sure. All I'm doing now is watching the twitter feed

and my facebook page. If I hear anything, I'll definitely post it here!

[Catherina]

139. Live from Gaza video feed : Press TV

http://www.presstv.com/llnw/

watching now

[kas125]

142. Thanks! I'm waiting for the page to load now...

[UndertheOcean]

113. Twitter : According to the IOF, the boat was stopped in international waters six minutes ago ...

and that it is legal.#Flotilla


???

[Catherina]

115. According to IOF, anything they do is *legal*

Sick

[EFerrari]

124. Gmta.

lol

[Catherina]

117. Rachel Corrie has now rejected 2nd call from IDF navy to dock at Ashdod Port

ajar: RT @IDFSpokesperson: Update: Rachel Corrie has now rejected 2nd call from IDF navy to dock at Ashdod Port half a minute ago via TweetDeck


From livestream sidebar: "Aljazeera: report on protests from egypt. cussing egyptian govt for sitting on its ***"

[docxray]

118. The next boats

deserve an armed international escort. Perhaps the Brits will do it, or the Norwegians, or the Turks. Plenty in the USN would undoubtedly like
to do it, but the reality is that they are under the de facto command of a foreign power. The rest of the world is
well aware now that the US government is essentially controlled by this foreign power. What an epochal, monumental disgrace.
You don't need to be pro-Palestinian to see it this way , maybe just have a minimal acquaintance with our history
and Washington's well-known admonition to avoid entangling alliances. So passe', eh? This entangling alliance is mortal.

From reports inside Israel (Max Blumenthal): the commander of the Israeli attack force- was code named "Cheney". How apropos.


We thank you for your peaceful ways and martyrdom, Rachel Corrie. You were
infinitely more an American than Richard Cheney.

[Catherina]

119. Welcome to DU docxray

Long live Rachel in people's hearts!

[EFerrari]

121. Because no government will do this, activists must.

Somewhere, Howard Zinn is smiling.

[UndertheOcean]

122. Welcome to DU fellow human !

[kas125]

125. There is another boat leaving, sometime in July which they

are not going to release the date until it happens, from ISRAEL!

[UndertheOcean]

126. wow , from Israel ? links ! I would love to read about that.

[kas125]

129. I can't remember where I read it, but I was overjoyed to see

it. I think it was a post on facebook, I'll go look and see if I can find it for you.

[kas125]

231. Here you go:

http://gazafreedommarch.org/cms/en/News/View/10-06-05/The_Jewish_boat_to_Gaza_is_sailing_soon.aspx

[EFerrari]

128. I read earlier in the week that a new flotilla has been funded.

No details, though.

[Catherina]

120. Expected to arrive in Gaza around 10:00 AM Gaza Time = 37 minutes

Expected to arrive in Gaza around 10:00 AM Gaza Time (taken from livestream side conversations).


I can't go to sleep! Go Rachel, go!

Edit: here is the source for that http://www.nowpublic.com/world/gaza-flotilla-mv-rachel-corrie-live-feed-updates-and-resouces

Edit: Some of the comments on the livestream make you laugh inside: "JR: I think the RC should broadcast the shrill voice of Sarah Palin at the IDF forces and really scare them"

[UndertheOcean]

130. BBC : Israeli navy 'shadowing' Rachel Corrie Gaza aid ship

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10244301.stm

[Catherina]

132. God be with them. Here is their first warning from the IDF

June 5, 2010...08:32
7th Flotilla Ship ignores calls from Israel Navy to Dock at Ashdod Port, 5 June 2010

June 5th, 2010

08:50

Israel Navy Communicates Radio Message to 7th Flotilla Ship

The Israel Navy conveyed the following message to the 7th flotilla ship a few moments ago via radio transmission:

“This is the Israeli Navy. You are approaching an area of hostilities which is under a naval blockade. The Gaza area, coastal region and Gaza Harbor are closed to all maritime traffic. The Israeli government supports delivery of humanitarian supplies to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and invites you to enter the Ashdod port. Delivery of the supplies in accordance with the authorities’ regulations will be done via the formal land crossings and under your observation, after which you can return to your home ports aboard the vessels on which you arrived.”

