News: Nobel Laureate Taken from Boat Headed to Gaza by Israeli Navy
Waves PR 
June 30, 2009
As the Israeli navy circled their humanitarian aid boat, The Spirit of Humanity, headed to Palestine, Irish Nobel laureate Mairead Maguire was interviewed by some students cycling to Gaza. Just moments later, the entire crew was forcibly escorted from the boat. (Points from call summarised below)
The boat is carrying humanitarian aid for families in Gaza, including childrens toys and educational supplies (for Free Gaza – www.freegaza.org).
Radio contact was blocked, but she managed to call from a satelite phone to a mobile in France, so the early part of the broadcast is slightly crackly. They patched (conferenced) in ipadio, the new internet service that lets you broadcast live to web from any phone, to get the message out.
First broadcast just before 1am this morning (ordinary mobiles):
Second broadcast – interview just before being taken from boat
Key points
- Were expecting to arrive in Gaza at 2pm today
- Evidently expected to be delayed rather than detained
- 21 people on board
- At least ome warship was surrounding them, possibly more
-The Israeli ship killed their radio communications
- Spirit of Humanity was carrying enough aid to help rebuild homes for 20 families, including wire, hammers, and educational materials
- They were forbidden to carry 15 tons of cement for rebuilding houses
Photo of boat in Cyprus before leaving available on request:
- email media [at] nemisys.uk.com
- call Waves PR: +44(0)207 7958147.
Tags: charity
news | claireatwaves | 
June 30, 2009 4:04 pm
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