Sweden: Gaza-bound ship departs to challenge Israeli naval blockade

The Marianne of Gothenburg departed from Gothenburg to Gaza in an effort to end Israel's naval blockade, Sunday. Israel has already announced it will deny entry to the ship. The trawler, acquired by Ship to Gaza Sweden and Ship to Gaza Norway jointly, departed for a voyage of almost 5,000 nautical miles, carrying solar panels and medical equipment, according to Ship to Gaza Sweden. Aboard are five crew members and eight passengers. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nachshon called the action "an unnecessary provocation," adding that his country would not allow unauthorized boats to enter Palestinian waters. The Ship to Gaza organization is calling for an immediate end to the naval blockade of Gaza. It added that Marianne of Gothenburg is the first ship in the Freedom Flotilla III to leave for Palestine. Courtesy Ship to Gaza