Gaza – Ma’an - A spokesperson for the Popular Committee Against the Siege announced on Monday the creation of a first-of-its-kind Palestinian sea line connecting the Gaza Strip with Cyprus.
The head of the committee, Jamal Al-Khudari, said the plans are proof that the Israeli siege “has been broken.” He noted that seven Palestinians departed Gaza in August aboard the Free Gaza I and USS Liberty without exit permits from Israel or entrance visas for Cyprus.
And in what was perhaps the first such act since the Palestinian Authority (PA)’s founding, the Gazan “ports authority” marked each of the seven residents’ passports with exit stamps as they boarded the two ships.
Al-Khudari called their passage “a message for the Arab, Islamic and international world” that the Israeli siege had effectively ended.
Another activist, Kin Okeiv, said the group is finalizing the establishment of “Aloha Palestine Aloha,” the company that will operate the Gaza sea line.
Planning is underway for transferring “patients, students and stranded families” out of the Gaza Strip, he said.
But Okeiv emphasized that the international campaign is peaceful. “We are supporters of humanity and are against violence,” he said.
Okeiv did admit, however, that the plan is likely contrary to Israeli law, though he remained adamant that the new company “does not need Israeli approval. We have approval from the international community,” he said.
Israel does consider applications for docking permits, at least officially.
British journalist Lauren Booth announced that the port of Gaza “is now free to receive boats from all around the world.” She also said hundreds of thousands of dollars had been raised to fund the departure of interested Gazans.
Stranded in the coastal territory since her 23 August arrival on Free Gaza I, the new sea line could facilitate her own departure, as well.
Israel and Egypt separately refused her entry applications, which she called a violation of international law. Booth blamed “Israeli stubbornness” for isolating her in Gaza.
Incidentally, Booth is the sister-in-law of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
On Sunday, two unaffiliated organizations announced plans to send their own ships from Yemen and Cyprus within weeks. Both vessels are scheduled to depart for Gaza by the end of September, weather permitting.
