Gaza-Bound Boat Captain Arrested In Greece

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Authorities in Greece say they have arrested the captain of a boat that was to be part of a Gaza-bound flotilla trying to deliver humanitarian aid.

The 60-year-old captain, whose name was not released by authorities, is being held at Piraeus police headquarters and will remain there until a court hearing Tuesday.

Greece's coast guard said Saturday the captain of the "Audacity of Hope" faces charges of trying to leave port without permission and of endangering the lives of the boat's passengers. The latter charge is a felony.

The "Audacity of Hope" was due to carry 36 passengers, four crew and about 10 members of the media. Its attempt to sail Friday night from the port of Perama, near Athens, was thwarted by coast guard speedboats.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has denied claims it sabotaged ships trying to breach its sea blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Activists accuse Israel of damaging two ships docked in Turkey and Greece that are part of a flotilla attempting to reach the Palestinian territory with humanitarian aid. Efforts were further stalled Friday when Greece prevented ships from sailing.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor on Saturday dismissed the sabotage charges as "ridiculous," calling them "sad conspiracy theories."

Israel says it imposed the blockade in 2007 to stop weapons reaching the Islamic militant group Hamas that rules Gaza. Activists describe the blockade as a form of incarceration for the Palestinians.

Nine activists were killed last year in an Israeli raid on a similar flotilla.

Comments

[hfpf]

11:54 AM on 07/08/2011

This flotilla was NEVER about aid, it was about violence, PR anyway it could be obtained and smuggling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5CsGViY5JQ&feature=player_embedded

[ArthroughpadNY]

09:38 AM on 07/07/2011

They should change the name of the ship to the Audacity of Hate. When these boat people try to manufacture an issue that does not exist it is pure hatred. The Gazans have plenty of goods, Israel will deliver all goods not weapons, so is the flotilla needed? Of course, must confront those evil JOOS. Sick thinking but we all know it is there.

[Via Dolorosa]

09:51 AM on 07/07/2011

You don't get it; do you?

[Via Dolorosa]

11:48 PM on 07/06/2011

The Greek government is kissing a$$; big fat a$$e$; that's the full story.

[Cynthia Rays]

11:45 AM on 07/05/2011

According to AP the captain has been released.

[Fred Ricardo]

11:20 AM on 07/05/2011

let's keep the pressure on Washington. They need to pressure the Greek government to release our captain, our boat and now these 8 people as well! Let them sail to Gaza!!!

Throughout this country people have responded to our call to contact the U.S. State Department to demand that they take the steps necessary to ensure that the Greek authorities immediately release the captain and let our boat sail to Gaza. In fact, there has been such a strong response that we are hearing their voice mailboxes are full! That's great, but of course frustrating for those of you trying to make those calls.



Here are some other phone numbers and email addresses to try:

State Department general number: 202-647-4000 - ask for the Overseas U.S. Citizen Services Duty Officer and you'll get a live State Dept. official who has to hear you out.
The voicemail for Kim Richter - also at the State Dept. - says she's out of the office for several days, and that callers with urgent issues should contact a colleague at 202-647-4578.

If you can place an international phone call, the number for the U.S. Embassy in Athens is 011-30-210-721-2951.

You can email the U.S. Embassy in Athens at: [e-mail] or you can send an email to them at: [e-mail]


VISIT WWW.USTOGAZA.ORG

Please distribute widely

[Justice1]

06:25 AM on 07/06/2011

yes they need more aid for this guy...

http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=228007

[Cynthia Rays]

09:34 AM on 07/05/2011

The flotilla brings attention to facts on the ground, displacement and collective punishment of the Palestinians and a history of abuse by Israel. Israel would have been better served to allow the ships to quietly enter Gaza and have less bad publicity for its crimes.

[BcemXAHA]

10:48 AM on 07/05/2011

Not really.

This weekend I spent several hours in different company each day. Literally 90% of the people felt that this is a farce. The rest had no clue, nor were they interested in hearing about Israel or the Palestinians.

