Today, the group sponsoring the Mavi Marmara – the IHH – has confirmed that the vessel will not join this year's effort to breach the arms blockade of Gaza.
Reports at this point are mixed, with some indicating that the decision was taken for "technical reasons". Another report states that Turkish port authorities did not grant the ship the necessary approvals for departure.
Other groups participating in the flotilla have declared that they will proceed according to plan, regardless of the IHH's absence. The Jerusalem Post has reported that a "
This confirms the position taken by the Canadian Boat to Gaza, as revealed by Canadian media:
"While [Minister of Foreign Affairs] Baird is telling activists to find "legitimate and constructive" ways to help, such as by donating through the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, [flotilla participant David] Heap said the mission is actually less about aid and more about politics." (Edmonton Journal, May 30, 2011)
The real objective of the Gaza flotilla has become increasingly clear.
It is an attempt to clash with the navy of a democratic country enforcing a legal arms blockade, for admittedly political – not humanitarian – reasons.
It is nothing less than a dangerous political stunt.
