Two boats carrying dozens of human rights activists and humanitarian aid arrived in the Gaza Strip on Saturday despite an Israeli naval blockade. Israel had earlier said the Free Gaza boats would not be allowed in. Passengers on board included Lauren Booth, sister-in-law of former British premier Tony Blair. The activists said they hoped their trip would help bring an end to the siege on Gaza.

Free Gaza Activist: “What can I say? We are so glad to be here. We are so happy to be here to be able to stand with you against the occupation. We have longed for so many, many months to arrive, and now it’s like a dream for us to meet you.”

Israel has imposed a strict blockade on Gaza for the past fourteen months. The Free Gaza group plans to spend ten days in Gaza and then, on its return voyage, bring ten Palestinian students to Cyprus. Israel has prevented the students from leaving Gaza to study abroad.