by webdev@democracynow.org (Democracy Now!) from Democracy Now! on (#6XT19)
We get an update from the Madleen, the Freedom Flotilla ship sailing to Gaza with vital humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, one of 12 people on the ship, says spirits are high" despite the constant presence of drones overhead and threats from the Israeli government. Palestine is now the strategic place for all peoples to unite and fight against oppression, exploitation and the destruction of nature," says Avila. People's power is the ultimate power, and love and solidarity can beat any hateful, racist and supremacist ideology, like Zionism." Earlier this week, the ship made a detour to respond to a mayday call to help dozens of migrants aboard a deflating vessel. The Madleen is expected to reach Gaza on Monday, though Israeli officials have said they will not allow it to land.