By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Palestinian official announced on Sunday that the “Free Gaza” vessel has already sailed and will arrive at Gaza shores on Wednesday or Thursday.
Jamal al-Khodary, chief of the Popular Committee Against the Siege told a rally held at Gaza City’s fishing harbor that “Free Gaza” ship will arrive at Gaza most probably on Wednesday or Thursday.
The “Free Gaza” vessel, which departed from Cyprus on August 5,is accompanied by another vessel carrying mass media men as well as peace activists, physicians and parliamentarians.
“The ship won’t return if the Israeli naval forces block it. It will continue sailing to Gaza, and if it is prevented by Israel, it will remain in the center of the sea,” said al-Khodary.
He added that “it is its right, we welcome it and the (Israel) occupation has no right to prevent it.”
The initiative was taken by Free Gaza Movement which comprises human rights activists, lawyers, journalists and peace activists. It aims to challenge the siege which Israel imposed on Gaza last year to isolate Hamas movement.
Israel, which controls Gaza borders, sea and air, vowed to prevent the vessel from entering Gaza waters.
However, al-Khodary said hundreds of Palestinians from all over Gaza Strip are ready to receive the ship either at Gaza fishing harbor or by sailing to meet them deep in the sea.
“When the ship arrives at Gaza to break the siege imposed on Gaza Strip, we want tens of thousands of people to come here and receive it,” said al-Khodary, adding that “200 people will ride on boats and go to receive the ship.