"We want to sail as soon as possible, delaying again can endanger the team"
Istanbul, Monday, 22 April.
Fourth day in Istanbul, waiting for the Freedom Flotilla to come out. The expected departure of yesterday, by 21, has had to be delayed due to problems with the smell of Israel. Instead of launching the boats, we are demonstrating in Istanbul to pressure the Turkish Government to change its position around Marmarmara II. The demonstration was a success and was on the stage, among others, a former American fighter and Ada Colau, former mayor of Barcelona.
We took part in the demonstration by the people who are going to the Flotilla, or rather, and many Turks joined the protest. The Basques of the group are surprised by the presence of Ala and the religious messages in the speeches in favour of Gaza, but here they are very present.
Passive resistance to the Israeli Army
Before, on Saturday, we did a workshop to work on passive resistance. It was interesting because it was mainly based on previous experiences on trips similar to ours. It should not be forgotten that in 2010, when another Freedom Navy was heading for Gaza, the Israeli Army boarded the ships and killed ten activists in attack.
That is why it was important to work on how we should act in a case like this. Taking care of gestures, verbal and non-verbal communication are fundamental to “not disturb” the Israeli Army if they embark on our boats. We know they don't need a lot of excuses.
It was not only theoretical, we also did “practices”, trying to reflect what the situation would be like if the army approached. Of course, we did exercises among friends, but the previous fleets were based on what they lived. One of the options is that when we approach Gaza we have to fall into the hands of the Israeli Army and land in one of its ports. We also prepare for this case, to predict to the maximum how to act before a questionnaire.
The threat of Israel and the pressure of its allies
On Monday morning we learned that a ship hit Marmara II and that it has broken. It is not very clear, there is a breakdown, but we suspect that the Turkish Government is under pressure to prevent the departure of the fleet. Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and Israel are putting pressure on Turkey.
In addition, the Israeli television channel 12 has broadcast, citing the sources of the Israeli Army, that the unit called Shayetet 13 is currently being specifically trained to deal with the Freedom Navy. This same unit killed 400 people in the massacre at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, journalist Hibai Arbide said on social media.
We want to leave as soon as possible. The intention was to leave this week [hours after sending this chronicle the organization announced tomorrow, 24 April, its intention to leave, but they have also denounced the existence of strong pressures], but there is also the possibility of delaying further, which may jeopardise the group itself. It can damage the collective courage until the exit is avoided. We will continue to report, from Istanbul at the moment, and within a few days we can continue to head to Gaza to break the blockade.
Pili Revilla, Agus Gorbea and Mikel Zuloaga 'Mikelon'
Istanbul. 27 April, Saturday.
Ninth day in Istanbul. The Freedom Flotilla is hit another hard blow. The flag and documentation of Guinea-Bissau have been taken from the Akdeniz, so it has no permit to embark. For the time being, the initiative has been suspended and all... [+]
Istanbul. Thursday, 25 April.
Seventh day in Istanbul. The problems have been going on these days, and we have to say that the Freedom Flotilla will not be able to depart on Friday. We'll leave, but not now. We are under enormous pressure. The US, Germany, the UK and, of course,... [+]
Istanbul, Saturday, 20 April.
Yesterday, day 19, was quiet and we had meetings with people from different parts of the State and international delegations. The organization has explained that they have received 12,000 requests to participate in the fleet, but it will involve... [+]
Although the occupation of the whole of Palestine and the blockade of Gaza have been growing for decades, it was difficult to imagine a few months ago the size of the attacks on the Palestinian population to become genocide.
Since October, day by day, month by month, we have... [+]