Search for
Search for
Search forMoor surgeon joins bid to break Gaza siege
Monday, August 11, 2008, 11:04
David Halpin, retired surgeon and founder of Palestinian charity the Dove and Dolphin, spent a week in Cyprus advising Free Gaza activists planning to sail into blockaded Gaza.
Lauren Booth is among 46 activists wanting to highlight the plight of 1.5 million Palestinians living with limited food and fuel supplies.
The convoy is due to make the 241 mile crossing from Cyprus in wooden boats, risking contact with Israeli patrol boats.
Others onboard include a Holocaust survivor and an 81-year-old retired nun from the United States.
Mr Halpin, accompanied by his wife Sue, gave a series of talks on the rigours of sailing into Gaza.
It follows his first Dove and Dolphin food aid mission to Gaza in 2003.
Mr Halpin most recently returned to Gaza in June as part of ongoing aid projects.
He said: "I had hoped to take part in the convoy myself but was concerned that when I got to Gaza I may be barred from ever returning and that would have put paid to the Dove and Dolphin mission.
"I was happy to advise the group on safety at sea and the importance of a positive frame of mind in going into situations like this.
"This is a very courageous mission and they will have to pass through Israeli lines even though the waters are Palestinian.
"The Israelis will not want to allow them in and it will be difficult. but these people are world citizens and want to be with their fellow citizens which is an admirable aim.
"They are sailing with great courage and they are sailing for humanity at a time when humanity is in bad shape".
Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza last year and allows limited supplies of food, fuel and aid into the territory.
A coalition of eight UK human rights groups said Gazans were living through their worst humanitarian crisis since the 1967 war.
Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein will be onboard.
She described the trip as 'an opportunity to make a change for good, both for Palestinians and Israelis'.
She said: "We intend to open the port, fish with the fishermen, help in the clinics, and work in the schools. But we also intend to remind the world that we will not stand by and watch 1.5 million people suffer death by starvation and disease."
Be the first to comment