World

Protest Ship on Course to Soon Break Israel’s Blockade of the Gaza Strip

Protest Ship on Course to Soon Break Israel’s Blockade of the Gaza StripA protest ship trying to break Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip that set sail early last week should reach the Hamas-run territory soon, a pro-Palestinian activist said Sunday.

Nahla Chahal said the ship, the Dignity al-Karama, was expected reach Gaza by Monday unless the Israeli navy stops it. The ship was part of a larger protest flotilla that had hoped to break the blockade several weeks ago but was thwarted by Greece.

Speaking from France, Chahal said the Dignity left a Greek port late Saturday. It is carrying 16 passengers, including activists from France, Sweden and Canada as well as an Israeli newspaper correspondent and reporters from the Al-Jazeera satellite channel. She said the mission was solely to draw attention to the situation in Gaza.

“We are making a political statement, we are not carrying any aid,” Chahal said.

The Israeli military declined comment, but has said it will stop any attempt to break the sea blockade of Gaza.

Israel says the blockade, imposed after Hamas militants seized control of the territory in 2007, is crucial to prevent weapons smuggling. Critics say the closure, which limits the flow of goods and people in and out of Gaza, amounts to collective punishment of the territory’s 1.6 million residents.

An Israeli raid on an international flotilla last year ended in the deaths of nine Turkish activists in clashes with naval commandos. Each side has said it acted in self-defense.

Also Sunday, Israeli military officials said militants have stepped up weapons smuggling into Gaza since the ouster of longtime Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in February.

The officials said armed groups in Gaza now possess some 10,000 rockets as well as anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons. Some of the rockets can strike deep into Israel.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing a sensitive military assessment.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Comments (156)

1 2 3 4
  • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:47pm

    Load torpedoes, tubes one through four. Flood tubes and prepare to fire.

    Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
    • concealled9mms
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:51pm

      sounds about right to me

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:11pm

      I agree … wish I had a sub .. and torpedos ..

      Report Post »  
    • TulsaYeeHaw
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:16pm

      Excuse you, what is wrong with missiles?

      Report Post »  
    • True2The_Word
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:28pm

      I hope they get a chance to visit with Osama Binladin

      Report Post » True2The_Word  
    • Conservative_Fed
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:30pm

      I’m a fan of overkill.. and it’s been a while since we used a good old-fashioned nuke.

      Report Post » Conservative_Fed  
    • its_time_to_arrest_our_government
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:30pm

      Israel is well within its rights to stop that boat with any and all means necessary they need to sink that ship and let the world know they will not be bullied into any more concessions. they should just level Gaza and turn it into a parking lot. they have been terrorized more than enough by rockets fired from Gaza. if its okay for the nuts in Gaza to fire rockets into Israel its just as okay for the Israelis to fire rockets back. Level the place and be done with it. We bombed Germany and leveled whole city’s because they supported the German army. This in no different.

      Report Post »  
    • Rob
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:37pm

      SINK IT! please

      Report Post »  
    • Professional Infidel
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:02pm

      Guess they don’t want to learn the easy way. “BATTLE STATIONS” LOCK AND LOAD? Aim at the water line.. Straff the deck. “Stop the Attrack of our Country” Commence Fireing.

      Report Post »  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:26pm

      Stop the ship. Arrest everyone on board. Then give the owners of the boat, or whoever, the bill for every penny it cost Israel to stop them. Don’t release the ship or the people until they pay the bill. Fine them on top of that. As long as it costs them nothing to pull these stunts, they will continue to try to pull them.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
    • An AmericanMom
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:50pm

      Sharks with lazers anyone???? If it was good enough for Dr Evil it’s good enough for me!

      Report Post » An AmericanMom  
    • Jabber
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:10pm

      I like how this story is located just ABOVE the one on watching sharks. Might not need to move them down at all tomorrow….

      Report Post »  
    • SheriS
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:12pm

      More of Bill Ayers and his vilanous wife’s work do doubt! Take them out Israeli forces and stop this stuidity from our idiots! You have every right to protect yourselves from this dispicable invasion into your territory and your safety! I STAND WITH ISARAEL!

