Humanitarian Relief Boat Rachel Corrie Seized By “Israel”

Rachel Corrie was heading towards Gaza along with the flotilla cargo after it was forced to stay behind due to mechanical problems on the ship. However, it was determined to enter Gaza despite the news that the "Israelis" had earlier attacked the flotilla in international waters.

As stated on the official "Free Gaza" website, an Irish coordinator with the Free Gaza Movement, Derek Graham, said before the ship was captured, that they did not fear the "Israeli" threats despite the attacks that took place on the Turkish ship earlier this week.

To show that there were no weapons on the ship, the activist ensured that they were willing to go through a security check by the "Israeli" army in the waters before entering Gaza, however the "Israelis" refused their entering Gaza, and demanded the check be done in the Ashdod port.
That, of course, was refused in turn by the Rachel Corrie activists.

The Corrie ship carried 15 activists most of which were Irish and Malaysian, and it carried over 1000 tons of medical supplies as well as cement for construction.

Taking the Rachel Corrie activist on board hostage may cause trouble for "Israel's" relationship with Ireland, especially since the Irish government asked "Israel" to allow the ship to enter Gaza.

Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin stated that the activists on the Corrie ship have "made clear their peaceful intentions" and added that "there can be no justification for the use of force against any person on board the Rachel Corrie." Nonetheless, there still is no news about whether the passengers are safe.

The Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs also had its share in demanding the ship be allowed to enter Gaza for its humanitarian purpose, and stated that "Israel" keep all the activists safe with no violent military action.

The Gaza siege has become an alarming issue after the Israeli attack on the freedom flotilla and now the Rachel Corrie ship. Yet, this only led to more organizations preparing for other cargos to enter Gaza, to end the siege and the humanitarian crises in the Strip.