From The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign:
“Responding to an urgent call for international solidarity from 46 civil society organisations in Gaza, an Irish ship MV Saoirse (above) and a Canadian ship Tahrir have successfully reached international waters in the Mediterranean Sea on a mission dubbed Freedom Waves to Gaza.
The boats, two civilian vessels carrying 27 passengers from seven countries, are currently en route to Gaza, Palestine. They will sail from international waters directly to Gaza, and will not pass through Israeli territorial waters.
The Irish vessel, MV Saoirse, was sabotaged while in port in Turkey when its propeller shaft was gouged in a manner almost identical to damage suffered by the Swedish ship. The Irish ship has since been repaired, with funds raised via small donations from Irish citizens in all of the 32 counties. In total, the Irish Ship to Gaza campaign has raised over 140,000 Euro for its mission, a clear sign of the depth of support among ordinary Irish people for the beleaguered people of Gaza.”
Irish Ship To Gaza
Irish Ship To Reach Gaza By Friday (Mary Fitzgerald, Irish Times)