Freedom Flotilla Kidnapped

The Africa to Gaza Aid Convoy Facebook page reports:

PIRATES IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS KIDNAP UNARMED CIVILIANS IN HUMANITARIAN MISSION

Canadian and Irish ships sailing with Freedom Waves to Gaza have been illegally boarded by the Israeli Pirates in international waters at approximately 7:00 AM NZT.

The Israeli military stated that “upon arrival of the vessels at the Ashdod port, the activists will be transferred to the custody of the Israel Police and immigration authorities in the Ministry of Interior”. 27 Activists being kidnapped.

Freedom Waves to Gaza organizers have been unable to communicate with the ships since soon after the vessels were approached by Israeli warships earlier this afternoon. 

The Canadian boat ‘Tahrir’ (Liberation) confirmed that the Israeli navy had contacted them asking for their destination at around 13:00 (Gaza time), to which Ehab Lotayef, an activist on board the ship, replied ‘the conscience of humanity’.

When the Israelis again demanded to know the destination of the ship Lotayef replied; ‘the betterment of mankind’. 

Below is a video of the MV Saoirse being boarded: