Group in Gaza protest ship vows to start regular ferry service

Larnaca: International protesters who defied Israel's blockade of Gaza to aid Palestinians have arrived in Cyprus, pledging to make a return voyage.

Dozens of well-wishers greeted the 32 protesters and Palestinians at dockside of Larnaca port late on Friday. Each passenger was handed a red rose as he or she disembarked.

"It's opened the door to everything," said US-based Free Gaza Group organizer, American Paul Larudee.

He said the way is now clear to deliver humanitarian assistance and ferry people in and out. He said a boat loaded with medical supplies would make a trip back to Gaza.

Protester Derek Graham said the group wants to start a regular ferry service linking Gaza to the east Mediterranean island "to keep the borders open."

The two small boats sailed into Gaza last Saturday to protest Israel's yearlong blockade of Gaza.

Israeli officials said the decision to allow the boats to reach Gaza and then to sail back to Cyprus was an attempt to deny the protesters a propaganda victory.