[Nwo2012]

11:49 AM on 07/05/2011

I'm skeptical. For somebody who cares so little about it, you're generating a lot of noise and expending a lot of calories.

You know what I do when I find things I couldn't care less about? i just ignore it.

[Via Dolorosa]

11:41 PM on 07/06/2011

'I spent several hours in different company each day."!!!

Why do I find this somewhat hard to believe?

[Naor]

12:01 PM on 07/05/2011

The point of the blockade is to prevent weapon smuggling. Not to "improve" Israel's publicity. We Israelis are much more concerned about the safety of our loved ones over what the world may "think" of us.

[FearlessFreep]

02:26 PM on 07/05/2011

If you really cared about the safety of innocent Israelis you'd get rid of those West Bank settlements.

[BcemXAHA]

08:32 AM on 07/07/2011

Faved & fanned!

[forbiddenplanet]

08:19 AM on 07/05/2011

Most censored information award (this week) goes to...

A link to a Haaretz article that states that the UN report on the previous flotilla agrees that Israel's naval blockade of Gaza is legal.

[Konrad Klean]

11:54 AM on 07/05/2011

Not arguing the legality of the blockade here blockhead. What I am concerned about is the apparent abandon with which the IDF fires at people. At least six individuals on the Mavi were shot point blank range as documented by the paraffin burns on their skulls. That suggests one thing and one thing only, field execution.

Most people who have a beef to pick with Israel have no problem with its existence. What they do have an issue with however are the tactics taken by Israel both against the Palestinians and against its critics. The typical mode of action is shooting first and asking questions later, and when IDF soldiers like Yair Netanyahu vent their feelings about Muslims it isn't at all surprising.

Regarding criticisms? Israelis and sympathizers react with rabid personal attacks, accusations of anti-Semitism, and just about anything which is grounded in absolutely no facts. Bring up the troubled history of the area including Israeli terrorists such as Baruch Goldstein and things get really colorful really quick. Mention that Palestinian clerics calling for extermination of Jews have their own Orthodox counterparts and you face flat denials and minimization of the issue.

So seriously, it appears that Israel is either unwilling or unable to play by the rules it has set down itself. Throw in falsification of data pertaining human casualties in Gaza and IDF soldiers going on record to criticize inhumane tactics and you have something that more resembles the Wermaht than "the most humane army ever".

[StCuthbert]

12:47 PM on 07/05/2011

"Israelis and sympathize­rs react with rabid personal attacks, accusation­s of anti-Semit­ism, and just about anything which is grounded in absolutely no facts" - Konrad Klean

"Seriously, either get better table manners or go home." - Konrad Klean

Got hypocrisy?

[Naor]

11:42 PM on 07/05/2011

I enjoyed listening to your opinion that the tactics implored by the IDF are not to your liking. However, I regret to inform you that no one here in Israel cares. WE will be the ones who determine how we protect ourselves. You have a problem with how we handle threats? Simple solution. Stay FAR away from our boys in uniform. Don't come to us, I promise you we wont come to you.

[forbiddenplanet]

08:12 AM on 07/05/2011

"The UN committee reviewing the events of May 31, 2010, has sent a draft of its report to both Israel and Turkey...the committee concluded that the blockade of Gaza was legal..."

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-turkey-scramble-to-reach-compromise-on-un-gaza-flotilla-report-1.371464

"Turkey, meanwhile, is concerned about the committee's apparent criticism regarding Ankara's role in the flotilla, particularly its ties with the group that organized it, IHH, which has links to Hamas."

[Konrad Klean]

12:59 AM on 07/06/2011

Define "links" because at present there doesn't seem to be anything substantial which would make it more than hearsay.

[blackhawk78]

01:54 AM on 07/05/2011

Palestinians didn't control an inch of the West Bank, Gaza or Golan in 1967. Syria had the Golan, Jordan had the West Bank, and Egypt controlled Gaza. But prior to the 6-day war, who were the Palestinians targeting? Israel. To act as if the 1967 borders are the goal of the Palestinians is so ludicrous as to be comical.