The ship organizers chose to ignore the invitation to dock at the Ashdod port where the cargo could be unloaded and transferred to the Gaza Strip upon inspection.

http://idfspokesperson.com/2010/06/05/7th-flotilla-ship-ignores-calls-from-israel-navy-to-dock-at-ashdod-port-5-june-2010/




What courageous, wonderful people! They're doing this, little people with no Navy or Army, they're doing what the bullshitting western governments refused to do!

:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :applause:

[classysassy]

131. The action of the Israelis

continue to place americans in harms way,when will the american citizens say enough is enough and demand that our spineless congressmen and women stop supporting BiBi and his thugs.

[Catherina]

133. Consolidated updates on NowPublic

Gaza Flotilla: MV Rachel Corrie Live Feed,Updates, and Resouces

by JoshArizona | June 4, 2010 at 09:25 pm


MV Rachel Corrie


Twitter Feed Here!

Live Stream Here!

As of 7:20 AM Gaza Time: MV Rachel Corrie is 25 miles from Gazan waters, shadowed by two Israeli warships, but has not been boarded. Jamming of radios has been reported.

Expected to arrive in Gaza around 10:00 AM Gaza Time

7:25 AM: MV Rachel Corrie 20 miles of shore, visible from Gaza shore.

7:27 AM: It looks like she might make it!

7:33 AM: 19 minutes ago the Free Gaza Movement said they were not able to contact the ship, unknown if communications has been reestablished. Earlier jamming of radios was reported.

7:37 AM: Reports of MV Rachel Corrie being boarded and diverted to Ashdod! Not sure if this is confirmed. There were earlier false reports of a boarding, this could just be a late breaking dud.

7:43 AM: No confirmation that Corrie has been boarded, she may very well be under way still.

7:47 AM: I am being told that she has not been boarded, but I haven't received any update in quite a few minutes. Standing by, ready to post more info as soon as possible.

7:51 AM: "We have been trying every two minutes to contact passengers. No answer. #Flotilla" from the Free Gaza Movement Twitter feed, they still are no able to make contact, Jamming of communications may still be active.

7:56 AM: IDF Twitter claiming Corrie has not been boarded. Not sure if this is actually official IDF twitter page, still working to bring you up to date info.

8:02 AM: "Haaretz says Rachel Corrie ship closing in on Gaza shore. Posted this information to their page 20 minutes ago. #Flotilla" Free Gaza Movement's Twitter is reporting that Haaretz confirms Rachel Corrie is still underway and headed fro Gaza.

8:10 AM: Still waiting for more info about MV Rachel Corrie's status, she is currently underway towards Gaza and jamming of communications is continuing.

8:13 AM: CNN's Ben Wedeman reports, Corrie can be seen with smaller vessels around her through binoculars. Smaller vessels are probably IDF patrol boats mentioned earlier.

8:18 AM: IDF naval activity in port reported to be more intense than usual.

8:22 AM: jvplive@twitter is reporting, "Phone ringing, no answer. But #Rachel Corrie is speeding towards Gaza.#flotilla" MV Rachel Corrie is still under way!

8:25 AM: Ma'an News Agency confirms, that MV Rachel Corrie is being shadowed by Israeli naval vessels and the ships radar and communications are being jammed.

8:30 AM: Free Gaza reports via twitter, "Al Jazeera reports that the Navy is insisting they go to Ashdod. Passengers say 'no'. Navy says they will drag boat to Ashdod. Not possible"

8:38 AM: Not much info coming in right now, but I will post fresh information as soon as possible.

8:45 AM: IDFSpokesperson@twitter (supposed to be IDF's official twitter) reports, "Update: Rachel Corrie now ~40 miles from shore, IDF made initial request for ID, ship not boarded". MV Rachel Corrie still underway.

