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2-boat flotilla heads to Gaza

JERUSALEM, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- A two-boat flotilla quietly set sail Wednesday from Turkey in a protest against Israel's blockade of Gaza.

Organizers of the "Freedom Waves to Gaza" flotilla told Israeli newspaper Haaretz they did not publicize their plans because they did not want to be stopped while they were still in port at Fetniye.

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The Tahrir, a Canadian vessel, is carrying 12 people from Australia, Canada, the United States and the Palestinian Authority. The Saoirse, from Ireland, is carrying 12 Irish nationals.

The boats have what activists described as a "symbolic cargo," $30,000 in medical supplies, the Jerusalem Post said.

Wendy Goldsmith, a Canadian, told Haaretz no single organization is behind the flotilla, describing the group as similar to those involved in the Occupy Wall Street protests, "people who protest injustice." Organizers said some of those who planned to sail remained behind after the Turkish government asked for a reduction in the number of passengers.

"The siege is still there," Goldsmith said. "Israel had many ways to deal with its security problems, and the collective punishment of people living in Gaza is probably the worst -- it's ineffective, immoral and illegal."

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Israel expects the flotilla to reach the Gaza area late Thursday or early Friday.

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