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Welcome to Palestine Today a service of the International Middle East Media Centre, www.imemc.org for Tuesday July 19th, 2011.
The Spanish ship, the Gernika, part of the Second Freedom Flotilla, that has remained at Port Kolymvari for two weeks, has finally been authorized by Greek Authorities to set sail back to Spain but is not authorized to set sail to Gaza.
Public endorsements from Norway and Syria are the most recent gains in the Palestinian pursuit of statehood recognition through the UN, while Israel claims lobbying efforts are slowing its momentum.
On Tuesday morning, Israeli navy gunboats surrounded the French Ship Dignité, while on its way to deliver humanitarian and medical supplies to the besieged and impoverished Gaza Strip. The ship reached 50 miles close to the Gaza shore when it was intercepted by the Navy who demanded all passengers to stand in a clear view so they can be seen by the soldiers.
The ship was later stopped and boarded by the Israeli armed forces. No clashes were reported. Last year 9 activists were killed on the Turkish Mavi Mamara boat.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, reported on Tuesday that American President, Barack Obama, is demanding that Turkey should end its ‘crisis’ with Israel in order to avoid any further deterioration in the relations between the two countries.
The Turkish officials responded by reiterating their demands regarding an official apology from Tel Aviv, and compensation to the families of the Turkish victims who were killed and injured when the Israeli Navy attacked the Mavi Marmara last year.
Israeli settlers from the Havat Maon settlement allegedly attacked international observers in the Meshakna valley near Hebron late on Monday. One member of the Christian Peacemaker Team and two members of ‘Operation Dove’ were attacked with clubs and stones. This is the fifth case of violence by the settlers in 30 days, according to the CPT.
That’s rounds up the main news for today. Please join us again tomorrow for a summary of important events in the Palestinian Territories. You have been listening to Palestine Today from the International Middle East Media Centre. For more updates please visit our website at www.imemc.org. This report has been brought to you by Husam Qassis and me David Steele
