Thursday, September 22, 2011

CPSGaza to hold press conference relaunching project Oliva after forced hiatus

CPSGaza

22 September 2011

For Immediate Release

Contact:  Civil Peace Service Gaza +970 (0) 597 650 864
When:     Friday, 23 September 2011, 5:00 pm local time
Where:    Freedom Flotilla Martyrs Memorial and Square, Gaza Seaport
Who:      Maria del Mar, Spanish observer for Civil Peace Service Gaza

               Vera Macht, German observer for Civil Peace Service Gaza
Mahfouz Kabiriti, President of Palestine Association for Fishing and Marine Sports
What: Civil Peace Service Gaza will be holding a press conference about the relaunching of the Oliva scheduled for 24 September

Photos and video will be available upon request: email press@cpsgaza.org.

The Oliva's engine was damaged when the Israeli navy rammed the boat on 20 July. Since the attack disabled the boat, international observers have been unable to accompany Gazan fishermen.

The incident followed similar attacks on the Oliva during previous missions. Video footage is available: http://bit.ly/CPSGvideos.

Vera Macht, a German human rights worker, stated: "We won't be intimidated, and the Olivia will sail out again to document abuses until international law is respected by Israel in the sea of Gaza. Fishermen are harassed, attacked, arrested and even killed by Israeli armed forces, even within the imposed 3 nautical mile limit."

Media are invited to contact Civil Peace Service Gaza in advance to coordinate accompaniment on the Oliva's upcoming missions.