PressTV report – Mike Treen detained.
Pacific Media Centre Newsdesk
Israeli forces have reportedly stopped the three-vessel Freedom Flotilla which was nearing the Gaza Strip, report news media.
According to Palestinian media, Israeli troops have blocked the way of the boats and directed them toward the port of Ashdod, some 40 kilometres south of Tel Aviv, says PressTV.
Reports say all connections with Freedom Flotilla have been stopped.
READ MORE: Israeli military attacks and detains Unite union leader
About 40 activists from 15 countries are on board the vessels.
The flotilla left the Italian city of Palermo on July 21. The flotilla aimed to break the Israeli regime’s blockade on the coastal enclave.
The embargo has been in place since 2007. It has led to a catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
New Zealand union leader Mike Treen was attacked and unlawfully detained by the Israeli military, said his union Unite.
The union is calling on the New Zealand government to demand Israeli authorities release him and the other international campaigners that were aboard the Al Awda.
His final media message is here.
“Mike was taking part in a peaceful mission to deliver aid to Gaza and was in international waters when attacked and detained. We understand he has been taken, kidnapped in reality, to the southern Israeli port of Ashod,” said Unite national secretary Gerard Hehir.
Asia Pacific Report, through the Pacific Media Centre, is sharing Gaza Freedom Flotilla coverage with Kia Ora Gaza and Scoop Media. New Zealander Mike Treen is on board Al Awda.
- Union leader Mike Treen attacked and detained in Israel
- Mike Treen’s plea for flotilla help
- Other Freedom Flotilla stories
Pacific Media Centre’s weekly Southern Cross radio programme.
