Author and professor Noam Chomsky made his first trip to the Gaza Strip over the weekend, appearing at an academic conference. During his visit, Chomsky said he was inspired at witnessing how Palestinians survive under Israeli occupation, and later expressed solidarity with the detained Estelle passengers seeking to break the blockade.

Noam Chomsky: “[My] main impression is how inspiring it is to see people living under extreme duress but nevertheless remaining vibrant, vigorous, active, hopeful, resilient, and continuing the struggle. … I should say that every time Israel stops a boat, that’s another blow to its diminishing legitimacy and another element of support both to the those who are resisting internally and to those who are opposing the policies outside, and sooner or later the wave will sweep over the barriers.”