World

Anti-Israel Gaza Flotilla Vows to Proceed Without Turkish Boat

ISTANBUL (AP) — A Turkish boat that became an international symbol of anti-Israeli activism has dropped out of a Gaza-bound flotilla that plans to set sail for the Palestinian territory at the end of this month, organizers said Friday.

The withdrawal of the Mavi Marmara ferry from the convoy that aims to break Israel’s sea blockade of the Gaza Strip removes a potential flashpoint for confrontation. Last year, nine activists died in a botched Israeli commando operation on the Turkish ship during a similar flotilla, with each side accusing the other of starting the violence.

Anti Israel Gaza Flotilla Vows to Proceed Without Turkish Boat

Turkish Gaza flotilla ship, the Mavi Marmara, is seen in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday, May 30, 2011.

Israel has warned that it will not allow any more ships to break its naval blockade, and said without providing details that security forces have adopted new tactics since last years’ raid in an effort to limit casualties.

IHH, the Islamic aid group in Turkey that refitted the Mavi Marmara after Israel returned it following the raid, said technical problems prevented it from joining 10 other ships that will head for Gaza from European ports on June 25. The original plan was to sail around the first anniversary of the Israeli raid before dawn on May 31, 2010.

“We did not want the flotilla to be postponed again,” IHH president Bulent Yildirim said. “When we fix the Mavi Marmara, our journey will continue. I hope it will not take a long time.”

Organizers said their decision to exclude the Turkish boat was not a response to appeals from any government. Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu condemned the Israeli blockade and said the Mavi Marmara had the right to sail, but urged activists “to act more carefully and not take steps that could be exploited” by Israel.

Anti Israel Gaza Flotilla Vows to Proceed Without Turkish Boat

Thousands of pro-Palestinian activists and demonstrators march to the Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, Monday, May 30, 2011.

He also said non-governmental groups should “take into account” that Egypt‘s new military rulers had opened Gaza’s main gateway to the world, the Rafah terminal, thereby ending a four-year blockade of Gaza that was imposed in coordination with Israel.

Turkey demands that Israel apologize and pay compensation for last year’s flotilla raid, but the possibility of a diplomatic confrontation over a second flotilla could divert Turkey’s focus on problems with neighboring Syria. The Turkish government is sheltering nearly 10,000 Syrians who have fled across the border to escape a crackdown on an uprising against President Bashar Assad.

Yildirim said pro-Palestinian activists from his group would board other ships in the Gaza-bound flotilla, which includes an American boat, a 40-member Canadian ship and a cargo vessel organized by activists from Greece, Sweden and Norway.

Some of the boats are expected to depart from Greece, and Yildirim acknowledged that Greece’s financial problems and widespread anger there over tough new austerity measures had posed a challenge to flotilla preparations.

“There are some problems and crises in European countries, so it might be delayed a few days,” he said.

Activists describe Israeli restrictions on Gaza’s 1.5 million residents as a human rights violation, but Israel says its blockade stops weapons reaching Iran-backed Hamas militants. Israeli eased its land blockade of Gaza after the international furor over the flotilla raid last year.

Comments (124)

1 2 3
  • FedUpWithLeft
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:56am

    Just watch they will blame the Isreali’s for starting a conflict

    Report Post »  
  • psst
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:55am

    Egypt has opened Gaza main gate to the World.
    Sooo, if these idiots wants to get stuff (?) to Gaza,Dock in Egypt and haul the stuff (?) through the main gate.
    The real goal is confrontation. They know Israel will stop them. The World marxist media, controlled by the NWo/OWG will condemn Israel.
    IMO., the Israelis should just go ahead and sink these vessels, if the radicals drown, what da hey, there are many more radical leftist willing to take their place.The World runneth over w/ radicals. They are as sands in the desert.
    If Israel just stops them, it will be condemned to hell and back. Sooo, I would just sink them., it will be condemn to hell and back +. Big deal. a plus.
    When Arab/Muslim World seeks your destruction w/ the help of American and Euro radicals, let the chips fall where they may. Israel has nothing to lose by sinking them.
    Don’t worry what Soetoro thinks/says about his people getting drowned.He also wants Israel gone from the face of the map.
    Torpedo 1 Fire. Torpedo 2: Fire etc

