German journalist aboard Freedom Flotilla says mission to Gaza must continue despite Israeli attacks
ISTANBUL
Anna Liedtke, a German journalist sailing on the Conscience vessel of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition en route to Gaza, said the mission must go on despite Israeli attacks on the aid fleet.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, a network of international civil society groups, has organized several attempts since 2010 to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and draw attention to the enclave’s humanitarian crisis.
Israeli naval forces on Thursday attacked and seized vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, detaining more than 470 activists from over 50 countries. The flotilla had been trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge Israel’s blockade of the enclave.
The Conscience, one of 11 vessels in the flotilla, rejoined the fleet after undergoing repairs and maintenance following an Israeli attack off Malta on May 2. The 68-meter-long ship carries journalists, doctors and activists.
Liedtke, who joined from Germany after Israel attacked earlier boats, told Anadolu she felt compelled to continue the journey.
“I think it’s even more important that we keep going and that we’re not turning around also to give the people in Gaza hope when they see that one boat almost made it through to Gaza,” she said.
Highlighting the significance of challenging Israel’s long-standing naval restrictions, she said: “The fishermen were able to fish because all the naval ships from Israel were occupied with attacking the other boats.”
“This genocide has been going on for almost three years. The naval blockade has been going on for almost 20 years,” she said.
Liedtke also underscored the presence of many journalists and doctors on board, saying: “We all know that the damage and that the ethnic cleansing didn’t begin on Oct. 7. So, I think it’s even more reason that we’re on this boat as doctors and as journalists, because those professions are being attacked the most, so I think it’s really powerful that we’re still going.”
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