With uncertainty around the safety of activists aboard the Marianne, South African pro-Palestinian solidarity groups have lashed out at the interception of the Freedom Flotilla III by the Israeli regime. A flotilla of boats destined for Gaza was intercepted in international waters during the early hours of Monday morning. The lead boat, named Marianne, was forced to turn direction by Israeli troops towards the Israeli city of Ashdod. This humanitarian Flotilla, like the previous attempts, tried to break Israel’s eight year siege of the Gaza Strip.

“Unsurprising and true to form, Israel used brutal naval force to stop the boat from reaching its destination. In 2010, Israel similarly intercepted the lead boat, Mavi Marmara, of the Turkish Flotilla also en route to break the siege on Gaza. Unfortunately, 10 people lost their lives to the brutality of the Israeli military,” said the Media Review Network (MRN)

The interception of the Freedom Flotilla III comes at the backdrop of Israel’s occupation, expansionism, colonialism, racism and international lies. The enclave of Gaza has been under siege since 2007. The only other border that offers a piece of hope is shared with Egypt, who is in cahoots with the Israeli regime. Gazans face a systematic genocide and ethnic cleansing masked by the chatter of so-called ‘democracy’ that has brain-washed the West.

“The MRN is utterly disgusted at the Israeli regime and its Western counterparts. Fully aware of the truth and the dire circumstances faced by the Palestinians, in particular Gaza, Western world leaders remain steadfast in silence and co-operation with Israel.”

This humanitarian mission of the Freedom Flotilla III may have been compromised. But, the Freedom Flotilla III is a representation of more than just humanitarian aid and supplies that is much needed in Gaza. It is a symbol of freedom, resistance and the willpower to never back down or give up in the face of injustice or oppression.

“Israel may have intercepted the Marianne but they cannot and will never intercept the hearts that beat against oppression and injustice,” the MRN concluded. VOC