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Gazans nervous as next freedom flotilla nears

After successive failed attempts, a third freedom flotilla will set sail to the Gaza Strip, though many activists expect Israeli opposition.

Activists gesture from the "Stefano Chiarini" ship, which is part of the "Freedom Flotilla II",  during a demonstration against the Greek authorities' ban on Gaza-bound ships on the Greek island of Corfu July 2, 2011. Greek authorities said on Friday that ships destined for Gaza -- which involves transit through international waters -- were prohibited from leaving Greek ports.   REUTERS/Marko Djurica (GREECE - Tags: POLITICS) - RTR2ODFT
Activists gesture from the Stefano Chiarini, part of the Freedom Flotilla II, during a demonstration against the Greek authorities' ban on Gaza-bound ships on the Greek island Corfu, July 2, 2011. — REUTERS/Marko Djurica

The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza (ECESG) announced that a Freedom Flotilla III departed from Sweden on May 10 and is expected to reach the Gaza Strip at the end of June. Meanwhile, the Gazans are preparing to receive the ships carrying medical aid, European activists and nongovernmental organization supporters of the Palestinian cause and hoping for an end to the siege that has lasted about eight years.

During a May 31 speech before the Left Forum conference in the United States, ECESG spokeswoman Jacqueline Richardson said, “This month, the world will witness a noble mission whereby dozens of activists will take action to participate in the Freedom Flotilla III, which will peacefully sail to Gaza.”

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