8:48 AM: Free Gaza Twitter reports, "From the BBC: IOF issued initial request to ship to identify. No warning to the ship. Not boarding ship yet. No contact for hour and a half." Further confirmation the ship is still en route to Gaza and has not been boarded.

8:55 AM: Information is scarce, but I will continue updating as often as possible. MV Rachel Corrie's status appears to be the same as last reported. Still underway, shadowed by naval vessels, radar and communications still being jammed.

9:00 AM: IDF twitter says, "IDF Navy began transmission to crew of Rachel Corrie telling them to dock @ Ashdod, aid will be transferred via land xings to Gaza"

9:05 AM: Ma'an News Agency says, "Army source: Aid ship will not reach Gaza http://ping.fm/nlj9S".

9:14 AM: BREAKING! Free Gaza's Twitter reports, "According to the IOF, the boat was stopped in international waters six minutes ago and that it is legal. #Flotilla". It appears she is possibly being stopped after she rejected a second call to divert to Ashdod.

9:24 AM: Ma'an News Agency reports, "BREAKING Israel orders MV Rachel Corrie to change course http://ping.fm/Mplvg" No further confirmation yet that Corrie has been stopped.

9:27 AM: Free Gaza Movement says, " Engine expert. "They may be apprehensive to use helicopters this time. If you want to drag the Rachel, you must first break his engine." 3 minutes ago via web" MV Rachel Corrie is due in port within an hour, not sure how far from the coast she is.

9:32 AM: Free Gaza reports, "Sky News now: RC refused a second call to go to Ashdod. Not sure of the source for this. #Flotilla"

http://www.nowpublic.com/world/gaza-flotilla-mv-rachel-corrie-live-feed-updates-and-resouces

[UndertheOcean]

134. Ok , according to Aljazeera.net (Arabic site ) :"Rachel Corrie ignoring orders to go to Ashdud , and

continuing to sail towards Gaza"

[EFerrari]

137. Ashdod looks like it's about 30-40 miles from Gaza?

[UndertheOcean]

138. It seems so .

[UndertheOcean]

135. Aljazeraa.net again : " IOF prepares to take control of Rachel Corrie if it keeps ignoring orders"

[Catherina]

136. Israelis tell aid ship it won't reach Gaza

9:40 AM: Breaking News@twitter says, "Update: Israelis tell aid ship it won't reach Gaza, ask it to change course http://bit.ly/dnMyYp"

9:47 AM: Mondoweis@Twitter, "RT @JamalDajani: According to Al Jazeera #Israel navy trying to force the Rachel Corrie ship to Ashdod"

http://www.nowpublic.com/world/gaza-flotilla-mv-rachel-corrie-live-feed-updates-and-resouces

[maddezmom]

140. Israeli navy orders Rachel Corrie to change course

Israeli navy orders Rachel Corrie to change course


2.25pm: AP reports that the Israeli navy has established radio contact with Rachel Corrie, informing the crew that Gaza is under blockade and that the ship should change course to the Israeli port of Ashdod.

2.00pm: Repeated calls to Rachel Corrie by satellite phone remains unanswered. It is the only way to contact the people on board, says Sufi. Communications appear to be cut.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/6/5/nation/20100605110514&sec=nation

SKY news and BBC and Al Jaz all reporting that it has not been boarded yet, but will probably be in the next hour or so.

[Catherina]

141. There's a great video feed from Gaza here: http://www.presstv.com/llnw/

http://www.presstv.com/llnw/

Interviews and news updates while waiting. The reporter estimated it could take them up to 4 hours to get there at the rate they're going, with interferences. Thanks for your link

[UndertheOcean]

144. Thanks !!

[EFerrari]

145. PressTV is the Iranian state channel. They don't seem to be independent

and I've found them to be frequently misleading, fyi.