      Report Post »  
    • southernORcobra
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:41pm

      damn the torpedoes full speed ahead!!

      Report Post »  
    • JohnGalt
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:46pm

      Hey come on, let’s show some respect for human life… Ah what the heck, they were warned, sink um.

      Report Post » JohnGalt  
    • scgator2001
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 11:19am

      It would only take ONE, save the others for Iran, Egypt and Libya. They will come next.

      Report Post »  
  • LarryofArabia
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:46pm

    USA gave it a great go of it at the Womens World Cup; they came up short. Thanks Barry. You jinxed us. Once I heard that you were actually watching, I knew we were done for. By the way, you resemble Jimmy Carter more than you know.

    Report Post »  
  • Slayer
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:44pm

    Ready!
    Aim!
    Fire!

    Protest ship at bottom of sea. Problem solved.

    Report Post » Slayer  
    • dealer@678
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:40pm

      Its gonna be fun to watch how God deals with the Godless. Cant wait. Get your popcorn ready

      Report Post »  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 7:20am

      I like the kettle corn myself. Good idea, wish we could watch real-time.

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • Zorro6821
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 7:38am

      I call it the “The Ship of Fools”. How about protesting Syrians and Iran for mass slaughter. But yet they protest the only Democracy in the middle east. These are twisted times we live in.

      Report Post »  
  • Mahakala
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:43pm

    I hope this ship mysteriously develops a leak and does down to the bottom of the sea.

    Report Post » Mahakala  
  • jefferson1743
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:39pm

    This will be another setup by these left wing kooks

    Report Post » jefferson1743  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:45pm

      Theyneed to call this the audacity of dopes

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • Wayner
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:47pm

      Gaza is a pretty affluent place. Why don’t they go to Syria and help those people?

      Report Post »  
    • LarryofArabia
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:49pm

      Sink ‘em. Too easy… kinda like Midway. Dont start none – wont be none!

      Israel has every right to defend every square inch of her territory. I will always stand with Israel.

      Report Post »  
    • regnaramoungus
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:00pm

      Oh so true…

      Report Post »  
    • HKS
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:42pm

      Since the libs are going to whine anyway, get your money’s worth.

      Report Post » HKS  
  • Liberal Media Dropped Ball On Nine-Eleven
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:36pm

    Sink the ship of fools!

    Report Post » Liberal Media Dropped Ball On Nine-Eleven  
    • Phoenixsoulfire
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:43pm

      No kidding sink the idiots. now that will be a political statement. I mean it even says it was taken over by Hamas in 2007 so that tells me they are the invaders of the land that was given to the Chosen children of God.

      Report Post »  
    • kindling
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:15pm

      I would not be surprised if they blow themselves up to look like they were fired upon and blame it on Israel. That is something the left does and I must say it works.

      Report Post » kindling  
  • marcryan71
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:33pm

    It’s sad when the misguided take up the cause on the wrong side. God declares the Israelites home to the land now in dispute. The End Times are upon us. We all need to repent, turn to God and obey His voice. This excursion will not have a happy ending for all. May God open the eyes of the blind.

    Report Post » marcryan71  
  • cheezwhiz
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:32pm

    Slightly O/T
    Has anyone here read Glenn’s travel blog to the most evil place on earth ?

    Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • Phoenixsoulfire
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:19pm

      The White house with Obama in it? No I haven’t but I am sure it is epic like most things he writes

      Report Post »  
    • prov1
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:23pm

      I did.the pic of the fingernailed wall gave me nightmares

      Report Post »  
    • EgoBrain
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:28pm

      It’s fascinating.

      Report Post » EgoBrain  
    • regnaramoungus
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 7:59pm

      Yes I have and it is VERY PAINFUL to read and see the pictures.However it really makes me even prouder to live in the United States and try to enjoy the LITTLE freedom we have.
      I really miss watching Glenn on the tele.I am looking forward to watching him on GBTV….

      Report Post »  
  • neverending
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:29pm

    And since we have a worthless sorry sob sitting in the whitehouse – there won’t be a finger lifted to help our greatest ally Israel. They need our prayers that God will give them the strength and wisdom to pull through these very dark and dismal days.

