Organizers of Libyan charity expect Hope cargo ship to set out from Greece later Friday with 2,000 tons of aid and ‘a number of supporters’, according to AFP.

The son of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has organized a humanitarian boat to sail from Greece to the Gaza Strip in effort to break Israel’s naval blockade of the coastal territory, AFP reported on Friday.

The Gadhafi International Charity and Development Association headed Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi expects its Hope cargo ship to set out later Friday, organizers told AFP.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

The ship will carry “about 2,000 tons of humanitarian aid in the form of foodstuff and medications” and “a number of supporters who are keen on expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people in the plight amidst the siege imposed on Gaza,” organizers said.

Israel lifted its three-year land blockade of Gaza last month, following international pressure surrounding its May 31 naval raid of six-ship aid flotilla. Nine Turkish citizens were killed when Israeli commandos stormed their ship, leading to global calls on Israel to rescind its policy.

Another ship that set out days after that raid, the Rachel Corrie, agreed to Israel’s request to dock at the Ashkelon port. Israel had made clear prior to the flotilla incident that it would not allow ships to enter Gaza territory, and invited them to dock and unload their cargo in Ashkelon for subsequent transfer of goods to the Palestinians.

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount