The activists of the Free Gaza Movement with their actions illustrate how much Gaza remains an open air prison.
Ever since Israel withdrew unilaterally in 2005 it subjected the Strip to an ever increasing strangle hold. First it sabotaged the economic development of the Strip by making exports (like that of citrus to countries like the Netherlands) impossible. Then after Hamas was voted into power democratically (Jan. 2006) Israel put the Strip "on a diet", as Israeli government advisor Dov Weinglass announced in February 2006. The aim was to overthrow the Hamas government.
After a US inspired coup attempt mid 2007 the blockade became complete and is going on to this day.
Interestingly it appears that one of the reasons the ship of the Free Gaza Movement was stopped was that is was getting too close to an area in Gaza`s territorial waters, where the Israelis are prospecting for natural gas. |
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