The Free Gaza movement has in the past sent boats from Cypriot ports but the flotilla is not intending to use Cyprus as a staging point in any case. Cyprus (the southern half that is) is a key trading partner of Israel.
(Reuters) - Cyprus said on Thursday it had banned all sailings to Gaza, serving notice to any pro-Palestinian activists who might use the Mediterranean island as a springboard to challenge Israel's blockade of the territory.
Activists are planning to send an aid flotilla to Gaza from ports around Europe this month, defying warnings from Israel which has tight sea and land border controls around the enclave.
There had been no suggestion that Cyprus would be used for sailings, but the Mediterranean island was the launchpad for earlier voyages to Gaza which started in 2008. more
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