Pro-Palestinian activists say they are planning to send a new convoy of humanitarian aid ships to the Gaza Strip, a year after Israeli forces blocked the first convoy in a mission that left nine Turks dead.
Organizers said April 11 that more than 10 ships are expected to sail in late May in an effort to break Israel’s blockade of the territory. Passengers will include U.S., Canadian, British and French nationals, and include lawmakers and reporters.
Activists in Athens said they are determined to continue with the convoy, despite last May’s fatal raid on a Gaza-bound Turkish aid ship and the threat of new violence.
Israel eased its blockade under international pressure after the deaths. Israel imposed the blockade after Hamas militants seized control of Gaza in 2007, and still restricts some materials. — ap