Al Khodary: “Hope Ship will sail to Gaza on October 28”

Wednesday October 22, 2008 19:40 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC News

Palestinian Legislator and Head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege, Jamal Al Khodary, stated on Wednesday that a new ship will sail from Cyprus to Gaza on October 28.

In a press conference attended by several members of the committee, Al Khodary said that the new Hope ship that was supposed to sail last month but was obstructed by Israel, will be carrying on board several international supporters along with Arab member of Knesset, Jamal Zahalka, and Palestinian legislator Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi.

The ship will carry medicine donated to the Palestinian people, he added.

The ship will arrive in Gaza while European parliamentarians visit the coastal region.

Commenting on Israel's decision to seal all crossings leading to Gaza, Al Khodary said that this decision would be a death penalty for the residents of the impoverished and besieged Gaza Strip.

He added that the only operating crossing is Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) but at 15% capacity.

Al Khodary also stated that since the truce started four months ago, the crossings were closed for 37 days due to Israeli opposition and Jewish feasts.

He called on the residents to actively participate in the week-long activities as the Committee marks its first anniversary.

The activities aim at boosting all national and international efforts to counter the siege and expose its effects on the people and the economy.

Al Khodary said that these activities also aim at boosting the popular and official role in resisting the siege which violates international law and disregards all calls to end it.

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