[Sam Bark]

02:05 AM on 07/05/2011

blackhawk -- F&F

[Nwo2012]

04:50 AM on 07/05/2011

The creation of Israel and any conflict thereafter changes nothing. Palestine remains Palestine.

[forbiddenplanet]

08:13 AM on 07/05/2011

You mean Jordan, Egypt, Syria.

[TheLonelyGod]

08:54 AM on 07/05/2011

It's just nobody knows what "Palestine" is. But I guess "Palestine" as an ambiguous concept/excuse for killing Jews does indeed remain "Palestine."

[Konrad Klean]

11:32 PM on 07/04/2011

Hey, who remembers that childhood game, "Connect the Dots"...you know, it was in so many coloring books..

So lets try the adult version.

Egypt: opens borders to Gaza and then suddenly closes them less than 24 hours later, citing concerns over undocumented immigrants from the area entering Egypt and remaining there. The U.S.A. Newspapers run the story as "Hamas Closes Gaza Border to Egypt" insinuating that the group, misguided as it may be, is forcibly trying to keep Palestinians in what has become one of the world's largest open-air concentration camps.

12 hours later the IMF offers Egypt an emergency 3 billion dollar loan.

Greece: suffering under staggering financial liabilities the country has been seeking loans and financial assistance of any sort. The only thing remaining untapped is the PM himself going around Europe and offering 'services' for a few bucks. Furthermore, when an Israeli delegation arrived a month ago, the PM went on record saying he will push Israel's agenda in the EU. This is while demanding austerity from his own people and asking the IMF how high to jump for cash.

Gaza flotilla arrives and subsequently the boats get damaged by an unknown party. As it is about to depart with the entire world watching, the captain is arrested. Two days later Eurozone finance ministers agree to give Greece the money she desperately needs, a gesture matched by the IMF.

Fun game eh?

[Sam Bark]

02:09 AM on 07/05/2011

Konard -- Is that true?...... I never knew Israel had such an influence on the IMF and countries around the world.....LMAO

[GZLives]

02:33 AM on 07/05/2011

Fun game but you ought to at least play it with all the info
Egypt was offered money ? But they refused it
The ship was damaged? If you're referring to the Irish ship, Turkey said it was previously damaged.

Eurozone finance ministers agreed to give Greece money because we're all concerned about a Lehman Brothers slide ... into a depression

Its a fun game but not when you have a pre conceived conclusion that you tailor information to fit.

Then what's the point aside from mental masterbation

[Konrad Klean]

03:00 AM on 07/05/2011

Bring out all the info then, because its uncommon enough to have civil discourse on these matters without being immediately accused of anti-Semitism; which mind you is comedic considering Palestinians are Semitic people. Or simply cursed out. Now you definitely have a point regarding the ship, although I believe you are incorrect on the loan to Egypt. I recall reading that the money was accepted. But I will be more than happy to look into it.

Speaking of Greece, yes, there is that concern on the part of the Eurozone as a whole, and I'm not saying that is precisely what happened, but it certainly is a very interesting series of coincidences from where I'm standing.

[BcemXAHA]

10:52 AM on 07/05/2011

GZ you are confusing them with facts! stop it right now!

[simcha]

09:41 PM on 07/04/2011

Do any of these compassionate humanitarians feel the need to perhaps speak to the issue of the thousands of Syrian refugees who may need their help, having been driven out of their own country? Or the number of Syrians killed by the al-Bashar regime? Or are they confused because Hamas and Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and the Muslim Brotherhood all find comfort and protection from the Syrian government and are therefore complicit in al-Bashar's barbarity? Not that the leaders of this flotilla group seem to have confusion or cognitive dissonance over dealing with this band of depraved miscreants. They know, and they don't care.
It is not surprising that the rank and file, or aka 'useful idiots' seem to be contradicting themselves at every turn. Do they even know that Gaza is no longer occupied? Do they know that Syria occupied Lebanon for 30 years until 2006?
Do they really care about any other region and its people besides their obsession with Arabs in the territories and their antipathy towards Israel?
It doesn't excuse their ignorance and lack of knowledge of the politics they so gleefully immerse themselves in, but the fact that they are being used so shamelessly by the p.r. machines of these various factions would make one feel pity; if they were not all so damn annoying.

