Despite recent reports that markets in Gaza were full and that the area was undergoing an economic revitalization, a group of 150 international anarchists is insisting on sailing to Gaza. The ship is to leave from Syria on Sunday, and among the crew are several anarchists who participated in the May Gaza flotilla from Turkey. Israeli defense officials are taking precautions to ensure that the ship is unable to approach Gaza, and that it is turned back without incident.

Meanwhile, the Mavi Marmara, one of the ships from the May flotilla that has been in Israeli custody since it was disarmed, is set to return to Turkey Sunday. A mass celebration is planned in Istanbul when the ship comes into port; it will be greeted by thousands of people, and hundreds of small craft will accompany it into port.