Activist group announces it will hold voyage to Strip in one week similar to the one held in August, this time with MK Zahalka and a 'special package' in tow
Free Gaza organizer Greta Berlin said 29 protesters will sail from Cyprus on October 28 for the estimated 24-hour trip to the Strip.
Berlin said Wednesday the group has converted a fishing boat to safely ferry the protesters and a symbolic shipment of medical aid to Gaza.
Passengers will include Irish Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead McGuire, Palestinian Legislative Council member Mustafa Barghouti and MK Jamal Zahalka (Balad).
Following the movement's announcement, Zahalka said, "I have received an offer to participate in the voyage. It's something I am seriously considering, but my final decision will only be ready tomorrow or the day after."
Previous voyage sailed in August (Photo: Reuters)
Berlin said the protestors would be sailing in a fishing boat equipped with a "symbolic package" containing medical equipment and other aid for Palestinians living under siege, similarly to the previous voyages.
The organizer added that the voyage had been scheduled for September, but was postponed because the protestors did not want to arrive during the Ramadan.
Most recently, protesters sailed to Gaza in August on two boats to protest Israel's yearlong blockade of Gaza imposed after Hamas seized control of the Strip. The voyage was attended by 44 activists from 17 countries, including an American Holocaust survivor. The boats docked without IDF interference.
However even if no trouble is forthcoming upon their entrance into Gaza, activists can expect certain problems to arise on their way out of the territory. Following the previous sail, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's sister-in-law remained trapped in Gaza when both Israel and Egypt prevented her from crossing the borders.
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