Peace boats arrive in Gaza Strip despite Israeli blockade (2nd Roundup)

Aug 23, 2008, 15:34 GMT

The two boats of the Free Gaza protest group arrive from Cyprus, in Gaza City, 23 August 2008. Two boats carrying 46 pro-Palestinian peace activists arrived without incident in the Gaza Strip from Cyprus on 23 August, despite warnings from the Israelis. Thousands of Palestinians were on hand at the strip\'s fishing port to welcome the activists aboard the Free Gaza and the Liberty. EPA/MOHAMMED SABER

Gaza City - Two boats carrying 46 pro-Palestinian peace activists arrived without incident in the Gaza Strip from Cyprus Saturday, despite warnings from the Israelis.

Thousands of Palestinians were on hand at the strip's fishing port to welcome the activists aboard the Free Gaza and the Liberty, both flying the Greek flag.

Dozens of Palestinian boats accompanied the two vessels, which left Cyprus on Friday, into the port.

The small wooden boats were carrying international peace and human rights activists from the Free Gaza Movement, as well as medical supplies for children.

'The boats carry a humanitarian message against the harsh siege that has been imposed on Gaza for more than a year,' said Jamal al- Khodary, an independent Palestinian parliamentarian leading a lobby against the Israeli blockade.

Among those aboard the boats were an Israeli professor, an 81-year- old Catholic nun from the United States, and journalist Lauren Booth.

Booth is the sister-in-law of former British prime minister Tony Blair, who is currently the envoy for the Middle East Quartet, comprising the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia.

Israel, which controls the Strip's air, sea and borders, had threatened to prevent the boats from entering Gaza's territorial waters, seeing the trip as a provocation.

Israeli military radio said Saturday that the government of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert had reviewed its previous decision and decided to allow the boats to dock at the Gaza Strip as a one-off measure.

Israel has blocked access to the Gaza Strip since the militant Hamas group took power in June last year.