Mercy mission sets sail after initial glitch

Dubai: The "Free Gaza Movement" resumed its sea voyage to Gaza - from Larnaca Port in Cyprus - after its initial attempt was delayed due to rough weather and mechanical problems.

The mercy mission is composed of journalists, parliamentary members, civil rights activists and doctors. Similarly, the group encountered further glitch after being informed that the Israeli government asked the Cypriot Port Authority to halt the ship's journey, the organiser of the Free Gaza Movement Huwaida Arraf revealed.

However, the ship, dubbed the "Spirit of Humanity," is expected to reach Gaza today. Along with 24 passengers, the vessel is carrying medical and food supplies. Doctors on board include Ali Dabbagh, a British-Palestine medic residing and working in Dubai as an eye specialist and surgeon at Dubai Healthcare City.

Humanitarian

Dabbagh took it upon himself to help and treat the people of Gaza following the humanitarian crisis occasioned by Israeli aggression against Gaza, which has seen the death toll soaring to more than 900. "My husband has my full support in whatever he decides to do," said Sana Dabbagh, the doctor's wife.

This is Free Gaza's second attempt to break through the blockade since Israel began attacking the Gaza Strip on December 27.

Between August and December 2008, the group successfully challenged the Israeli blockade five times.