Arab and Islamic countries and international organizations declare that there will be other aid flotillas to the Gaza Strip, some of which will depart

The Intelligence & Terrorism Information Center
07 June '10

Overview

1. The aftermath of the Gaza flotilla, the attention it drew from international media, and particularly the violent confrontation on the Mavi Marmara with the ensuing embarrassment for Israel prompted many countries and organizations to declare their intentions to send additional flotillas. The aim of the flotillas is not just bringing aid to the Gaza Strip, but first and foremost to tarnish and embarrass Israel on the international scene, exerting international diplomatic pressure on it to lift the “siege” on the Gaza Strip. Most probably, only part of these declarations and intentions will be translated into actual flotillas.

2. According to Hamas activist Jamal al-Khudari, chairman of the Popular Committee Against the Siege, more than ten flotillas for the Gaza Strip are now being planned in the Arab and Islamic world as well as in other countries. He noted that Israel’s reaction (to the previous flotilla) will only result in additional initiatives. Members of the Hamas de-facto administration's anti-siege committee even mentioned being aware of intensive preparations worldwide to launch more flotillas to the Gaza Strip (Ma’an,June 4, 2010).

3. Following are some details on the plans to dispatch additional ships:

a. Behind some of the initiatives are NGOs in Arab or Islamic countries, part of them front organizations, which, we believe, will encourage and help launch more flotillas.

b. Behind some of the flotillas are pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas organizations and individuals in various European countries, mainly Britain. Those organizations were involved in sending previous aid convoys to the Gaza Strip by land and by sea.

c. The purpose of those countries, organizations, and individuals is to make a show of sending humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and “breaking the siege” in order to embarrass Israel and exert diplomatic and media pressure on it. At the same time, various countries, individuals, and organizations attempt to capitalize on making statements for propaganda.

d. Some organizations, particularly those in Europe, cooperate with each other. In addition, it is our assessment that the various organizations are in touch with the Hamas de-facto administration in the Gaza Strip, which encourages them to keep on trying new political propaganda provocations designed to embarrass Israel.

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