The National Conference for Palestine Brings Its Members Together to Discuss “Siege-Breaking” Ships

As part of its internal programs dedicated to members of the National Conference for Palestine, dozens of members—activists from various regions around the world—participated in a session that included two members of the Conference who are leaders in the movements to break the siege on the Gaza Strip. The session explored ideas and means of coordination and synergy between different movements and initiatives.

Huwaida Arraf, one of the founders of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) with the Palestinian people and a general assembly member of the Conference, along with Saif Abu Kishk, a member of the Higher Follow-Up Committee of the National Conference for Palestine, presented an overview of the land and sea convoys aiming to break the siege on Gaza, and discussed ways to develop these efforts. The session was moderated by Sabrine Obaidallah, a member of the Conference’s Committee for Movements and Initiatives.

Arraf’s remarks came directly from aboard the ship Handala, (civilian aid boat) which set sail from Italy on Sunday, July 20, heading towards Palestine, carrying 21 solidarity activists. She detailed the initiative of the Gaza-bound flotillas, which began in 2008, referencing the recent voyage of the ship Madeleine in June and the violence and arrests carried out by the Israeli occupation against activists on board. She noted that 35 ships have attempted to reach Gaza since 2008, most notably the Mavi Marmara, aboard which Israel killed ten volunteers in 2010. Approximately 700 individuals have been arrested aboard these ships.

Saif Abu Kishk discussed the land convoys to Gaza that took place last month, originating from 41 different countries, and presented the campaign of the “Global Sumud Flotilla,” which is part of the “Global Movement to Gaza” and is preparing to launch from several countries.

Arraf, Abu Kishk, and others discussed global civilian mobilization to support Palestine, given the inaction or complicity of many governments. They shared current and proposed initiatives, exploring how to integrate them around the world and the levels and mechanisms of solidarity people can contribute through.

At the end of the session, attendees also discussed the efforts to reactivate the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). They also referred to a solidarity campaign for the Gaza Strip scheduled to begin in Ramallah today, Thursday.