As the boats docked in Gaza City’s tiny port, children swarmed around the vessels and leaped into the water in joy, while thousands of cheering people looked on from the shore

August 24, 2008 5:47 pm henrymunsonjr Gaza under Hamas, Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israel: Gaza blockade in place despite ships, Jerusalem Post, August 24, 2008

srael’s decision to allow two boats carrying international activists into Gaza’s port on Saturday was a “one-time” event and did not constitute a decision by the government to allow sea access to the blockaded Palestinian territory.

Israeli sources: Decision to allow boats into Gaza was an attempt to avoid PR show in sea

Carrying foreign activists from the US-based Free Gaza Movement, the two boats set sail from Cyprus on Friday and arrived in Gaza on Saturday. They received a warm welcome from thousands of jubilant Palestinians after a voyage marred by communications troubles and rough seas.

The 46 activists from 14 countries include an 81-year-old Catholic nun and Lauren Booth, the sister-in-law of Quartet Middle East envoy Tony Blair. The organizations participating in the Free Gaza movement include the International Solidarity Movement.

“In this media war, it was impossible for them [Israel] to win because they have no case for what they are doing to your port and to your borders,” Booth said.

As the boats docked in Gaza City’s tiny port, children swarmed around the vessels and leaped into the water in joy, while thousands of cheering people looked on from the shore. Palestinian flags on one of the boats snapped in the wind, activists waved to the crowd, and the slogan “End Occupation” was written in large letters on its side.

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