Like so many others, Jas Ikeda struggled with the images and stories coming out of Gaza – of the widespread destruction and the growing starvation. 

Like others, she felt frustrated that more wasn’t being done to help the people caught in the conflict.

Unlike most others, Ikeda has a lot of sailing experience. So when she heard about the Global Sumud Flotilla, she jumped at the chance. 

The flotilla consisted of 42 small to mid-sized vessels, setting out from Spain, carrying food, supplies, and hundreds of activists. The stated goal was to challenge Israel’s blockade and show solidarity with Palestinians.

They were intercepted and detained by the Israeli military on October 1 – an outcome they knew was likely. She and the other activists were held for about six days. 

The timing of Ikeda’s voyage, capture and release, coincided with a historic moment. 

Just three days after Ikeda was released Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The deal, which was negotiated and pushed by the Trump Administration, included an agreement that - QUOTE - "Full aid will be immediately sent.”

Such aid would be a lifeline for Palestinians. In August, Gaza was confirmed to be under famine conditions. The ceasefire deal gave a lot of hope to aid organizations that have been stymied by the tight control Israel holds over the border. 

But flare ups of violence have threatened that aid. On Tuesday, the Israeli military struck targets in Gaza, killing more than a hundred people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating terms of the ceasefire. 

GUESTS: 

• Jas Ikeda - Washington resident, and member of the Global Sumud Flotilla
• Mara Kronenfeld - Executive Director of the UNRWA USA National Committee

LINKS: 

• Israel takes steps to shut down international aid groups in Gaza and the West Bank
• This Weekend’s Violence in Gaza Shows How Fragile the Cease-Fire Really Is
• What aid organizations say is needed in Gaza amid Israel-Hamas ceasefire plan - ABC News
• How fast can much needed food and aid get to Palestinians?
• Netanyahu Orders Strikes in Gaza, as Israel Says Hamas Violated Cease-Fire
• More Food Reaches Gaza, but It’s Still Not Enough

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