[F4U Corsair]

10:11 PM on 07/04/2011

They don't care. Flying a Palestinian flag at rallies gets accolades and the chicks while sending aid improperly makes people feel they "matter" when in fact many of the people they are championing are willfully killing Jewish women and children.

[Konrad Klean]

01:20 AM on 07/05/2011

Really now? Mmkay, well here's some data compounded by an independent American group headed by well vetted international delegates.

http://www.ifamericansknew.org/history/

Apparently the Palestinians should start going to the IDF for classes on "Killing Women and Children".

Oops...facts suck don't they?

[Konrad Klean]

11:25 PM on 07/04/2011

Maybe we can start the help for Syria which you seem to be advocating for with Israeli military not firing on people protesting the 1967 territory seizing by Israel

[courtb]

09:13 PM on 07/04/2011

I'm just curious - there are so many people who post on here and proclaim to care about the Palestinians more than anything else in the world (hyperbolic, yes, but not far off). Why weren't any of you on these flotillas? This was your chance to really stick it to Israel and prove your support for the Palestinian cause, once and for all.

[tallen]

09:44 PM on 07/04/2011

>>Why weren't any of you on these flotillas?

Because they are *internet* jihadists.

[F4U Corsair]

10:13 PM on 07/04/2011

Careful, if all the Huffpost readers, drown in the ocean trying to provide aid illegally instead of through the correct channels, who would be left to vote for Obama?

[courtb]

10:21 PM on 07/04/2011

Me?

[Cynthia Rays]

09:02 PM on 07/04/2011

Zionists insist that Palestinians are all to to get them and the siege of Gaza, the confiscation of land and opportunity from the people who were born in the land necessitating a militaristic society and a separation wall. Yet, "Hundreds in Jerusalem protest the arrest of senior rabbis
Two top rabbis briefly detained for questioning for their endorsement of book which justifies killing of non-Jews; Rabbi Dov Lior, chief rabbi of Kiryat Arba, says arrests have awakened rightist activists."
http://www.haaretz.com/
The rightist activists agree that killing the babies of Arabs is acceptable. They might "grow up to be terrorists." Right wing activists are demonstrating their support of Rabbis. Who has a culture of hate?

[Sam Bark]

02:19 AM on 07/05/2011

cynthia -- Blah Blah Blah..... spare us the Haaretz link, it is the official Palis' newspaper..... worst than El Maan.... your fairytales about rightwing activists is a throw back to Hillary's vast right wing conspiracy........ ROFL.

[BcemXAHA]

10:58 AM on 07/05/2011

Mr Sarkozy quickly ran foul of Hamas though when he said it must bear most of the blame for the increasingly miserable plight of the 1.5 million Gazans it rules over.

“Hamas acted in an irresponsible and unforgiveable manner... Hamas is to blame for the suffering of the Palestinians,” he said.

http://www.jihadwatch.org/2009/01/hamas-well-kill-jewish-children-anywhere.html

[Konrad Klean]

12:14 PM on 07/05/2011

Love that little extension url there considering right now we are looking at roughly 120 Israeli fatalities being minors, and roughly 6000 Palestinian casualties being from the corresponding age group.

Although you do have a point. For Palestine to be free Hamas needs to go, regrettably I don't think the Palestinians will simply do that because Benni promised them peace if they oust the group. I mean Benni's dinner table discourse on Palestine got put on facebook recently by his son.