    Report Post »  
    • psst
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:47am

      Hmm. I inform the Blaze a few days ago they need to get better Geeks.
      This site keep on having technical problems.
      One of the main one is: So I come on, I post or reply, no problemo.then I may min and move to another site or even go to another Blaze story. then I resume posting or replying. Woops! can’t be done, I am not logged in even though I am.
      Then I have to keep logging out a couple times and signing in again a couple times .
      Yesterday, I just gave up and started posting on another site.
      I figure , what da hey. I am logged on/signed in, but I’m not logged on/signed in.
      Reminds me of pols who says I voted for it before I voted against it.
      Thid must be what it’s like to have my cake and eat it too.
      Thanks Blaze, I allus wanted to know how ittasted.

      Report Post »  
  • southernpatriot
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:46am

    It seems to me that trying to break through any naval blokade should be considered an act of war. All ships in this flotilla should be treated as combatants.

    Report Post »  
  • critterbait
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:45am

    Step up and cross the line to FREEDOM,,Keep your Faith in God and no matter what happens
    You Win..
    We The People are the Shield of God , the Rally of Couage will become a new commitment to our Cerator …
    Thank you Glenn ,You are proof that God works through We The People…

    Report Post »  
  • SHvnDave
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:41am

    Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.
    Psalms 122:6 – 9

    Report Post » SHvnDave  
  • King David
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:41am

    Owers of the ship are concerned that the ship will be SUNK? Which is what would have happened

    Report Post »  
  • Flotilla Hunter
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:40am

    Fire one!

    Report Post »  
    • psst
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:08am

      I read the story and posted. Now I’m reading all the posts and noticed we are on the same page.And on Blaze page 1 too.

      Report Post »  
  • Flotilla Hunter
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:38am

    Ping

    Report Post »  
  • harumph
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:38am

    It is a shame what has happened to Turkey. Not the Turkey I remember.

    Report Post » harumph  
  • MahaGillan
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:31am

    The flotilla needs to be treated like any other foreign invasion. The Americans involved in this travesty should be brought under justice via hate crimes and high treason. Isreal is the only beacon of hope in that God-forsaken part of the world. Allah? Yeah, right!!

    Show no mercy Isreal….the only good revolutionary is a dead one!!

    Report Post »  
  • dsm
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:25am

    Please pray for Israel. Can anyone even imagine what it must be like to be such a small country surrounded by large countries that want to kill you. I don’t know how they sleep at night. I know they beleive God will protect them and I pray that God does just that.

    Report Post »  
  • TheLeftMadeMeRight
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:24am

    Boy I can’t decide which cruise my wife and I should take. We had planned on this whale hunting/watching thing to the southern oceans but this flotilla thing sounds even better!
    I wonder if the serve free root beer flotillas on board?

    Report Post » TheLeftMadeMeRight  
  • seadude
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:22am

    All you have to do is tell the fools on the boats to put on there life jacket because your boat is going to sink in just a little while. That will fix it….leave one boat to pick up the fools in the water or let them drown.It makes no difference to me.

    Report Post »  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:21am

    can you say between a rock and a hard place? Israel will take care of Israel. i have no doubt.

    Report Post »  
  • ScreaminEagle
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:17am

    Anything could happen on the open seas. As for me I Stand With Isreal.

    Report Post » ScreaminEagle  
  • JQCitizen
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:15am

    Am I mistaken, or wasn’t an israeli soldier also brutally injured or killed in that same event? Why does the article not mention that? Let‘s not accept the left’s twisted reporting of “injustice”! Report all of the deaths; injuries, please!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Uechi
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:14am

    I hope Israel blows the whole flotilla to dust. I also hope Bill Ayers and is commie wife are on board.

