What happened in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead was not a war but a massacre, a massacre of a defenceless, imprisoned and besieged civilian population. The IOF air assault (in the first of 3 weeks) dropped bombs around the clock hitting homes, hospitals, ambulances, UN and Red Cross outposts and compounds, schools, universities and government buildings, with the borders closed and no where in Gaza to seek refuge, "it was like shooting fish in a barrel." One thousand four hundred murdered with kill ratios of four-fifths being civilians (mostly women and children). For every Israeli citizen killed 100 Palestinian civilians were murdered.

Ehab Lotayef and David Heap report from aboard the Tahrir, shortly after they entered into international waters on November 2, 2011. In his video message, Lotayef explains: "The goal is to say that the blockade is inhumane and must end. We are not going to challenge Israel physically. We are a peaceful mission, committed to the safety of the Tahrir and the Irish boat as well." Filmed by fellow passenger, Michael Coleman.

The boat continued into international waters today, moving closer to Gaza. See a report back from PressTV here.

From the port of Agios Nicolaos on the island of Crete, Dylan Penner speaks to supporters of the Freedom Flotilla 2 - Stay Human who gathered at the Human Rights monument in Ottawa.

Dr. Mona Al Farra, physician and human rights activist, speaks on the effects of the blockade on women and children, and how the flotilla can help Gaza.

Palestinian blogger Rana Baker speaks on the effects of the blockade on women and children, and how the flotilla can help Gaza.

Aide, an International Solidarity Movement (ISM) volunteer, speaks about the effects of the blockade of Gaza and how the flotilla can help.

Watch parts 2 and 3.