Gaza Flotilla: What happened & what are the wider political and humanitarian implications?
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
The Pat Kenny Show. With Timber Living Log Cabins. Saturday and Sunday from 10am. On Newstalk. Conversation that counts.
We're hearing all this week that another flotilla interception of a Gaza-bound flotilla occurred. And my first guest this morning was in fact part of the medical boat which supported the flotilla. It was made up of doctors and nurses bringing medical supplies to Gaza and also providing medical care for flotilla activists in the event of any misadventure occurring. Well, she joins me on the line. Maureen Alma, good morning.
Thank you. I'm happy to be here.
Can you tell us about your role in this latest flotilla?
What happened during the latest Gaza flotilla mission?
Yes, I was selected to go with the doctors to Gaza as a medic on the family boat. The family boat was at the back of the fleet to support the boats that were sailing in front of us. The boat carried roughly 20 doctors, nurses and other medics, medical aid. And the Al Jazeera crew from Turkey and also a Turkish captain and crew.
Now, what happened to your boat? Because in the event you were not abducted or interfered with by the Israelis?
What role did Maureen Almai play in the flotilla?
Correct. So during the very first, we heard over the radio that the first boat had been intercepted. And at that time, for some reason, something caught in the propeller of our boat, which it was not a sailboat, it was a big motorboat, and it rendered the boat unable to continue. The engine had ceased.
So you were actually marooned and had to be rescued by the Turkish Coast Guard in the end? Correct. Correct. Now, when you read or heard of the accounts of what happened to the other people on the flotilla who'd been intercepted by the Israelis, the abuse and so on, were you surprised based on your own previous experience?
I was surprised. At the extent of the violence, because even though it was a traumatic interception on the last flotilla, there were no rubber bullets used. And it does not seem as though it was as violent as what was portrayed this time.
And why do you think that is, that this interception was more violent than previous ones?
Because Israel acts with complete impunity. Nobody holds Israel accountable for the atrocities they are perpetrating against. This was under the eye of the world. So you can imagine how much worse it is for Palestinians now.
Now, the question of why flotillas keep trying to get through to Gaza when it's almost inevitable what will happen, there will be an interception by the Israelis, people will be made prisoner, people might be abused, and ultimately they will be sent home. And you have to ask yourself, to what effect?
Well, first of all, the governments are not doing anything to end the illegal blockage of aid flowing into Gaza. So that's the reason people mobilize is to try and assist the Palestinians with their need for aid. Secondly, It brings attention to the Palestinian cause. I did not sail for the sake of sailing. I sail for the sake of this being a people movement to highlight the atrocities that are going on in Palestine.
Now, you have succeeded in bringing this to the world's attention. Even in the United States, they've taken notice of the actions of Israel and the antics of its minister when people were made prisoner. You've succeeded in that, but will it have any more lasting effect, do you think?
Well, I guess the answer to that is we will keep doing flow tillers until there is lasting effect. But I would hope after this episode and the live streaming of the minister in his atrocity towards the flotilla personnel. I would hope now that governments would realise that sanctions need to be taken. So that Israel will be held accountable.
So ultimately, that is the result you're hopeful of with repeated flotillas, and these will continue until such action is taken by the international community. Correct. Maureen, thank you very much for joining us.
Thank you. And free Palestine.
Now, aside from these flotilla efforts to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people, has Brussels either the legal mechanisms or the political appetite to use economic leverage in response to the war in Gaza and the activities of Israel?
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:01–0:46
2
What happened during the latest Gaza flotilla mission?
0:46–1:35
3
What role did Maureen Almai play in the flotilla?
1:35–8:45
4
What challenges did the medical boat face on its journey?
8:45–12:35
5
How did the violence during this flotilla compare to previous ones?
12:35–19:17
6
Why do activists continue to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza?
19:17–19:22