Jordanians on roster of Freedom Flotilla III to Gaza

AMMAN — Plans are under way for a new attempt to break the blockade on Gaza.

Around 55 pro-Palestinian activists, including Jordanians, have taken it upon themselves to “sail for freedom” in a bid to break the “illegal” blockade on the besieged enclave through “peaceful nonviolent action”, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which is organising the mission.

The passenger list for the first part of the trip includes European Parliament members, authors, politicians and activists from different countries.

The Freedom Flotilla III set sail from Messina en route to Gaza last Friday.

MP Yihya Saud, head of the Lower House Palestine Committee, will also be joining the three-boat flotilla.

“I knew about the mission two weeks ago and was very enthusiastic to take part,” Saud told The Jordan Times on Saturday, noting that Freedom Flotilla III will include three Arab MPs and former Tunisian president Moncef Marzouki.

“This will be a chance to reiterate Jordanians’ stance in support of breaking the blockade. We support the Gazan people,” he said.

Freedom Flotilla III marks the third attempt to reach the coastal enclave.

In May 2010, the mission ended in bloodshed when Israeli occupying troops stormed the lead vessels, killing nine people, including seven from Turkey, and sparking a diplomatic crisis with Ankara.