Parting the seas

Say the word “pirate” and images of eye-patches or swarthy goons spring to mind. But the Israeli government’s mind doesn’t function in the same reality as most, and so an 84-year-old concentration camp survivor, an 81-year-old nun and a bevy of skinny-armed peace activists planning to sail to Gaza have been labeled pirates by the IDF, who are also threatening to them as such.

The SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty will carry about 40 activists from Cyprus to Gaza in protest of Israel’s siege and ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians imprisoned within, bringing hearing aids, musical instruments and balloons for Gaza’s children. Despite their peaceful intent, the California-based Free Gaza Movement has dealt with weather setbacks and dozens of death threats. Now the IDF say they won’t be allowing the ships to reach their destination, even if force has to be used.

Defence Ministry spokesman Shlomo Dror says Israel has no problem with demonstrations, “but you’re not allowed to break international law.”

Israel suggests the Free Gaza Movement turn the ship’s cargo over to them for delivery, but, as Free Gaza has pointed out, “Israel’s deplorable track record of delivering supplies is, in fact, the very reason for our mission.”

by SCOTT SAXON