    Report Post »  
  • christos
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:11am

    …….+JESUS+ is stirring them up,Gog & Magog-Turkey,Iran,Russia-Prophecy—also surely they can not see their +CROWNS+ TA —Soon they will see the one they pierced & rejected +JESUS CHRIST+ KING of KINGS+SAVIOR+GOD+ & +HE+ is DIVINELY BEAUTIFUL,

    Report Post » christos  
  • tinydd
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:10am

    Easy solution, let Israel board and inspect the ships. If no weapons are found, the everything is good. It shouldn’t be this way, but Israel knows and the world knows there are weapons on board.

    I stand with Israel.

    Report Post »  
    • Colhauser
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:26am

      I dont care if there is food, grain or clothes, just sink it! end of story!

      Report Post » Colhauser  
  • MidWestMom
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:08am

    is Rose-Ellen taking the cruise?

    two words: Sink Them

    Report Post »  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 2:19am

      @ MIDWESTMOM

      Probably. She (or it) is a major Jew hater. She’s going to pay dearly for that some day.

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
  • Colhauser
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:06am

    I hope that the IDF fires 2 harpoon missiles and just sink the damn ship!

    Report Post » Colhauser  
  • mankind7375
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:02am

    “Last year, nine activists died in a botched Israeli commando operation on the Turkish ship during a similar flotilla, with each side accusing the other of starting the violence.”

    The only thing botched was the B.S. that the so called activist/militants trying to force their way in and getting confronted on purpose and not counting on the Israeli forces being better then they are and kicking the a$$e$. Isreal has my support in their fight against those that wish to do it harm.

    Report Post »  
    • MilitaryDad
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 4:03pm

      Agreed! the boarding was not botched… they were attacked and responded in kind… there is no need for a ‘fair’ fight… if someone comes at you with a machete, you put 3 rounds in center body mass…

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:00am

    .
    Can you say Torpedo’s……..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:57am

    This has the potential for a massive explosion to turn back upon Israel if she does anything or even does nothing. No matter what hapens, she is in a lose – lose situation.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • MidWestMom
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:18am

      Doesn’t matter what happens….the world WILL condemn Israel.
      The clock is ticking……The nations will mass against Israel – literally. And the US will seal her fate by do nothing to stop them.

      Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:56am

      @MidWestMom
      Or worse…….before this is over, we (the government) may be a participant on the wrong side.

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • USAMama
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:37pm

      Midwestmom and Vonnoye

      Yes, the world will turn on Israel, it is written in Ezekiel 38. All we can do is continue to pray for our country that we can get back on the side of God and His people Israel, because if we don‘t it’s not going to be pretty for us.

      “Surely in that day there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel, so that the fish of the sea, the birds of the heavens, the beasts of the field, all creep[ing things that creep on the earth, and all men who are on the face of the earth shall shake at My presence. The mountains shall be thrown down, the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.’

      “Every mans sword will be against his brother. And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire and brimstone. Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.”

      Report Post » USAMama  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:22pm

      They’re so excited about the blockade & humanity but not one person is saying anything about the Syrian regime killing the children on daily basis .
      I guess these activist never heard of Syria .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on June 17, 2011 at 8:56am

    I hope the Israeli blockade holds, and sinks some of the flotilla vessels.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
    • Want our country back
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:01am

      I SUPPORT ISRAEL

      Take them all down…. their intentions are nefarious….. eliminate the problem

      Report Post » Want our country back  
    • 2010GOP
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:10am

      It will hold

      Report Post »  
    • 1minuteman
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:10am

      i agree except i want them all sunk. this is all crap. the palestinians are the biggest welfare state in the world. they are not starving they have modern malls resturants etc. as good as you find in our country. look how big all the countries around israel are yet they dont seem to want to give the palestinians any of their land. this is just an excuse to wipe out the jews and our great obama is behind this all the way. he has hated israel since before he got into politics. do the research. its out there if your not too lazy to look people.

      Report Post » 1minuteman  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:13am

      Agreed.

      One note of interest; the day the flotilla goes ahead is shown to be June 25, and guess what else is set to go off on that day?

