Islam Times - Gaza to mark anniversary of Israeli attack on 'Mavi-Marmara'

Islam Times - As the 2nd anniversary of Israeli naval attack on the "Mavi-Marmara" draws near, more people visit this monument pillar at Gaza seaport to mark the occasion, and pay respect to the 9 Turkish activists who were killed by Israeli commandos. "Mavi-Marmara" - an aid ship bound for Gaza - was attacked in international waters on May 31st 2010.

Following that attack which drew wide international condemnation, Israel eased some restrictions and allowed more consumer goods but the economy in the seaside territory has not recovered yet as restrictions on exports and imports such as construction materials are still in place. The ongoing sea blockade also led to the collapse of the fishing industry, forcing Gazans to import frozen or fresh fish from the Egyptian side via tunnels.

With over 1.6 million population, Gaza is known as the world's largest open air prison. Currently two thirds of the Gazans are in need of aid assistances provided by International aid agencies and NGO's to make the ends meet.

Since the imposition of the siege on Gaza by Israel in 2007, many aid convoys as well as siege-breaking boats have arrived in Gaza bringing with them symbolic amounts of aid. Organizers say that these initiatives have highlighted the plight of the Gazans under siege; however Israel still maintains its tight grip on the coastal strip.