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Wed, June 01, 2011 | The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center

The SARA logo (sarelief.net website)

Preparations Continue for South African Convoy and Freedom Flotilla 2 to the Gaza Strip

The Upgraded Flotilla (Freedom Flotilla 2)

Preparations continue for Freedom Flotilla 2, due to set sail during the third week of June. Vangelis Pissias, a Greek activist and one of the senior flotilla organizers, said that despite Egypt’s decision to open the Rafah crossing, the flotilla would set sail as planned. He claimed the “siege still continued” as long as Israel controlled the Gaza Strip’s air and naval space and limited the merchandise which could be brought into or out of the Gaza Strip (Agence France-Presse, May 30, 2011). Spokesmen for the other organizations participating in the flotilla, particularly spokesmen for the Turkish Islamist IHH, reiterated their determination to launch the flotilla.

In the meantime, Lloyd’s said it would refuse to insure a ship if the owners were attempting to help Hamas, and should local law be broken by a ship they had insured, the insurance would be invalid.^[1]

The African Convoy to the Gaza Strip

Preparations continue for the South African aid convoy to the Gaza Strip, and its organizers are enlisting volunteers and equipment. The convoy, which will depart from Cape Town, is the result of an initiative taken by two Muslim organizations operating in South Africa: the Al Quds Foundation and the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC). They were joined by other Muslim organizations, broadcasting stations, charitable societies, universities, colleges and Muslim schools in South Africa. Like the Freedom Flotilla 2, the convoy is supposed to depart during the third week of June, and it will pass through several African countries. Its humanitarian assistance will be sent by sea to an Egyptian port, possibly El Arish, where it will join the convoy.^[2]

Another South African convoy is apparently being organized by the South African Relief Agency (SARA)^[3] in collaboration with other groups, and will depart from Durban. The convoy is will travel by air and overland and was supposed to leave on May 15 (Nakba Day). Apparently difficulties arose with the Egyptian authorities regarding its entrance into the Gaza Strip, and its departure was delayed. According to its registration forms, participants must be at least 18 years old and preference will be given to truck drivers, construction specialists, media correspondents, social workers and business and financial experts.

Notes:

[1] http://www.thejc.com/news/israel-news/49159/insuring-a-gaza-flotilla-hamas-victims-could-sue

[2] For further information, see the May 3, 2011 article, South African anti-Israeli Islamic Organizations Organize Gaza-Bound Aid Convoy.

[3] SARA is an NGO established in Durban, South Africa, in 2006. It deals with humanitarian activities locally and abroad. It openly collaborates with local governments and international humanitarian organizations.