[Catherina]

146. Thanks! But they'll be great to watch the ship come in

if she makes it. I couldn't find any other video live from Gaza. If you find something better, please post.

[EFerrari]

148. You may be right and I'll take what I can get.

lol

[UndertheOcean]

143. BBC : Gaza aid ship Rachel Corrie 'defies Israeli orders'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/10244301.stm

SNIP :

"We indicated several times to the organisers aboard the ship that they should head to the port of Ashdod as there is a blockade in force on the Gaza Strip, but they ignored our appeals and are continuing to head towards Gaza," a military spokeswoman said, AFP news agency reported."

[Catherina]

149. The whole world is watching them now

They can indicate all they want just stay off that ship!

[UndertheOcean]

147. I guess the unrec brigade is starting , this went from 37 recs to 27 , and now to 21

[EFerrari]

150. The mods combined two threads. n/t

[UndertheOcean]

151. Twitter @freegazaorg : Vittorio Arrigoni from #Gaza just saw 6 #Israeli gunships on the horizon, #R

[Catherina]

152. Everything gone quiet in #Gaza port. everyone waiting for #rachelcorrie

10:04 AM: Live news reports by Al Jazeera English and PressTV. PressTV is reporting that the IDF is preparing to board the ship inside Gazan territorial waters!

10:11 AM: on Al Jazeera English, Israeli official Mary Eisen says they will stop the Rachel Corrie, and is being followed by two IDF naval vessels.

10:18 AM: Ben Wedeman of CNN reports, "Everything gone quiet in #Gaza port. everyone waiting for #rachelcorrie." The calm before the storm, everyone is waiting to see what going to happen.Once again Al Jazeera and PressTV have confirmed via live coverage that the IDF has two boats trailing MV Rachel Corrie, and appear to be staging themselves.

http://www.nowpublic.com/world/gaza-flotilla-mv-rachel-corrie-live-feed-updates-and-resouces




Gone Now?




# From Vik: The 6 gunboats disappeared on the horizon south-west just about a half hour ago. #Flotilla 2 minutes ago via web

# Vittorio Arrigoni from #Gaza just saw 6 #Israeli gunships on the horizon, #RachelCorrie 7 minutes ago via web

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[EFerrari]

153. Thanks, Catherina. n/t

/typo

[Catherina]

155. Rachel Corrie has rejected IDF Navy request for 3rd time

Update: Rachel Corrie has rejected IDF Navy request to dock at Ashdod Port for 3rd time 9 minutes ago via web


http://twitter.com/idfspokesperson




Stand fast guys! The world is rooting for you and watching!

[EFerrari]

160. IDF is censoring their twitter feed.

:evilgrin:

[UndertheOcean]

174. lol , what do you mean

:evilgrin:

[UndertheOcean]

154. Yes , thank you very much Catherina n/t

[Catherina]

156. Thank you!

I enjoy doing this with you and getting your updates.

Are you excited? I can't help it. I want them to succeed so badly.

[UndertheOcean]

158. But alas , Israel has the big guns , so chances of success are very slim ,

but hope springs eternal in the human heart.

[Catherina]

173. My mind is fighting with itself over this.

It says that you are right but so is the hope that, with the whole world outraged and watching, Israel won't dare attack Westerners again.

[UndertheOcean]

157. BBC : Israel 'threatens to board' Gaza aid ship Rachel Corrie

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/10244301.stm

[UndertheOcean]

159. OMG , via twitter : Israeli army: Ship has to directly handle all she carries to the Israeli army

in Ashdod Port or we will use force (from source listening)

They are threatening force :(

[Catherina]

161. THEY ARE CIRCLING HER BUT SHE IS NOT STOPPING

PJ: THEY ARE CIRCLING HER BUT SHE IS NOT STOPPING

anniebannie: GO rachel

PJ: THEY WANT RACHEL CORRIE TO HIT ONE OF ISRAEL'S BOATS SO THEY CAN ATTACK

Bellen: PJ are you at all updated????

