Israel Matzav

SS Moonbat blocked by Cyprus

'Activists' from the 'Free Gaza' movement, including former US Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-Ga.), were held up by Cypriot authorities who insisted on inspecting their dinghies before letting them try to run a blockade and enter Gaza.

Department chief Sergios Sergiou said that a fishing boat and a small ferry that the Free Gaza Group were to use for the trip from Cyprus to Gaza had not undergone safety inspections which would take "at least a few days" to complete.

"It's a dangerous trip," Sergiou told the Associated Press. "The vessels must undergo a general inspection before they are allowed to go."

But Free Gaza Group spokesman Ramzi Kysia said that both vessels were allowed to sail from Cyprus during the group's previous attempts to reach Gaza.

The Free Gaza Group has already made five successful boat trips from Cyprus to Gaza since August 2008. Kysia said the fishing boat sailed to the Palestinian territory in August last year. The ferry set sail in January this year during Israel's three-week war in Gaza, but had to turn back a few hours into the trip after encountering mechanical problems.

Sergiou could not explain why the vessels were previously allowed to leave Cyprus.

The ship is carrying 15 tons of cement.

Maybe it will sink before it gets there.

Heh.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 8:35 PM