8 ships with supplies, activists sail toward blockaded Gaza, likely showdown with Israel
By APTuesday, May 25, 2010
8 ships with aid, activists head for sealed Gaza
JERUSALEM — Organizers say eight ships with 10,000 tons of supplies and hundreds of activists are heading for blockaded Gaza and a likely showdown with Israel’s navy.
Israel says it will block the vessels and has reportedly set up a detention center for the activists. The flotilla marks the most ambitious attempt yet to break Gaza’s blockade by sea.
Organizers said Tuesday that the vessels are sailing toward the southern Mediterranean from various ports and plan to meet near Cyprus on Friday. From there, they’ll sail together toward Gaza.
The ships carry goods including cement and other supplies. Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade after the Islamic militant Hamas seized Gaza in 2007. Israel says it is allowing enough humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza.