AIPACswatter: PJ: dangerous game

hajar: freegazaorg.Israeli army: Ship has to directly handle all she carries to the Israeli army in Ashdod Port or we will use force (from source listening) less than 20 seconds ago via web

http://www.livestream.com/shiptogaza






# Israeli spokesperson said they hope not to be forced to use violence, but they will use all means to stop the RC. #Flotilla 2 minutes ago via web

# About cutting the communications, he said that israel has different methods to reach their objectives and they will use them 3 minutes ago via web

# Israeli spokesperson confirms they had three contacts to contact the RC to take it to Ashdod, the RC said they refuse to go to Ashdod 4 minutes ago via web

# Israeli army: Ship has to directly handle all she carries to the Israeli army in Ashdod Port or we will use force (from source listening) 6 minutes ago via web

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[EFerrari]

162. Fine. Let the IDF show the world again who they are. n/t

[Catherina]

170. The IDF has lost. Either way, whatever happen, they've lost.

Either the ativists get through and the world celebrates or the outrage is going to intensify to a dangerous point.

In New Zealand, there are angry protests in front of the US Consulate. The protestors are burning US and Israeli flags. That's just New Zealand.

If the IDF raises its hand against the activists, they're finished. Erdogan is reportedly ready to go to Gaza himself. I emphasize *reportedly* because there's a big demonization campaign against him now, most of it started in Israel http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3899214,00.html, and I didn't read that news in any Turkish papers, only Israeli and this little Bulgarian site. It has a whiff of bullshit.

Ankara. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to visit the Gaza Strip to break the blockade imposed by Israel, Lebanese Al Mustaqbal newspaper writes, citing well-informed sources.
According to the news report Erdogan has notified the U.S. administration of his plans. He said he would ask Turkish military ships to escort the humanitarian convoy to Gaza. The U.S. authorities advised the Turkish prime minister to postpone his plans for now, the Lebanese newspaper writes.

http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n221845

"Al Jazeera"Israeli armies preparing to take the ship if the Irish continued to progress towards Gaza #Flotilla

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[EFerrari]

171. Yes, they have lost. Now it's time for them to be gracious about it. n/t

[demoleft]

163. Aid ship 'intercepted' by Israeli troops: Gaza committee

Source: afp

AFP - Israeli troops intercepted an international aid ship headed for the Gaza Strip on Saturday just five days after a deadly raid on similar vessels, the Gaza-based committee awaiting the vessel told AFP.

The report was completely denied by the Israeli military, however.

"The Rachel Corrie has been intercepted 35 miles off Gaza," spokesman Amjad al-Shawa told AFP after speaking by phone with activists on the ship.

"Several Israeli boats surrounded them between 30 and 35 miles off Gaza and prevented them from reaching Gaza," he said.

Read more: http://www.france24.com/en/20100605-aid-ship-intercepted-israeli-troops-gaza-committee-0

---

'Rachel Corrie Equipment jammed

Press Release - Wed 5th June, 3.30am
The IPSC has been contacted by the MV Rachel Corrie in the past few minutes. Jenny Graham reported that they had been followed by Israeli ships for about 2 hours, and that in the last few minutes 2 ships were approaching from the port side. Ms Graham said that equipment on board had been jammed by the Israeli navy, and that they expected their satellite phone (number below) to be jammed soon as well. The line was bad, and we were unable to determine the exact location of the Rachel Corrie relative to their destination.

On hearing of the news, Freda Hughes of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) said: "We all hope that those on board the Rachel Corrie will remain safe and that there will be no repeat of Monday's terrible attack on the Freedom Flotilla. Our hearts are with you."

