Local Editor

A new flotilla is making its way towards Gaza Strip as pro-Palestinian European activists continue to protest "Israel's" blockade of the strip.

According to available information, a handful of activists sailing on the "Estelle" have arrived in Italy and are gearing to set sale to Gaza in the next few days. The Estelle is sailing under a Swedish flag.
The activists originally set sail in June, docking in various European harbors along the way with aim of raising awareness to the initiative.
The ship is believed to be carrying equipment meant for the "Gaza Ark" project - a Canadian initiative that hopes to build a Gaza-made ship that would carry Palestinian exports outside the Strip's waters.
Meanwhile, "Israeli" media reported that the Occupation forces have been following the group since it left Sweden.

According to activists, "Israeli" Foreign Ministry has already confirmed that it is pressuring European countries whose citizens are on board to prevent them from approaching Gaza.

"If approaching Gaza includes sailing from La Spezia to Napoli, that would have been a serious violation of one of the EU's basic principles: freedom of movement," they respond.

They also highlight that "it would be unacceptable for the EU to cave into such pressure, turning against its own citizens and vessels. It is especially serious when such actions are taken against a peaceful, humanitarian action that enjoys wide public and political support."

Source: News Agencies, Edited by moqawama.org