• Listen to this segment

• Listen to the entire program

Dozens of boats from various countries attempted to leave a Greek port this weekend to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza by sea. However, they were stopped by the Greek government, whose diplomatic ties to Israel have strengthened since last year’s attack on a Turkish boat. Nine Turks on board an aid ship were killed by Israeli commandos during their attempt to reach Gaza in 2010. This latest activist attempt to highlight the plight of Gazans consists of about a dozen boats carrying hundreds of international activists, and has been dubbed Freedom Flotilla II. Over the weekend, John Klusmire, the captain of the American ship, Audacity of Hope, was detained by Greek authorities. It is being reported that Klusmire, a U.S. citizen, was freed today. The Audacity of Hope, named after President Obama’s 2006 book, is carrying a cargo of letters of solidarity from Americans to Palestinians. Greece has announced an outright ban on the Freedom Flotilla, citing concerns for the safety of the activists on board the ships. Activists have claimed that at least two of the boats suffered acts of sabotage – Israel was implicated however denies any involvement. At least one boat, a French vessel named Dignite al Karama, has apparently managed to make it past Greek authorities and may be able to dock in Gaza. The boat is carrying 8 activists and two crew members, according to the Associated Press. The Israeli government has stuck to its standard characterization of such activism as terrorism: Yuli Edelstein, minister for public diplomacy said of the Freedom Flotilla, “[w]e know that there are representatives of different terror groups on their way to join the flotilla.”

GUEST: Kathy Sheetz, a nurse on board the Audacity of Hope, sister of Captain John Klusmire, and sailed with Free Gaza on the first voyage, arriving in Gaza in August 2008.In two later attempts to enter Gaza by sea—June 2009 and May 2010 (Freedom Flotilla I)—Kathy was kidnapped, sent to an Israeli prison, and later deported.

Find out more at www.ustogaza.org.