The Rachel Corrie is flying their Irish, Malaysian and Filipino flags at half mark as a mark of respect for their murdered comrades from the Mavi Marmama which was hijacked on Monday by Israeli commandos in an attack that left at least 9 people dead.
Speaking about Minister Micheal Martin's statement earlier in which he said that those on board the Rachel Corrie had rejected a so-called deal that would involve them docking in the ISraeli port of Ashdod, Jenny Graham said: "We will have no part in a deal that involves us legitimising the siege of Gaza. We intend to continue on our mission to deliver our cargo of aid and supplies to the people of Gaza. This has always been our intention."'

source: http://www.freegaza.org/

[UndertheOcean]

164. Not yet , check the other huge thread

[UndertheOcean]

165. This one :

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4413173

[demoleft]

166. thanx. yes, by "intercepted" i suppose they mean followed and shadowed. n/t

[Hugabear]

167. Whenever the IDF intercepts humanitarian aid, is there any way to verify they actually deliver it?

The IDF claims that if these humanitarian ships were to merely dock into a proper port, that they would first search the aid for weapons and other contraband, then they (IDF) would deliver the aid to the people in Gaza. Is there any independent group to verify that all of the aid is actually reaching the people it's intended for?

[demoleft]

168. twitter, freegaza: israel threatens use of force

"Israeli army: Ship has to directly handle all she carries to the Israeli army in Ashdod Port or we will use force (from source listening)"
http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

and:



# Israeli spokesperson said they hope not to be forced to use violence, but they will use all means to stop the RC. #Flotilla mezzo minuto fa via web

# About cutting the communications, he said that israel has different methods to reach their objectives and they will use them meno di un minuto fa via web

# Israeli spokesperson confirms they had three contacts to contact the RC to take it to Ashdod, the RC said they refuse to go to Ashdod" - mezzo minuto fa via web

(same source)

[demoleft]

169. twitter. israel threats.

"So far, peace activists have refused to go to Ashdod. Israeli navy preparing to violently stop them if necessary." - #Flotilla 5 minuti fa via web

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[UndertheOcean]

172. If I believed in God I would start praying now. :(

[EFerrari]

175. Tweet to the IDF at # Flotilla.

Let them know the Rachel is not invisible.

Never give up.

[demoleft]

177. some may be doing on board. i've got a bad feeling and i hope to be wrong. n/t

[EFerrari]

178. Tell the IDF that their actions are being seen #Flotilla.

You know they are monitoring.

Tell them to behave. Take that bad feeling and use it. :grouphug:

[demoleft]

179. go baby, go.

[Catherina]

180. She's beautiful

The fundamentalist killing on both sides is standing in the path of peace
And tell me, why are we arming the Israeli army with guns and tanks and bullets?
And if god is great and god is good, why can’t he change the hearts of men?
Well, maybe god himself is lost and needs help
Maybe god himself he needs all of our help
Maybe god himself is lost and needs help
He’s out upon the road to peace

- Tom Waits :hi:

[demoleft]

221. nice one, catherina.

:hi:

[Catherina]

176. IDF update. The Rachel Corrie is now ~28 miles from shore

Update: The Rachel Corrie is now ~28 miles from shore, have rejected 3 requests from IDF navy to dock @ Ashdod Port

[Catherina]

182. J ARABIC reporting that the ship is slowly approaching gaza shorelines

AlJazeera ARABIC reporting that the ship is slowly approaching gaza shorelines

http://www.livestream.com/shiptogaza

[Catherina]

183. In a few minutes the IDF will distribute + upload footage + audio from communication btw IDF + RC

In a few minutes the IDF will distribute + upload footage + audio from communication btw IDF + Rachel Corrie less than 20 seconds ago via web

http://twitter.com/idfspokesperson

?

[UndertheOcean]

184. Ok , that is weird .Wonder what is cooking?

[Catherina]

186. Very strange. For 3 hours there's been no live contact with the ship

I can't bear this.

[UndertheOcean]

185. PressTV has just said that they can neither confirm that anything has happened, nor confirm anything

hasn't happened ...



come again ?

