Thousands of Palestinians welcoming the Free Gaza and SS Liberty boats on August 23, 2008 coming from Cyprus to break Gaza siege (Photo: Xinhua)

Head of the People’s Committee against the Siege and Palestinian Legislative Council member Al Khudari issued a statement today indicating that Gaza is prepared for the arrival of the passengers.

He phoned Palestinian member of the Israeli Knesset Jamal Zahalka who will be sailing on the SS Hope along with Palestinian Legislative Council member and Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi. 

Al Khudari thanked them both for their participation in promoting “the unity of the homeland” in addition to bringing attention to the Gaza plight. Al Khudari said that a program has been prepared for Zahalka and Barghouthi to meet with Gaza government officials and factional representatives and to visit the Legislative Council. 

They will also visit closed factories, unemployed workers, see the situation for trapped students and medical patients, and view the affects of the embargo. Palestinian writer living in Britain Dr. Ibrahimi Al Hamami, Al Jazeera journalists, and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient are also expected to be on board.