80

ON CV STAR OF Bethlehem, Connie Blunt stands with her back to the bow, beyond which in the distance the low white buildings and glass towers of Tel Aviv’s long shoreline glimmer in the sunlight. From this far away, it could be any beachfront city on the Mediterranean.

“Damian, what viewers are seeing over my shoulder is Tel Aviv, known as the White City. It must be a happier city if, as I hope, news has reached its people that aid is less than two hours away. We can’t be sure, of course, because as CNN has reported Tel Aviv remains cut off from effective communication with the outside world. But as this brave aid flotilla draws closer, there’s no doubt...”