cementing global ties
Following the mayhem and bloodshed caused by the Israeli commando interception of a flotilla of aid ships to Gaza, Regan cannot believe that the Irish aid ship the MV Rachel Corrie – carrying a cargo of prohibited cement – defiantly continued to make its way to Gaza in a lone attempt to break the Israeli blockade. “The MV Rachel Corrie was part of the international aid flotilla but was held up by mechanical problems,” explains Regan, “and there is no possibility whatsoever that the Israelis will allow the ship free passage because of its prohibited cargo.”
“Israel prohibits cement and other building materials from reaching Gaza on the basis that they will be used to build tunnels for smuggling explosives and arms,” explains Regan, “but, of course, the inhabitants of Gaza desperately need building materials for normal use, too.”
“It seems pointless to provoke confrontation with the Israelis over a cargo that will not be allowed into Gaza,” says Regan, “but because the MV Rachel Corrie – named after an activist – is owned and operated by the Free Gaza Movement and carrying on board the Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Maguire, the purpose of the mission appears to be more about cementing ties with Gaza than delivering aid.”
“A crew member on board, Derek Graham, has already anticipated an Israeli boarding of the ship by saying all passengers and crew have been instructed to sit quietly with open hands,” says Regan, “but you can never anticipate exactly how anyone will behave in a tense situation, and there could be more bloodshed.”
“Also, although the MV Rachel Corrie was checked for weapons in Ireland by customs officials and a senator, the Israelis are hardly likely to rely on this information, especially as the ship has docked elsewhere since leaving Ireland.”
"The Israelis are not going to lift the blockade of Gaza – they consider themselves at war with the tiny state – and if the MV Rachel Corrie refuses to deliver its cargo to the port of Ashdod in Israel, then they will exercise their right to board the ship and deport its occupants.”
“Five Irish activists were among the 680 foreign activists already seized in international waters during the raid on the flotilla,” says Regan, “and it is ridiculous that the Irish prime minister, Brian Cowen, would send off a stern warning to Israel to allow the Irish-owned ship free passage to Gaza.”
“If the Israelis would not allow the flotilla of international ships – from Comoros, Greece, Kiribati, Turkey, and the United States – free passage to Gaza, then what is so special about an Irish ship that the Israelis would wave it through?”
“When the MV Rachel Corrie is boarded by the Israelis, in keeping with how they treat all ships trying to run the blockade, what is Mr Cowen going to do?” asks Regan. “Will Ireland declare war on Israel?”
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