Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

A Swedish ship that is part of the humanitarian aid flotilla to Gaza lies crippled in Greece by saboteurs acting in the interests of the Israeli Government. An Irish ship, MV Saoirse, funded by thousands of contributions from people in Ireland, is currently delayed in a Mediterranean port waiting to join the flotilla.

In an area half the size of Erris, or two thirds the size of the Dingle Peninsula, 1.6 million Palestinians have been blockaded - in reality, imprisoned - in the most horrific, inhumane and barbaric conditions that cry out for justice and for action. Half the population are unemployed and 300,000 survive on one dollar a day. Children are malnourished and there is a desperate shortage of medicines and building materials, all because of a barbaric, illegal blockade by the Israeli State.

The flotilla brings practical assistance, medicines and other supplies. It also represents a demand that the world stand up and seek an end to this crime.

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