    Report Post »  
  • junior1971
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:27pm

    The intention these people have is to be attacked or sunk.! The world will (in their minds) call for action from the international community, such as sanctions, boycotts, etc. Then the U.N will begin a press campaign and call for intervention from world leaders. Then barry will have the justification to further distance the U.S. from Israel and continue to push the world in the direction of anger and hatred, just as he desires and, of course, was planned these dispicable people who would like to have complete control of the region currently occupied by the Jews. If a peaceful solution is not the outcome…… then so it begins. Welcome to the new world order folks.

    Report Post » junior1971  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:31pm

      I’m NOT joining!!!! The New World Order ship will leave without me. My life doesn’t belong to any slave owner.I’m FREE!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • GRAMPA-D-NH
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:27pm

    “We are making a political statement,….”

    Fine, but don’t forget that “War is nothing more than the continuation of politics by other means.” (K.von Clausewitz)

    I hope and pray the Israeli navy makes a very clear and convincing “political statement” of their own.

    Report Post » GRAMPA-D-NH  
  • ofallon
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:20pm

    Israel has every right to defend herself. This boat is in serious trouble and will soon be in violation. This is not a game. Don’t mess with Israel.

    Report Post »  
    • thebarbarian
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:30pm

      True and we stand with her ! ;)
      the obligitory small caps.

      Report Post »  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:34pm

      ^____^____^
      Yes but that is the goal of those occupying the boat to engage Israel and make them out to be the bad guys. That measure is obviously in play from the past and these new engagements will capitalize off of the demonization the radicals were able to establish.

      I just dont understand why so many fall for the lies?! Any nation has a right to defend themselves except Israel? Someone pls explain this mental disorder of the left.

      Someone needs to develop some device that can be fired from a ship at another that allows them to then take the assailing vessel into tow! That way no fear of clashes or acts of violence… better yet why not build an armored tug boat with twice as much power that can go right at these vessels and move them out. Gotta think out of the box otherwise we are going to see more of what we saw last year. Either way we all know how this will end if people and freedom loving nations do not stand with Israel.
      http://savingtherepublic.com

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
  • texrubarts
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:20pm

    For the “nut” that posted what happens to the “starving people” of Gaza – give me a break – the Blaze has posted pictures of life in Gaza and there were no poor starving people – in fact there were a lot of Mercedes – maybe that made them poor – they can sell the car and live just fine. I am not falling for this picture you are trying to paint of these people. Israel has been good to these people. Make a trip to Gaza and then post.

    Report Post » texrubarts  
    • Tracking
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:37pm

      I agree. They are thriving & quite wealthy. Happy too. I have been there recently. There are no starving, poor mistreated people. They love their lives, are prosperous.

      Ther are legal ways to enter & ships have to be checked by authorities. No guns, missles or any of that onboard. These people wish to start a war. Plain and simple. It their intentions were honorable, why breach blockades? Why avoid inspections? There is a reason they do this & it isn’t good.
      I am sick to my stomach that one of these ships is named after Obamas’ Book, “The Audacity of Hope”. Bill Ayres & his wife, Obamas’ valued advisor Stephanie Powers,Code Pink, many other radical groups are heavily involved as well. Funding? Mostly George Soros. That is a fact. Obama read the book that Powers wrote titled, “ The Responsibily To Protect” (Susteins wife is Stephaine Powers) and called her & offered her a job the next day. What does that tell you? Now they want “Responsibility to Protect Act” as a Law & are already invoking & enforcing it at every level. Think Lybia & how that came about. Obama said “everyone, every Country” had a responsibility to protect & made sure the Arab League of Nations was heavily involved & approved of this. Why do some people and some countries ( Palestine) think that Israel needs such protection while trying to start a war with them and blow them all to smitherines? Motive. Think like a war loving, hate mongering radical, Islamic, socialist or communist & there i

      Report Post »  
  • SlimnRanger
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:20pm

    Gods word tell us that he will bless those that bless Israel and curse those that curse Israel. For those folks that wish to curse Israel,then it sucks to be you,whats left of you after your blown to so many pieces that the fish will have a huge feast

    Report Post »  
    • regnaramoungus
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:08pm

