UPDATE 11:30AM: The IDF is reporting that it has boarded the two ships that compose the Freedom Waves flotila–the Saoirse and the Tahrir— and are now towing to Ashdod. Once there, the peace activists on board will be handed over to the Israel police. The boats were seized in international waters. One American, Kit Kittredge, is on board the Tahrir.
Now is the time to act. If you can, please call the State Department and the White House. If you can’t call, please email President Obama and your representatives and tell them to press the Israelis to ensure the safety of those aboard the two ships!
November 4, 2011, 8:17AM: We have received word from the two ships en route to Gaza, the Saoirse and the Tahrir, that Israeli warships are approaching both ships. The Tahrir has received radio contact from the Israeli authorities, asking about their final destination. They replied, ‘the conscience of humanity’. When asked again, they said ‘The betterment of mankind’. Boarding and commandeering are imminent. On board the Tahrir is one American, Kit Kittredge.
The boats are presently 48 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza. The first flotilla to break the siege was intercepted about 35 nautical miles off shore.
Now is the time to act. Call the State Department and the White House and tell them to press the Israelis to ensure the safety of those aboard the two ships!
Call the State Department:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 202-647-5291
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro 011-972-3-519-7575
Office of Israel/Palestinian Affairs Paul Sutphin 202-647-3672
Office of Consular Affairs, Kim Richter 202-647-8308
and the White House: 202-456-1111
This situation is developing. For updates, stay tuned to our Twitter, Facebook, ustogaza.org, tahrir.ca, and irishshiptogaza.org.