Palestinian activists take to the Thames in support of ‘Free Gaza' flotilla

Published: 01 July 2011
by CHARLOTTE SUNDBERG

ACTIVISTS campaigning against Israel’s blockade of Gaza took to the water next to Westminster Bridge this week to raise awareness of the Free Gaza flotilla, which is set to sail to the war-torn territory from Greece this weekend.

The boat, draped in the Palestinian flag, sailed from Festival Pier to the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.

Among those on board was the Green MP for Brighton, Caroline Lucas, who said: “It is hard not to be aware of Palestine when it’s the root of so many injustices in the Middle East today.”

The activists say the blockade of Gaza is inhumane as it deprives the territory’s inhabitants of vital aid. 

Gaza suffered heavy bombing from Israel in 2008 and has been under an Israeli blockade since the militant Islamist group Hamas took control there in 2007.