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We are determined to depart, if not today, then tomorrow.
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The State Department has just sent us the notice below. The White House says that cement and medical supplies should get into Gaza and that's exactly what we are attempting to take to Gaza.
Instead of quoting Israel policy to us, the State Department should state U.S. policy to Israel. Therefore, the U.S. should send a message to Israel reiterating the reported White House position that the blockade of Gaza should be eased, that medical supplies and building materials, including cement, should be allowed in, and that Free Gaza boats should be allowed to reach their destination, from Cyprus territorial waters, through international waters, and straight into Gaza territorial waters.
The State Department has chosen to advise us to take the Israeli notification seriously. Our question is, "Can we take President Obama seriously?" Will he stand by his own words and allow us to provide relief for Gaza or will he back down?
Here's the notice from the State Department:
From: Consular, Nicosia ;
Date: Thu, Jun 25, 2009 at 7:58 AM
Subject: The Risks in Your Sailing to Gaza
To: friends@freegaza.org
For Greta Berlin, Ramzi Kysia, and other United States citizens,
Please be aware of the risks involved in your planned sailing from Larnaca to Gaza this morning.
As I am sure you know, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza that remains in effect. This warning reads in part: “The State Department strongly urges that American citizens refrain from all travel to the Gaza Strip. This recommendation has been in effect since the deadly roadside bombing of a U.S. Embassy convoy in Gaza in October 2003. It applies to all Americans, including journalists and aid workers. American citizens should be aware that as a consequence of a longstanding prohibition on travel by U.S. Government employees into the Gaza Strip, the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens there is extremely limited.”
On Monday, June 22, the Israeli Foreign Ministry informed U.S. officials at the American Embassy in Tel Aviv that Israel still considers Gaza an area of conflict and that any Free Gaza boats attempting to sail to the Gaza Strip will “not be permitted” to reach its destination.
I encourage you to take the State Department’s Travel Warning and the Israeli notification seriously.
Sincerely,
Randy Carlino
U.S. Consul
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UPDATED AT 5:18 PM EST
Public Advisory - We did not leave Cyprus today
