DemocracyNow.org - The Freedom Flotilla seeking to reach the Gaza Strip is in limbo under the weight of Israeli-U.S. pressure, unrest in Greece, and acts of sabotage targeting its ships. A number of vessels remain moored in Greek ports, stranding hundreds of passengers and the humanitarian cargo they hope to bring to Gazans living under an Israeli blockade. The ships were supposed to set sail this week but the Greek government — already facing a financial crisis and public uproar over austerity measures — has blocked the ships' departure under international pressure. Democracy Now! producers Aaron Maté and Hany Massoud are in Greece covering the journey of the flotilla's U.S.-flagged ship, "The Audacity of Hope." They were there Thursday as it was publicly unveiled, and filed this report featuring interviews with passengers including Ann Wright, a retired U.S. Army Colonel turned peace activist, writer Alice Walker, Jewish Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein, and New York labor lawyer Richard Levy, among others. "Apparently free speech is not really for Americans if it involves Palestine, and it is not really for the Mideast if it involves Palestine," says Levy. "Our consulate has basically turned us down flat in terms of support to allow the flotilla to go forward. A great disappointment."
US Ship in Freedom Flotilla Leaves Greece Headed to Gaza, Despite Threats & Risk of Sabotage
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