The Gaza Freedom Flotilla was a small fleet of ships organized in 2010 by the Free Gaza Movement and the Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (İHH) carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials with the intention of breaking the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. In typical circumstances, aid is first brought to Israel to be inspected and then transferred to Gaza.
Gaza Flotilla Route
Night vision binoculars found on the deck of the Mavi Marmara, along with a scope to be mounted on a sniper rifle, according to IDF
Knives, wrenches, and wooden clubs used to attack the soldiers during the flotilla raid, according to IDF
Bulletproof vests found on the deck of the Marmara, according to IDF
Blockade of the Gaza Strip
A blockade has been imposed on the movement of goods and people in and out of the Gaza Strip since Hamas's takeover in 2007, led by Israel and supported by Egypt. The blockade's current stated aim is to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza; previously stated motivations have included exerting economic pressure on Hamas. Human rights groups have called the blockade illegal and a form of collective punishment, as it restricts the flow of essential goods, contributes to economic hardship, and limits Gazans' freedom of movement. The blockade and its effects have led to the territory being called an "open-air prison".
An explosion caused by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza during the Gaza War
Rafah border crossing – British aid convoy entering Gaza Strip from Egypt in 2009
Pictured here: Knives, wrenches, and wooden clubs used to attack the soldiers during the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid
Palestinian workers wait at the Erez Crossing to enter the Gaza Strip, July 2005.
