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Home Must See Kevin Ovenden Speaks About Freedom Flotilla

Kevin Ovenden Speaks About Freedom Flotilla

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http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=21438Kevin Ovenden

Kevin Ovenden, a representative of Viva Palestina, was on the main ship of the Freedom Flotilla when Israeli soldiers descended onto the deck – he spoke from Turkey to Siân Ruddick.

“We knew the Israelis were going to attack, or intercept us in some way. At 11pm we had the first contact. A visual warning was that two Israeli warships were approaching us, followed by a third.

“We were 90 miles north of the Israeli coast, and 22 miles away from the buffer zone that Israel has set from its shores.

"We had tight organisation procedures in place and people were prepared.

"The captain and the most experienced activists on board said that people should rest. Many people did while others stayed on the look out.

"At 4.25am the attack began. The warship had neared and commandoes were lowering themselves onto the deck from helicopters. There were two motorised dinghies, carrying 14-20 commandoes, on either side of the boat.

Last Updated on Monday, 27 September 2010 14:25