By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Palestinian independent parliamentarian who leads a lobby against the blockade said on Tuesday that Israel has no right to block the way of boats heading for Gaza to challenge the siege which Israel imposes on the territory.
The two boats, carrying 40 human rights activists and journalists from 17 countries, left Cyprus this week and sailed towards Gaza. An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman said Israel will not allow the boats from sailing in its water.
But Jaamal al-Khoday, a Palestinian anti-siege activist, said “no one has the right to prevent the passing of a ship which sails as part of civil resistance.”
Israel imposed the blockade on the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip in June 2007 after Hamas routed forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and seized the control of the coastal Strip.
The closing of the crossings has left more than 200 patients dead and increased poverty and unemployment rates.
In June this year, Egypt brokered a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel to end the violence and ease the siege. The deal restored calmness but Hamas says the crossing points failed to open in line with the ceasefire deal.