Fishing boats in harbour in Gaza, Palestine

On 29th October 2008, the 60th anniversary of massacres in the Palestinian villages of Safsaf, al-Dawayima and Kafr Qasim, British activists were aboard the Dignity which sailed into Gaza. The boat which set sail from Cyprus the day before, was the second succesful attempt by the Free Gaza Movement to break the siege of Gaza, which has been imposed since last year. Carrying a contingent of doctors and medicines ,including cough mixtures which are no longer available in Gaza, the activists are set to meet up with fellow activists who have been in Gaza since the first sailing in August 2008.

In the West Bank, a delegation from the Brighton Tubas Region Friendship and Solidarity Group had arrived in the Tubas Region of the Occupied West Bank a week earlier. Reports sent home from the delegation record incidents such as attacks by Settlers, continued land theft, and enforced water shortages. The group which aims to highlight Israeli war crimes against Palestinians in the region, raise awareness about life under occupation and create practical solidarity links between grassroots organisations in Brighton and Tubas region, is currently assisting with the olive harvest at the village of Al Masra.

By travelling to Occupied Palestine, activists have been able to foster links with beleagured communities, to show practical solidarity and to report on the increasingly appalling conditions which go virtually unnoticed in the corporate media. The visits have also played a vital part in the growth of UK based campaigns to show solidarity with Palestinians. Activites amongst such groups in the last month are the Smash Edo Campaign with its Shut ITT demonstration in Brighton, the ongoing blockades of Carmel Agrexco.

links:Free Gaza Movement |News from the Brighton-Tubas Friendship and Solidarity Group in the West Bank|