      The New Black Panther Party is having their massive rally in some 110 cities here in America and around the world…

      http://www.dayofactionmovement.org/

      And so the chaos begins to be ratchetted up another notch on the world stage.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • escape_from_socialism
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:16am

      Time for action like in 1967 when one US ship, USS Liberty was attack, by somebody. 37 Americans dead and 174 wounded.

      Report Post »  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:26am

      I stand with Israel. I really hope no one gets killed. But if they go against Israel I stand with Israel and this is provacation so it handled as such. So they have to protect themselves. I think this is a stupid idea and they are putting their lives in jeopardy. I will bet that Ayers and Dorhn will not be on the flotilla they are sponsoring. They are just putting the useful idiots in harms way.

      Report Post »  
    • moebetta
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:27am

      i hope the flotilla is sunk as well; particularly the american ship… and, i too, hope bill ayers & bernadine dohrn are on board; along w/ jodie evans, medea benjamin, and as many commie pinko code pinkers as they can cram in!!!

      Report Post »  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:28am

      torpedoes and blame it on N.Korea

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • butler180
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:39am

      Praying for Israel.

      Report Post » butler180  
    • Capt_Morgan
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:40am

      I wonder if Iran’s ships in the area will support the flotilla?

      Report Post »  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 9:51am

      Sinktilla.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • cessna152
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:17am

      It is crystal clear why God told Saul, David and others to take down the Amalekites, Philistines and their enemies. These people will kill women, children, men and babies and celebrate it! They have one goal in mind: EXTERMINATE Jews, Christians and all Non Muslims… EXTERMINATE!

      Report Post » cessna152  
    • hersey10
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:43am

      How are Greece’s austerity measures effecting a private envoy ? Is this being funded with tax dollars ?

      Report Post » hersey10  
    • Tankertony
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 10:54am

      They need to treat this nazi flotilla like, well, a nazi flotilla.
      It’ll be fun watching their propellers fall off halfway through the trip, or something.

      Report Post » Tankertony  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:11am

      Shouldn’t that be the ANTI-SEMETIC FLOTILLA total democraticly sponsered.
      To the jewish community All I can say is keep supporting the former(kkk,jim crow,anti smite) democrats,I mean liberal,oh wait I mean progressives party.
      One day you’ll find yourself as Irael finds itself surrounded by hate.
      You think the fact the party has to keep changing it’s name and redifining itself would tell you something.

      Report Post »  
    • Sound The Trumpet In Zion
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:29am

      If they invade Israel’s waters, they need to consider it an act of war and SINK the tubs. They can be nice and give them a few minutes to abandon ship and then go for it.

      Report Post » Sound The Trumpet In Zion  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 11:42am

      This summer could be racism’s last stand on many fronts. True racism is desperately trying to incite violence. They are desperate to succeed, but they will be revealed for who they really are.

      When will Mr. Ed do a show on the New Black Panther Party and their use of “peaceful rhetoric?

      Allen West, please run for President.

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • marybethelizabeth
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 12:36pm

      Let me tell you something
      I hope Israel takes the high road and escorts the boats to their destination.When you meet confrontation with peace, you win.

      Report Post » marybethelizabeth  
    • digger1954
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:02pm

      I don’t agree with sinking any vessels but I do believe in holding firm on the blockade. Sinking another country’s vessels could be considered an act of war. Remember when North Korea sank the south Korean vessel? That could have let the genie out of the bottle and then we would have been in War number 6 or is it 7 or 8 by now?
      We are being spread too thin on purpose to speed up our demise. Sooner or later if things don’t change soon the rest of the world will celebrate the end of the Western World way of life.

      Report Post » digger1954  
    • bullcrapbuster
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:12pm

      Sink em all.

      Report Post » bullcrapbuster  
    • USAMama
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:15pm

      Excuse me???? If somebody comes busting into my house uninvited, breaking through my locked door and I shoot them, thats THEIR problem! I am not apologizing and paying “compensation”!!!!

