(segment of interview)
Joseph Dana: “I do fear for my safety in covering the flotilla but I believe this is an important international news story and with the information the Israeli government will be embedding its own journalists on Israeli navy ships as well as training IDF crews to photograph the passengers I believe it is of the upmost importance to provide both sides to the international press.
AJ: Do you fear another Mavi Marmara-style incidence? The reason I’m asking is because the uproar was so huge last time and I’m wondering if you think the Israel government will do it again basically?
Dana: I think that we have to take the statements of the Israeli government very seriously and the Israeli government has said it will use all and any diplomatic and military measures at its disposal to stop the flotilla ships from arriving in Gaza . I also think that the statements of the US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton that have basically green lighted any sort of military action against the flotilla are very serious and we have to prepare for the worst which could be a repeat of last years Mavi Marmara attack.
AJ: Could make it difficult for you personally couldn’t it? You’re going on an American ship is that right?
Dana: I am traveling on the American ship that’s correct.
AJ: OK, you’re on an American ship. You said your secretary of state has effectively green lighted any action against these ships. You’re an American-Israeli citizen. This is very big for you, difficult?
Dana: It’s absolutely difficult, I can’t reiterate the fact that I’m quite fearful for my own personal safety, specifically because I am a journalist. I intend to be using the social network platform Twitter from the ship as much as I can depending on whether the Israelis jams the satellite communications and so I feel I will be a target despite being clearly marked as press.
AJ: Interesting that the Israelis would choose to put a specific press warning this time on board the Mavi Marmara, I know I keep referring back to that but that is the benchmark now isn’t it. On board last time were all sorts of people they were human rights workers, there were just people who wanted to be part of it. This time specifically for journalists, why do you think ?
Dana: I think we’re seeing an absolute last ditch and paniced effort by the Israeli government to control the narrative of these flotilla ships. It’s well known that activists on board last years flotilla recorded all events that took place and Israel has confiscated and destroyed most of the footage and so I think the Israeli government specifically addressing journalists is sending a message to the international community that Israel is going to, at all costs, control the narrative and control the story of these flotilla ships. Now the fact journalists have not wavered I think is a good sign for the international media and press freedom.
..
Update: I urge everyone to follow Dana’s Twitter feed @ibnezra
