First-hand account of Gaza flotilla raid
Many details of the confrontation on the flotilla headed for Gaza remain contentious and incomplete. Israeli naval commandos clashed with activists aboard the ‘Mavi Marmara,’ one the six boats in the Mediterranean, and nine people were killed. The international community has condemned Israel’s action. Annette Groth, a German parliamentarian, was on the ship that was attacked by Israeli forces. She describes what it was like when the boat was attacked.
The boats were carrying 682 people from 42 countries on a mission organized by the Free Gaza movement, and carried humanitarian aid for Gaza residents, including cement, iron, home-building materials, electric generators, wheelchairs and food. Israel is still holding most of the passengers in detention in the port city of Ashdod, but more than 40 have been sent back to their home countries. Michael Slackman, Middle East bureau chief for The New York Times, analyzes the incident from Jerusalem.
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