As of this writing, it is unclear if the Rachel Corrie ship carrying supplies from Ireland will attempt to dock in Gaza. Some planners report that, due to mechanical problems, the ship will need to remain in Cyprus until necessary repairs can be made before continuing the journey. Others claim that Israel has sabotaged the passenger and press boats accompanying the cargo ship. In either scenario, it is not clear when the flotilla will make its way toward the Gaza coast.
So, what’s next? I hope that the “mechanical problems” are a ruse for not continuing the journey; that the cargo is unloaded in Cyprus, sent by air to Ben Gurion and then transported, by land, to a Gaza border crossing where it is re-inspected and then sent to the people of Gaza. This would be an expensive undertaking for Israel but it is one that would not risk loss of life; would not feed the media circus and probably the best way to get the aid to the people of Gaza; the “stated purpose” of the cargo flotillas.
But while revelations of terrorists and weapons aboard the “peace-loving” Mavi Marmara continue to surface, I still believe that supporters, crew and passengers of the Rachel Corrie will try to reach Gaza. In true, I hope that Israel stands firm without becoming confrontational. It’s a tall order. Tensions are high; temperatures are very high and levels of distrust are very, very high. It’s not hard to imagine a situation where people become violent. But I hope that our leadership displays the necessary level of perseverance without becoming retaliatory.
What does that mean for me? Well, I hope we do not let the Rachel Corrie dock in Gaza. The Israel blockade, as well as Egypt’s, is not random. These blockades were ordered to prevent the flow of goods into a territory who, in 2007, voted in a terrorist organization, Hamas, to run their government. Yes, the list of contraband needs to be reviewed. I would like our government to explain why fresh coriander and chocolate, among other things, is a threat to my security. But Israel cannot afford any activity that will strengthen Hamas rule in Gaza. Allowing the import of seemingly innocuous cement would, as history has shown us, allow the expansion of tunnels which act as a conduit for smuggling weapons from Egypt into Gaza.
I hope that we continue to offer the possibility of docking the ships in the port of Ashdod, just a few kilometers to the north. Then, under supervision from an agreed-upon flotilla leader, the goods could go through security screening and then transferred to a land crossing into Gaza. This option would allow the fastest transfer of cargo without compromising Israeli security concerns.
But what if the Ashdod offer is rejected again? Then what? As tragic as it would be to see cargo come so close, Israel cannot allow the blockade to be broken now. Yes, ships have gotten through before but the media hype is so high right now that any weakness will cause an armada that will reek havoc on the safety of Israeli citizens. Already, Kassams are flying again into Negev towns. So, assuming that the passengers are truly non-violent, as was the case in 5 of the 6 ships that tried to reach Gaza earlier this week, we should offer to refuel the ships if necessary so that they can return to Ireland, provide food and medical supplies to prevent any more “martyrs” if they choose not to turn around, but stay strong in our resolve to treat Gaza as a terrorist haven and not let the flotilla reach Gaza. I hope we can achieve this without deaths on either side.
