In other Mideast news, a coalition of activist groups has announced it will try to break the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip with a fleet of eight ships next month. The Free Gaza Movement says over 600 passengers will attempt to reach the port of Gaza and deliver supplies barred under the Israeli blockade. The flagship vessel will depart from Ireland and will be named after the American peace activist Rachel Corrie, who was crushed to death by an Israeli military bulldozer in March 2003. Israel has stopped at least three Free Gaza sailings since January 2009. One Free Gaza ship almost sunk after being deliberately rammed by an Israeli vessel. Israel intercepted another ship in international waters and arrested all of its passengers. Another ship was forced to turn back after the Israeli navy threatened to shoot the civilian passengers on board.