Gaza activists vow to organize new flotilla to break blockage
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Free Gaza Movement on Saturday condemned Israel for violation of maritime law by seizing their cargo ship Rachel Corrie in international waters, and vowed to organize another flotilla in the coming months to break the blockage on the Palestinian enclave.
The Gaza-bound aid ship was seized by Israeli navy and forced to dock at southern Israel's Ashdod port on Saturday afternoon. The takeover met no resistance from the eleven activists and eight crew members on board, said Israeli authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the peaceful outcome, claiming that the deadly raid on six other aid ships earlier this week was a result of "hate sail organized by terrorism-supporting violent extremists," referring to Muslim activists from Turkey.
In a quick response to Netanyahu's remarks, the Cyprus-based Free Gaza Movement said in a statement: "We'd like to remind Mr. Netanyahu that the only hate evidenced on board all six boats on Monday morning came from the Israeli attackers."
Nine pro-Palestinian activists were shot dead by Israeli commandos and dozens of others wounded, prompting outrage from all over the world.
The Irish cargo ship Rachel Corrie, named after an American activist killed by Israeli bulldozer in Gaza, was carrying construction materials, paper and medical supplies to the besieged Gaza Strip.
"We are putting Mr. Netanyahu on notice that we are returning in the next couple of months with another flotilla," said the statement.
According to Free Gaza Movement, Israel's actions "have energized thousands of people who have stepped forward with offers to help and participate on the next voyage."
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