Israeli navy forces Free Gaza activists to return to Cyprus

The Free Gaza Movement boat “Arion”, which set sail Wednesday for the Gaza Strip to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians was forced in the morning hours by the Israeli navy to return to Cyprus.

The boat, carrying international peace activists, doctors and journalists, as well as four-member crew, is expected to return early in the evening to the Cypriot port of Larnaca, on the south coast.

In statements to CNA, Takis Patounas, from a travel agency representing “Arion”, said the boat was harassed by three Israeli ships, 92 nautical miles away from Larnaca.

He added that the Israeli navy detained the boat and “threatened to strike it if it attempted to continue its course to Gaza”.

After this incident, he continued, crew and activists decided to return to Larnaca.

''Arion'' attempted Monday as well to reach Gaza to deliver medical supplies but had to return to Larnaca due to technical failure.