[GZLives]

08:31 PM on 07/04/2011

From some of the Christopher Hitchens piece in Slate
http://www.slate.com/id/2298332/

"The little boats cannot make much difference to the welfare of Gaza either way, since the materials being shipped are in such negligible quantity. The chief significance of the enterprise is therefore symbolic. And the symbolism, when examined even cursorily, doesn't seem too adorable. The intended beneficiary of the stunt is a ruling group with close ties to two of the most retrograde dictatorships in the Middle East, each of which has recently been up to its elbows in the blood of its own civilians. The same group also manages to maintain warm relations with, or at the very least to make cordial remarks about, both Hezbollah and al-Qaida. Meanwhile, a document that was once accurately described as a "warrant for genocide" forms part of the declared political platform of the aforesaid group. There is something about this that fails to pass a smell test. I wonder if any reporter on the scene will now take me up on this."

[CubnKira]

07:46 PM on 07/04/2011

These are undeniable facts:.

1) There is no 'occupation' in Gaza. Not one Jew is in Gaza except for the kidnapped Israeli soldier who has been unable to see the Red Cross for 5 years.
2) There is no food shortage in Gaza. Both U.N. and Israeli trucks deliver tons of food and supplies to Gaza nearly daily.. Ever seen a malnourished kid from Gaza?
3) Like most major cities, Gaza has good and bad areas.. The media only shows the bad , not showing the malls, the Library, the Univ. etc. They also fail to show the beautiful shoreline.
4) Gaza not only borders Israel, but also Egypt who has opened their border.
5) All goods are allowed except war material.
6) Both Greece and Israel offered to deliver any goods to Gaza over land and to allow observers.
7) Hamas solely controls Gaza, after they fought a bloody battle with Fatah.
8) After Israel painfully withdrew every settler, some who had been there for decades and even dug up Jewish graves, Hamas not content with getting all of Gaza back started a rocket barrage into Israel, firing over 6,000 rockets into Israel..
9) Hamas and the people in Gaza danced and passed out candy at our misery on 9/11.
10) Hamas' leaders called Bin Laden their 'holy warrior' and condemned Obama for killing him.

Those are undeniable facts. This is Opinion. Anyone supporting the flotilla and Hamas are pro-terrorism and anti-American.

[alchemy]

09:46 PM on 07/04/2011

"undeniable facts" how about these:

“Some exports” indeed! The Israeli organization Gisha, which campaigns for freedom of movement for Palestinians, reported on 29 June that not a single truckload of export goods had left Gaza since 12 May. This is despite Israel being a signatory to the 2005 Crossings Agreement providing for up to 400 truckloads of Gazan exports per day to be processed through the Karni Crossing by the end of 2006. In other words, the Crossings Agreement had anticipated that Gaza would have been able to export up to 19,000 truckloads of produce (amounting perhaps to more than 250,000 tons) during this recent 48-day period during which no exports have in fact been permitted.

Meanwhile, the total amount of goods passing into Gaza via Kerom Shalom Crossing has been the equivalent of about 2.6 kilograms per person per day for the 12 months since restrictions were eased in August 2010. Not only is this “unsustainable“, but it is totally insufficient for the maintenance of a healthy economy, which has been the intention of the Israeli government all along of course.

[Konrad Klean]

11:41 PM on 07/04/2011

Those aren't facts, those are opinions and they are not backed by a single shred of evidence other than your word. Which isn't worth very much at all considering this is the internet. Secondly, independent watchdog groups report that roughly 60% of Palestinian children are malnourished. Now, they may not be as far gone as children in lets say Ethiopia, but it doesn't change the fact that Israeli claims about how good people in their pet concentration camp have it don't fly far when held up to scrutiny of someone who doesn't have a vested interest in eradicating Palestinians.

[GZLives]

02:11 AM on 07/05/2011

Shat are you babbling on about. Independent watchdog groups? Financed by who? NO ONE is independent sparky

[Spiral Architect]

11:05 AM on 07/05/2011

They're all facts. You are a liar.