John Ging of UNRWA calls on international community to break Israel's blockade of Gaza by sea

international | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Wednesday May 05, 2010 11:48 by Fintan Lane - Free Gaza Flotilla and IPSC 087 1258325

Irish ship to join flotilla that will attempt to breach blockade in late May

John Ging, the Irish-born head of the UN humanitarian agency in Gaza - the UNRWA - demanded yesterday that the international community should break the Israeli siege of Gaza by sea.

John Ging calls for a smashing of the blockade of Gaza

In an interview with a Norwegian newspaper, Mr Ging said: “The international community must shoulder its responsibility on this issue, and look for practical ways to break the siege, leaving the statements aside, because there is a possibility to break the siege.”

He continued: “We recommend the world to send ships to the shores of Gaza, and we believe that Israel would not stop these vessels because the sea is open, and many human rights organizations have been successful in previous similar steps, and proved that breaking the siege on Gaza is possible.”

Mr Ging blamed both Egypt and Israel for the continuation of the blockade on Gaza, asking, "How can Israel evade the responsibility of the siege, and how Egypt would not agree to show flexibility in order to bring aid to Gaza?"

He added, "It is time for the international community to bring aid by sea as it did in Haiti."

For further details on John Ging's remarks, go to: http://www.paltelegraph.com/palestine/west-bank/5786-gi...siege

IRISH SHIP IN FLOTILLA TO BREAK BLOCKADE IN LATE MAY

John Ging's remarks come in advance of a major seaborne effort in late May by grassroots activists to break the blockade on Gaza.

Irish human rights activists will participate in this attempt and an Irish cargo ship - currently berthed in Dundalk - will form part of the flotilla. This ship - the MV Linda - is to be renamed the MV Rachel Corrie in memory of the international solidarity activist murdered by the Israeli army.

On 24 May, eight ships will converge in international waters near Cyprus before proceeding to Gaza with humanitarian supplies for those under siege. It is unclear at this stage how the Israeli navy and military will react but those travelling are determined to breach the blockade and land the much-needed aid.

Several Irish human rights activists and politicians will participate in the flotilla.

For further information: www.freegaza.org

Contacts:

IRELAND
Niamh Moloughney +353 85 7747257 [email protected]

Caoimhe Butterly, +353 876 114 553, [email protected]

Fintan Lane + 353 87 1258325 [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL
Greta Berlin, +33 63 142 7577, [email protected]

Huwaida Arraf, +972-542-635-936, [email protected]