Dozens of arrests as protestors mark anniversary of Gaza conflict

Dec 27, 2009, 13:16 GMT

Tel Aviv/Gaza - At least 20 demonstrators were arrested on Sunday as they attempted to enter the Gaza Strip from Israel to mark the first anniversary of the three-week conflict.

The 22-day war claimed around 1,400 Palestinian lives within the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, according to human rights organizations, and 13 Israelis.

According to Israeli police spokesman Mickey Rosenfeld, more than 20 protestors were arretsed at the border with Gaza, after a small riot broke out.

Israeli peace activist Haggai Matar said a total of 25 protestors had been arrested after they demanded entry to the blockaded Gaza Strip, and were refused.

The Gaza Strip has been subject to a three-year blockade by Israel, following the armed seizure of power by the militant Hamas.

According to Matar, the protestors carried ladders, and demanded the Israeli army commander allow them entry.

'He responded that he could not promise that fire would not be opened on the protestors. The protestors refused to evacuate the area and demanded to be allowed to break the siege or be arrested,' Matar said in a statement.

Meanwhile, a convoy of humanitarian aid led by the left-wing British parliamentarian George Galloway is stuck at the Jordanian Red Sea port of Aqaba, after Egypt apparently refused to allow the group entry.

The convoy comprises 210 trucks with supplies, accompanied by 450 activists from 17 countries, and was due to arrive at the Gaza border town of Rafah on Sunday.