Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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December 1, 2008

Israel Turns Back Libyan Ship Carrying Aid Supplies to Gaza
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=20BD878:A6F02AD83191E16057D78D8A7D65D78AB3350E090FE6A6E8&
 
Officials say the ship, the Al Marwa, was carrying some 3,000 tons of
aid when it was stopped by the Israeli navy 
The Israeli navy has ordered a Libyan ship carrying humanitarian aid to
the Gaza Strip to turn back. Libyan workers load food and medical
supplies into Al Marwa boat under a giant Palestinian flag a day before
it sailed from Sabratha port to Gaza strip, 24 Nov 2008Officials say the
ship, the Al Marwa, was carrying some 3,000 tons of aid when it was
stopped by the Israeli navy. Israel says there was no physical
confrontation when it ordered the ship to turn around. Palestinian
officials say the ship is now sailing to the Egyptian port of El-Arish.
Gaza's borders have been largely sealed by Israel and Egypt following a
violent takeover by the militant Hamas last year. The blockade has been
stepped up in recent weeks due to a surge in border clashes between the
Israeli military and Palestinian militants.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.


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