Balad chairman decides to join newest group of activists battling 'siege on Gaza' with boating tours from Cyprus to Strip. 'It's my duty as a politician to end this inhumane siege," he explains
An additional activist boat is preparing to set sail on Wednesday from Cyprus towards the Gaza Strip, this time with a member of Knesset on board. Chairman of the Balad Party, MK Jamal Zahalka, explained that "this journey is part of an opening of a naval passage to Gaza, which will constitute a doorway for the residents."
He added that "the siege on Gaza is a crime and the goal of the journey is to yell out to the world against this crime."
Previous Excursion
Leftists to sail for Gaza's freedom / Yael Levy
Peace activists from different countries to set sail towards Gaza from Cyprus in effort to break blockade. 'If we succeed in breaking siege once, more ships will come; a channel will open between Gaza and outside world,' says Israeli activist
The most recent anti-siege sailing event took place last August, when a boat of left-wing activists calling to end the siege on the Strip set sail from Cyprus. The activists were at first doubtful that they would be permitted to enter Israel's territorial waters, but the State did not prevent them from passing through.
This time, in order to raise global awareness for their mission, the activists decided to appeal to MK Zahalka to join them on the boat, to which the latter consented immediately.
"It is my duty as a politician who slaves away night and day against the siege, to board that boat and work towards ending this inhumane siege," he explained. "1.5 million people are currently being imprisoned. This is an insufferable situation and it's time to break the world's deafening silence on this issue."
Israeli citizens are legally prohibited from entering Gaza. Professor Jeff Halper, who entered the Strip on board the previous boat, was detained immediately upon attempting to cross into Israel. He was released on bail pending a possible trial, however Zahalka's parliamentary immunity would prevent him from undergoing similar treatment.
Other activists that have confirmed their passage on the boat include Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, a member of the Palestinian legislative council, and Irish Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire, who described the sail as a mission charged with the "hopes and wishes of many people around the world."
Also in attendance will be a number of doctors, who will disembark in order to distribute medication and aid in accordance with Gazan hospitals. The boat is scheduled to set sail from Larnaca on Wednesday, and reach Gaza one day later.
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