eleven Irish citizens are in grave danger as they sail towards Gaza on board nine ships. Not only are their lives in jeopardy, but those of 750 others from 50 different countries are in danger too.

Israel has warned that it will use force, and live rounds, on all the passengers if they attempt to reach Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. These threats are being taken seriously, and the EU has called on Israel to allow the 750 passengers to sail safely into Gaza without obstruction.

However, Israel's foreign minister, Avig dor Liberman, said the country was prepared to stop the flotilla "at any cost". A temporary prison has been set up in the port town of Ashsod, and Israel has stated that it will arrest everyone on board, imprison them, then deport them. Israeli naval gun ships have taken up positions off the coast of Gaza in anticipation of the flotilla's arrival, due this morning (Sunday, 30 May).

The prime minister of Turkey, Recep Tavyip Erdogan, has hit back at the threats by saying: "Any moves to stop the flotilla will be met with a response."

The EU has also called for an "immediate" end to the cruel siege that has suffocated the stricken region of Gaza for nearly four years.

Among the 11 Irish passengers are two TDs and a senator.

One of the vessels in the flotilla is an Irish cargo ship which sailed from Dundalk two weeks ago. On board this ship are 700 tonnes of building and humanitarian supplies. Over 500 tonnes of cement is on board to help in the rebuilding of schools and hospitals that lie in ruins following attacks 17 months ago. Cement has been banned from entering Gaza for nearly four years, and no reconstruction work has taken place in that time.

There has been a near-blackout by the media on reporting on this flotilla, which is extremely worrying considering the dangers faced by those on board.

johnhurson@vivapalestina.org