[maddezmom]

187. I'm watching now and the lastest breaking news headline was similar to this one

Israeli Forces Threaten to Board Gaza Aid Ship
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Israeli-Forces-Threaten-to-Board-Gaza-Aid-Ship-95677539.html

[Catherina]

189. I wonder how far they are now. It's taking them forever n/t

[UndertheOcean]

188. Aljazeera.net : " IDF attacks Arab reporters in Ashdod"

don't know is they mean Israeli Arab Journalists.

[Catherina]

190. Video or print ? n/t

[UndertheOcean]

193. Breaking news banner at aljazeera.net (Arabic site)

[Catherina]

191. Rachel Corrie has now rejected 4th request

# Update the Rachel Corrie has now rejected 4th request by IDF Navy to dock @ Ashdod Port, transfer aid by land. Ship not boarded. 4 minutes ago via web

# @Gottahrdt the Rachel Corrie has not been boarded by the IDF, ship rejected 3 requests by IDF to dock @ Ashdod Port

http://twitter.com/idfspokesperson

[maddezmom]

192. Sky News is also reporting that the Rachel Corrie has declined a 4th request and Navy

will most likely be boarding ship soon.

[Catherina]

194. forcibly seized by the Israeli navy being towed

The Rachel Corrie has been forcibly seized by the Israeli navy and is being towed to Ashdod. All on board are reported safe. From Perdana

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[UndertheOcean]

195. :(:(:( The Rachel Corrie has been forcibly seized by the Israeli navy and is being towed to Ashdod.

via twitter

[Mudoria]

196. Conflict averted... PR stunt stopped.. aid will be sent on to Gaza

[Catherina]

198. Illegal blockade in force by brutal occupiers. Bloody conflict continues. n/t

[UndertheOcean]

199. Well , lets see how much Aid will Israel allow through Ashdod , the next few months will tell.

[Barack_America]

228. Maybe, but certainly not the cement.

Can't have Arabs building homes on future Israeli settlements!

:grr:

[Catherina]

197. Eyewitnesses in Gaza say they can see the boat

Are crying.

I am crying.

But it's not over. We'll keep running boats through until we win and Gaza is free.

Free Gaza!

[UndertheOcean]

200. Amen.

[Catherina]

201. Wait. Maybe not. http://www.presstv.com/llnw/

http://www.presstv.com/llnw/

Per Al-Quds, ship seems to still be sailing. Not sure.

[UndertheOcean]

202. well, this is interesting . IDF twitter has nothing yet on this

[Catherina]

205. It could be from the disinfo agents Edited

They're all over the net right now.

So hard to tell. Just get to shore Rachel!


I just noticed something strange on the free Gaza twitter page.

IDF denies they have boarded, but they are going to post 'their' video tape soon. Eyewitnesses can see the boat from the shore 7 minutes ago via web .

Eyewitnesses in Gaza say they can see the boat. 14 minutes ago via web .

The Rachel Corrie has been forcibly seized by the Israeli navy and is being towed to Ashdod. All on board are reported safe. From Perdana 19 minutes ago via web



None of those are signed #flotilla.

[UndertheOcean]

203. The IDF video link does not work ?

http://twitter.com/IDFSpokesperson

[Catherina]

204. All the IDF's links are all bullshit!

Go Rachel GO!!! I noticed. From now on, I'm not clicking on any more of them.

[Alamuti Lotus]

206. the link they have is broken, but contains the right video

Here it is off YouTube-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDkqYrwuDP0

I didn't really watch it or listen yet, watching the coverage on al-Manar (and anybody reading this post is now on the terrorist watch list, be warned) at the moment

[UndertheOcean]

208. I am hearing right , they are calling it "water vessel Linda " ??

[Alamuti Lotus]

212. "Linda" is the original name of the ship

Israeli agents and authorities are uncomfortable to acknowledge the events surrounding Ms Corrie (except, of course, to make "pancake queen" jokes amongst themselves), so they're making a point of referring to it by "Linda" on occasion. That was very confusing at first.

[Catherina]

213. That was the ship's previous name. The IDF seems to have trouble

saying the name Rachel Corrie. I wonder why.