      Slim you are so right……Just look at what is happening to our country now that WE have STOOD BY and let the people or should I say, care for nothings , take GOD out of EVERYTHING they can…

      Report Post »  
    • balrog25
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:17pm

      We honor God by standing with God’s choosen people, and embrace our Lord who shares God’s grace with all who believe. May his will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

      Report Post » balrog25  
    • rose-ellen
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:35pm

      After jesus’death israel becomes all mankind -initially.salvation history starts with the Jews[the ones he first chose to reveal Himself to] but through Jeus expands to the human race.i support the palestinians and the flotilla;the occupation is illigal ,cruel and unjust.Hamas would accept a legal67border israel,the fact that arabs initialy struggled against the israeli state[because it harmed them] does not mean they are committed to always opposing israel.Hamas has said a return to legal67 borders would resolve the disputee.Illigal occupation warrents [ethically] resistence.To occupy illigally is to tyranize.Israel is tyranical and the flotilla is demonized in america because the zionists control the narrative here in this country.Not the rest of the world hence the world justly supports occupied palestinians and a 67border solution.All else is genocidal anti-arab zionist propaganda.Kudos brave flotilla activists!

      Report Post »  
    • fatjack
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 12:11am

      rose-ellen
      =======================

      Go and blow your nose, it’s dripping.

      Report Post » fatjack  
    • calijohn
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:59am

      if israel represents the “chosen” are all of you on this site jews?

      Report Post »  
  • tobywil2
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:15pm

    ROCKET ATTACKS ON ISRAEL
    Rockets are again being fired into Israeli cities, killing and maiming innocent citizens. These attacks have continued for years with brief unofficial armistice occurring whenever it was to the advantage of the aggressor. Israel’s retaliation for these attacks are demonized by the press as evil attacks against innocent civilians but there is no outrage about the rockets being fired randomly into the Israeli cites, maiming and killing innocent citizens. Despite years of “Peace Talks” and concessions by the Israelis, the rocket attacks continue whenever it is to the advantage of the aggressor. Any retaliation by Israel is always demonized by the press.

    The most important fact about this Mid-East conflict is that the initiation of the violence is always against Israel. If the aggressors ceased the attacks there would be no retaliation and there would finally be Peace in the Mid-East. What a tragedy for the tyrants!

    The reason for the rocket attacks?
    1. The tyrant requires an enemy to retain power
    2. Israel has produced considerable wealth and that wealth is available for the Tyrants to plunder.
    3. Compare the tyrants to the Somalia Pirates; the only different is the scale of the attacks and the positive press the tyrants enjoy.
    http://commonsense21c.com/

    Report Post » tobywil2  
    • thebarbarian
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:27pm

      Toby , great points. Only dissagree with one. The wealth is for the people who created/earned it and not for those who seek to usurp it. Where I liove there are too many demoncrats and mooselims . I simply ask them what would they do when someone intrudes into thier home and theatens thier families. The answer is always the same and it is not in favor of the criminal. Then i ask them what is the difference in thier actions to Israel and finish off with this statement… Don’t go crying when you get your a$$e$ handed to you for being thuggish criminals: and if is my home pray for the police to interviene for I HAVE NO MERCY LEFT IN MY HEART, ESPECIALLY FOR EVIL!

      Report Post »  
  • Furious American
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:14pm

    The best solution, in my opinion, would be to let them enter and then refuse to let them leave.

    Report Post »  
    • TheGreyPiper
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:24pm

      Haha, that‘ll learn ’em!

      Really, best thing Israel could do? Stop the ship, board it, inspect it, and if it aint carrying bullets, let it go on through. That would shut them up a for a bit, I think. Chop the ground right out from under their feet.

      Report Post » TheGreyPiper  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:37pm

      Israel should capture these Jew-hating bigots and hold them hostage till Gilad Shalit is released by Carter…errr…er.I mean islamic terrorists

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • watchmany2k
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 7:01pm

      Israel should capture them, put them on trial, then impale them on pikes and left to rot under the sun in the border DMZ with Syria.

      No matter what they do, the world opinion will act as if they had anyway.

      A trained Dolphin with an explosive pak to place on the keel would be “covert”
      Plausible deniability, what ? our ships were in port ? …..

