Spectre of Gaza looms large for Sarah
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Galway poet and activist Sarah Clancy is in good spirits as she continues her journey to Gaza with the Global Sumud Flotilla – despite the ever-present threat of kidnap, prison or deportation.
That danger has escalated to the point where military vessels from Italy and Spain are accompanying the flotilla after it was targeted by high-powered drones in international waters off the Greek coast.
At the time of our conversation, the Salthill woman and her crew were two days from reaching Gaza, where their goal is to break Israel’s blockade by opening a humanitarian sea corridor.
Her boat, the Spectre, was among those hit in the prolonged drone attack. Despite these setbacks, she says the flotilla is “in good spirits, calm and sailing really well.”
“From what we hear at the moment, we are under threat of kidnapping, prison or deportation,” she explains.
“Some Israeli officials have gone out of their way to say we will be treated as terrorists and put in their worst-condition prisons.”
Currently, 500 people from 44 nationalities are taking part in the humanitarian effort, carrying aid supplies to Gaza.
Caption: Salthill's Sarah Clancy on board the Global Sumud Flotilla en route to Gaza.
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