[Catherina]

210. What in darnation was the point of that youtube?

They can stick their watchlist you know where.

[UndertheOcean]

215. What an asinine video , whats the point ?

[Alamuti Lotus]

216. No idea, just passing on the fixed link

the IOF isn't even decent with spin control at the moment. probably trying to look "transparent" in any way possible after the PR fiasco surrounding their last massacre.

[maddezmom]

207. Reuters: Israel prepares to board Gaza aid ship

Israel prepares to board Gaza aid ship
Sat Jun 5, 2010 2:09pm ISTBy Ori Lewis and Alastair Macdonald

World

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli navy prepared to board another aid ship bound for Gaza on Saturday, as Washington condemned as "unsustainable" a blockade which Israel enforced earlier in the week by killing 9 people aboard a Turkish vessel.

Irish and other activists on the Rachel Corrie ignored orders to divert to Israel's Ashdod port. Should it continue to approach the Palestinian enclave, the navy would board the vessel, an Israeli military spokeswoman said.

http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49065920100605

[Catherina]

209. Al Jazzeera just now reported that too.

Said Israel threatens to board if ship doesn't change course.

[maddezmom]

211. they just had a live shot of a port, was it of Gaza or Ashdod?

because they said they expect to see the ship shortly.

[Catherina]

214. I missed it. Be still my heart

Did they really? I could reach through the screen and kiss you!

[Catherina]

217. The IOF have lost their minds "we are ready to use force to defend ourselves"

Israel Threatens To Board Gaza-Bound Aid Ship
June 05, 2010
Israel says its troops will board a Gaza-bound aid ship if it does not go to a port in southern Israel.

Military spokeswoman Avital Leibowitz said Israeli naval boats that have intercepted the aid ship, the "Rachel Corrie," have sent a message to it saying "our soldiers will board you if you refuse to change course...we are ready to use force to defend ourselves."

...

http://www.rferl.org/content/Israel_Threatens_To_Board_Gazabound_Aid_Ship/2062796.html




Defend yourselves from WHAT?

[Alamuti Lotus]

218. from the "IDFSpokesperson" twits on twitter:

"The crew of the Rachel Corrie has permitted IDF soldiers to board" less than 2 minutes ago via web


"IDF soldiers boarded the Rachel Corrie with permission by sea, no helicopters used" less than a minute ago via web

[Catherina]

220. Yes, boarded ship. On Al Jazeera now

http://www.livestation.com/channels/3-al_jazeera_english_english

Another IDF joke, "they were *invited*".




Next time, the ships will be escorted.

[UndertheOcean]

219. No idea.

[UndertheOcean]

222. Well , have to get some shut-eye now ... Rachel Corrie activists :I Admire your valour , hope this

sets a precedent for more Aid to Gaza in the coming months , if through Ashdod, then so be it , better than nothing.

Wish I had 0.1% of your courage.

The Blockade must end though. I believe that is the only way to win over the people of Gaza and weaken Hamas.

Good night

[Catherina]

224. Same here.

Goodnight all.

This isn't over. Gaza will be freed.

[demoleft]

223. twitter - boarded via sea and no helicopters. no reports of violence.

"Do they not understand that it's violent to board the ship in international waters and force it into Ashdod."
previous, "IDF boarded the Rachel Corrie with permission of the crew, did so by sea, no helicopters no reports of violence."

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg

[Catherina]

225. The IOF says it was *invited*

Goodnight demoleft. We're not giving up.

[demoleft]

226. full day here in italy, catherina. i'll keep your goodnight for later.

;) goodnight to you. enjoy the rest of the warrior.
no one's giving up.

ciao :hi:

[demoleft]

227. "Do not believe anything the IOF says..." (free gaza twitter)

"Do not believe anything the IOF says. No one on board wanted armed troops to commandeer the ship heading toward Gaza - circa 1 ora fa via web"

http://twitter.com/freegazaorg