      And if they’re foolish enough to come back a second time, well I‘ll make sure I shoot shoot ’em dead for sure!!! Again with no apologies!!

      Report Post » USAMama  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 1:53pm

      @republicorp Funny, and lets hope so.

      Report Post » Exrepublisheep  
    • AZfreeman
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 2:05pm

      marybethelizabeth
      “…When you meet confrontation with peace, you win…”
      What a limp wrist, hippy statement!! Sure (if possible), but …when you meet aggressors with appeasement you lose.
      —————————————
      digger1954
      “..I don’t agree with sinking any vessels but I do believe in holding firm on the blockade…”
      Duh!!?? Therein lies the problem,..wouldn’t you say?
      “What happens when an unstoppable force hits an immovable object?”

      I support any action Israel takes to preserve their freedom…as should we all! ..rf

      Report Post » AZfreeman  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 3:43pm

      Let’s all pray that they are able to break through the blocade, feed all of the little children and mothers in Palestine and maybe even postpone the Jewish butchering of the Palestinian people.

      I stand against Evil and with Good. Anyway, how’s that European sex-slave trade doing in Israel today? If I knew they wouldn’t charge me an arm and a leg in typical Jewish fashion, I’d probably be looking into the purchasing of one of those European sex slaves.. Do they keep house too? Wonder why they don’t advertise any Jews for sell? Oh because we goyim are mere animals.. ok..

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 3:59pm

      Sink em. Warnem, then if they do not turn around or surrender, sink em… Running a blockade is an act of war and they know it. Go Israel.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 4:11pm

      marybethelizabeth
      Let me tell you something I hope Israel takes the high road and escorts the boats to their destination.When you meet confrontation with peace, you win.

      Should they help unload the weapons too, just to show they care? This is not peace, it is an act of WAR. It is organized by people who hate Israel and preach her destruction. Peace is achieved through superior firepower not daisys.

      techengineer11
      Wow, you really outdid yourself this time. Hows that goose step coming??? I bet you have a swastika flag somewhere in your house dont you. Maybe, as bravely as you hate the Jews on the Blaze, you actually fly it in front of your house. No guts, no glory.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • fightback
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 4:34pm

      hopefully obama and friends will be vacationing on one of the boats

      Report Post »  
    • palerider54
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 6:07pm

      Your wrong, they should sink ALL of them.

      Report Post »  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on June 17, 2011 at 6:15pm

      Armed Patriot: Out of simple curiosity, do you really think that the Nationalists in Germany could have screwed this world up any worse than what the Allies have managed to do? It’s really hard for me to envision a more messed up world than the one we inherit today especially considering the plans which you know they have for us…

      On the contrary consider what they were able to accomplish in less than a decade. By the way, regrettably and unfortunately, no culture has ever and will ever prosper under a Jewish Apartheid. At least the Nationalists had enough sense to implement the Nuremberg laws; hence, the real reason for WW2. We are now simply beginning to experience all of the thrills & joys which the Germans were so privileged to have experienced back in the early 20th century.. Wooo hooo!!!! How’s the Patriotic Spirit doing in your Nation today armed patriot? What do you think happened to that Patriotism?

      I submit to you that it has been snuffed out by the very same domestic enemy which snuffed it out of 20th century Germany. Nothing new under the Sun says the Proverb.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 2:06am

      TECHENGENEER11 good luck with that Nazi worship, Israel is of course the freest country in the Middle East, even the arabs in Israel are much freer than those in Gaza. And women have rights in Israel too, unlike most of the surrounding countries. Of course there will never be peace, not because of Israel, but because of the Palestinians, and other arab Islamists.

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on June 18, 2011 at 2:10am

      @ ESCAPE_FROM_SOCIALISM

      Hate Jews, do we? The USS Liberty incident in 1967 was an accidental misunderstanding. Being a terrorist lover such as yourself is not.

      The “flotilla” is liberal crap. It’s an attack on Israel, an attempt to get weapons in. I bet 9 more pro-Hamas “Peace Activists” get killed. The flotilla is an act of war.

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
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