Blair's sister-in-law in Gaza protest

Blair: Sister-in-law protesting

Wednesday, 06, Aug 2008 05:12

Tony Blair will have to navigate his role as Middle East envoy particularly carefully this week as his sister-in-law Lauren Booth sails to the Gaza strip as part of a pro-Palestinian protest.

Around 40 activists are set to sail from Cyprus to Gaza in effort to break the Israeli blockade and deliver hearing aids to pupils in a deaf school.

Among them are Lauren Booth, and American nun and a Holocaust survivor.

The trip is being organised by American group Free Gaza. The Cypriot authorities have said they have no intention of preventing the boats' departure but the Israeli army is refusing from specifying exactly which course of action they will take, if any, to prevent the boats entering Gaza.

An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman said simply: "We are following developments."

Israel imposed its blockade of Gaza 13 months ago after hardline group Hamas took over the area.

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