      Report Post » watchmany2k  
  • Gypsy123
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:09pm

    I stand with Israel she must defend herself.

    Report Post » Gypsy123  
    • thebarbarian
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:20pm

      we all must stand with Israel . you are correct in your assertion that she must defend herself. I scincerly hope that everyone has been doing thier best due diligence and getting prepared for this. this may get out of control and ecsalate to the entire world. Pray if you can.

      Best wishes to the Children of the book. That is the Jews and Christians. Even many of us who are not will stand with you against evil.

      Report Post »  
  • Cold War Vet
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:06pm

    I hope the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) blows this ship into small scrap metal and its passengers into fishbait. And send a strong message to other wanna-be terrorist and terrorist supporters.

    Report Post » Cold War Vet  
    • neverending
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:26pm

      I hope so too – perfect fish bait!

      Report Post »  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 3:42pm

      Here’s to the IDF

      People sleep peacebly in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.—”George Orwell

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • Epic Fail
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:06pm

    Sink it!!!!

    Report Post » Epic Fail  
  • Zcat
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:03pm

    Blow their ass out of the water, and feed sharks!!!

    Report Post »  
  • mrsmileyface
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:56pm

    Where do I go to buy the bullets for the guns the Israelies use so that they have enough to sink the ship/s that these fools are on. I stand with Israel MR :)

    Report Post » mrsmileyface  
  • Rayblue
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:55pm

    Sinky time for Palestupians.

    Report Post » Rayblue  
  • kcinco
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:55pm

    I stand with Israel. From Biblical times, anyone who messed with the Israelites suffered severe consequences.

    Report Post » kcinco  
  • Nobamazone
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:54pm

    “We are making a political statement, we are not carrying any aid,” Chahal said
    At least this one is being a little more honest… not trying the need to get them aid exuse.
    I stand with Israel!

    Report Post » Nobamazone  
    • Trance
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:58pm

      If each missile fired into Israel were given as much attention as each ship being sailed to Gaza, nobody would stand with the terrorists.

      Report Post » Trance  
    • fatjack
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:15pm

      “It is carrying 16 passengers, including activists from France, Sweden and Canada as well as an Israeli newspaper correspondent and reporters from the Al-Jazeera satellite channel.”
      =====================================
      They use to be called trouble makers. Where are the Palestinians? Blow the hail out of them and see if I care.

      Report Post » fatjack  
  • hauschild
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:46pm

    I hope with all my heart and will that Israel sinks this puppy unmercifully.

    Report Post »  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:54pm

      You took the words right out of my mouth!

      Their only true goal is to get publicity and stir up trouble by provoking Israel, while attempting to build sympathy for the HAMAS and Hezbollah terrorists. And the stupid, morally bankrupt liberals who support them.

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 4:58pm

      “We are making a political statement, we are not carrying any aid,” Chahal said.
      ——————-
      What ? What will happen to the poor starving gazans if they don’t get food and medicines ?
      They have waited anxiously for decades for someone to bring them some aid, and now their hopes have been dashed. Again.
      Inshallah, Jumma Carter will organize something this time

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • nannyatnannydotgov
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 5:54pm

      “They have waited anxiously for decades for someone to bring them some aid”,

      while in the meantime, they spend their spare time lobbing rockets into Israel killing innocent men, women, children infidels in the name of wAllah. Does Israel indiscriminately lob rockets into Gaza? Do we hear cries for the terrorists to stop lobbing rockets into Israel? Do we hear of any cries of peace coming from Gaza? Israel would let them do anything they want if they knew the Palestinians weren’t trying to murder them.

      Jimmy (Jumma) Carter was the worst president in history and is the worst American alive today. If he does goes get involved, it will be to help heighten warnings to Israel to “let my people free”. He will do anything to further the destruction of America as we know it.

      Do you research or do you just get your crap from MSM?

      Report Post » nannyatnannydotgov  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 6:42pm

      @ nannyatnannydotgov
      Jumma is arabic for friday, the muslim holy day.
      Since my tongue is ( firmly planted) in my cheek ,
      that how I end up calling Mr Jumma ‘ hamas’ Carter’s fame

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
1 2 3 4

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love