Fifth Freedom Flotilla III boat delayed in Greece port

The International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza, which is a founding member of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, has confirmed that the Greek port authorities are hindering a fifth boat in the Freedom Flotilla III fleet from leaving port. This morning, the authorities unnecessarily examined the boat’s papers and postponed its departure until later tonight.

This is an unusual measure that is believed to be a deliberate attempt to prevent the fifth boat from joining the other four small ships that are waiting in international waters before heading towards Gaza. Organisers of the flotilla believe this action was the result of Israeli pressure on the Greek government.

Zaher Birawi, head of the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza, said that in the event that the fifth boat is delayed or is unable to join the other four, it would not greatly impact the success of the flotilla in achieving its goals. This is due to the fact that many of the flotilla’s goals have already been achieved. The only impact this will have on the flotilla is that all of the boats will not arrive together in a larger group. However, the fifth boat will join the flotilla as soon as possible and will reach Gaza, albeit later than the first four boats.

He added that Greek political figures in the governing party are trying to push for the removal of these obstacles and that they greatly support the idea of the Freedom Flotilla III along with all the efforts being made to break the siege on Gaza.