Israeli Anti-Freedom Flotilla II Propaganda - by Stephen Lendman
On June 27, its press release headlined, "GAZA, WE ARE COMING. Despite pressure and threats of violence, flotilla will sail."
On June 27, A US Boat to Gaza Audacity of Hope press conference reiterated a determination to sail despite threats, pressure and other measures used to stop it.
Participants on board all 10 ships haven't come this far to turn back or let imperial viciousness deter them, especially when their mission is vital and just.
In response to spurious claims that passengers may have chemicals to attack Israeli commandos, perhaps the same ones responsible for the May 2010 Mavi Marmara massacre, Flotilla participants signed a declaration of nonviolence. Spokesman Dror Feiler told Army Radio that if Israel has other information, it should inform Flotilla organizers.
He responded to IDF spokesperson Major Avital Leibovich, citing intelligence reports that dangerous chemicals may be used as weapons, and that extremist passengers were heard threatening "to spill the blood" of Israeli soldiers.
According to an unnamed defense official, "The picture emerging here is that some of the flotilla participants clearly intend a violent clash," when, in fact, he knows this is a bald faced lie, an Israeli specialty, regurgitated by major media flacks, while suppressing Israel's intention either to block or confiscate vessels it interdicts and all passenger possessions as it did against Flotilla I.
According to Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Justice Minister Yaakov Neeman, Israel may establish a special naval court to do it, Barak saying:
"There's no doubt that impounding vessels is a deterrent measure that could prevent the need to use force against future (flotilla) violations."
Destroying them works better, what Dror Feiler disclosed, saying a scuba diver examining one of the boats discovered its propeller shaft cut off. It was deliberate sabotage that can be fixed but may take time.
Anti-Flotilla Agitprop and Misinformation
The Washington Post lists a Gaza Flotilla 101 section, vilifying humanitarian activism with vicious disinformation. For example, it says:
-- Flotilla I "participants came aboard armed, with some declaring they were prepared for martyrdom; the same is expected this year."
-- It describes organizers as a broad coalition and umbrella organization of pro-Palestinian, pro-Hamas participants, as well as an officially designated "terrorist organization," the Turkish IHH charity Ankara pressured not to come; it also cited Israeli intelligence saying the Free Gaza Movement includes "dangerous organizations with terrorist links."
-- It listed a litany of lies about Gaza, including life there now eased, saying: "Israel now permits almost all goods (in) except items it fears could be used to stage attacks."
-- It said many 2010 Mavi Marmara participants came armed with "guns, knives, metal pipes and chains - not humanitarian goods...There was no humanitarian aid on the (ship), and organizers stated their violent intent on the record."
