Israel and Egypt do not allow Blair's sister-in-law out of Gaza by land

Wednesday September 03, 2008 13:32 by Rami Almeghari - IMEMC & Agencies

Israel and Egypt continue to deny entry to some Free Gaza Movement members into Israel en route to their destinations abroad, after having spent several days in Gaza.

Laurn Booth, who is the sister-in-law to British envoy for the Middle East Quartet Committee, Tony Blair, along with two other activists, have until now been denied access to leave Gaza. They have been denied both through the Rafah crossing terminal controlled by Egypt in southern Gaza and the northern Gaza Strip checkpoint in Eritz controlled by Israel.

Booth has been one of 44 international human rights activists, aid workers and journalists who arrived in Gaza by sea last month in a bid to break the 14-month-old Israeli blockade of Gaza.

Booth was quoted as saying, "I tried through the proper channels, through the United Kingdoms' embassy, but I was told I was not allowed to come through."

The Israeli occupation authorities confirmed the ban of travel of these internationals, claiming that such people entered via sea.

"We were all turned back by the Egyptians," she said, adding that she had received no explanation but had "heard through contacts, Egypt was under pressure from Israel to act that way."

Booth said diplomatic efforts were still being made to permit her to leave, adding "thanks to Israel for letting us feel a real taste of Gazan life."

The Free Gaza Boat was able to arrive on the Gaza shores on August 23, after having completed two-year-long preparations in an attempt to break the Israeli siege of Gaza. Israel initially warned of preventing the boat's arrival, yet changed mind later on.

gaza strip | miscellaneous | news report rami at imemc dot org

Lauren Booth, recieving a diplomatic Palestinain passport from Palestinian Prime Minister of Hamas , Ismail Haniya, shortly before her boat left Gaza last Thursday (Rami Almeghari)