Stories written by Bego Astigarraga

French Ship Carries Freedom Flotilla’s “Dignity” to Gaza

By Bego Astigarraga
The French vessel Dignité-Al Karama is the only boat from the Freedom Flotilla II actually sailing for Gaza in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade imposed in 2006. At the same time, six Spanish members of the humanitarian aid mission went on hunger strike in the Greek capital.
Freedom Flotilla activists protest in Spanish embassy in Athens. Credit: Bego Astigarraga/IPS

GREECE: Activists Protest Ban Confining Gaza Freedom Flotilla to Port

By Bego Astigarraga
Some 30 Spanish activists are occupying the embassy of their country in the Greek capital to demand that their government pressure Greece to allow the Freedom Flotilla II – "Stay Human" to set sail for the Gaza Strip.
From right to left: retired U.S. army colonel Ann Wright, Vangelis Pissias and Dror Feiler. Credit: Bego Astigarraga/IPS

PALESTINE: Freedom Flotilla Ready to Sail Despite Threats and Sabotage

By Bego Astigarraga
As the 10 ships of the Freedom Flotilla II - Stay Human make their final preparations to set sail for the Gaza Strip, purported acts of sabotage have been added to threats from Israel.
Ceremony presenting loose reproduction of Picasso

Second Humanitarian Flotilla Prepares to Sail for Gaza

By Bego Astigarraga
As the second Freedom Flotilla, made up of some 10 ships carrying 1,000 activists from 20 countries, gets ready to sail for the besieged Gaza Strip, Israeli authorities are stepping up their threats.