Remembering the people of Gaza

This is a photograph of the Free Gaza Movement boat the “Dignity” at dock in the port of Gaza in
early November ‘08. The Free Gaza Movement have made 5 successful trips to the Gaza Strip since August ‘08. On each occasion the boat had successfully breached the Israeli naval blockade to bring medical aid to hospitals in Gaza. On Tuesday morning the 30th of December ‘08 the boat set off again from the port of Larnaca Cyprus carrying 3 tonnes of medical aid donated by Cyprus. As the boat made is journey and while still in international waters 90 miles off the Gaza coast it was attacked by the Israeli navy. The boat was rammed 3 times, shot at and extensively damaged. It was prevented from reaching Gaza and from going to the nearest port of call in Egypt. The boat was forced to head north to seek refuge at the port of Tyre in Lebanon. Both the Cypriot and Lebanese authorities were prepared to come to the assistance of the beleaguered vessel which was taking on water as a result of the attack. Thankfully the crew escaped unharmed but all were very distressed by their experience.