The Israeli government has started deportation procedures for a group of pro-Palestinian activists who tried to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Authorities said several activists and journalists who had been on the boats were flying home Saturday. More than 20 other people still are being processed. Israeli forces intercepted the activists’ two ships in international […]
Israel Begins Deportation of Gaza Flotilla Activists
Israeli Forces Board Gaza-Bound Flotilla
Israeli forces have boarded two pro-Palestinian activist ships in international waters, as they were trying to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The Israeli defense forces spokesperson said in a statement that the boarding Friday was carried out in line with directives from the government after attempts to prevent the vessels from reaching Gaza were made. […]
Activists: Israeli Forces Board Pro-Palestinian Flotilla
Pro-Palestinian activists say Israeli naval forces are boarding their two ships in international waters, as they were trying to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza. Twitter accounts associated with the activist groups running the flotilla said Friday that Israeli forces were boarding their vessels. The reports came shortly after an Israeli defense forces spokesperson said on […]
Activists: Israeli Ships Intercept Pro-Palestinian Flotilla
Pro-Palestinian activists say that they have lost contact with their two ships trying to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, after Israeli navy vessels reportedly intercepted them in international waters. A spokeswoman for the activists told VOA Friday that two Israeli ships approached the boats Friday evening local time. The Israelis then asked the flotilla for […]
Activists: Israeli Ships Intercept Pro-Palestinian Flotilla
Pro-Palestinian activists say that they have lost contact with their two ships trying to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, after Israeli navy vessels reportedly intercepted them in international waters. A spokeswoman for the activists told VOA Friday that two Israeli ships approached the boats Friday evening local time. The Israelis then asked the flotilla for […]
A Look at the History of Israel’s Gaza Blockade
JUNE 2007: Hamas takes control of Gaza from the Fatah movement. Israel tightens restrictions on the flow of goods into the territory, citing concerns about Hamas militants gaining access to arms. Egypt seals its border crossing as well. JANUARY 2008: Thousands of Palestinians temporarily stream into Egypt after Hamas militants use explosives to blow up […]
Pro-Palestinian Activists Attempt to Break Israeli Blockade
Vessels carrying pro-Palestinian activists who are trying to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza are due to arrive in the region on Friday — a move that sets the stage for a confrontation with Israel. The 27 activists from countries including the U.S., Canada, and Ireland set sail from Turkey on Wednesday. They say their goal […]
U.S. Restores Funding of Gaza Aid Groups
The United States has restored funding to aid groups in the Gaza Strip, after the ruling Islamist group Hamas retracted its demand to scrutinize confidential documents about the groups’ work. Last week, USAID partner organizations stopped work after Hamas demanded to audit the books of international organizations. Compliance with that demand would have violated U.S. […]
Rocket Fired from Gaza Explodes in Israel, None Injured
Israeli officials say a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit southern Israel late Thursday. Officials say the rocket landed in an uninhabited portion of the Negev desert and did not cause any injuries or damage. At least five missiles or bombs have been launched from the Palestinian territory into Israel during the past week. […]
Hamas Executes 2 Gazans for Spying for Israel
The Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip have executed two Palestinians convicted of spying for Israel. Hamas officials say the men were hanged early Tuesday. Angry relatives of the condemned men burned tires and blocked a road in central Gaza in protest against the executions. The two men had appealed their convictions but lost the […]