Iranian NGO to send aid ship to Gaza

An Iranian non-governmental organization has announced plans to send an aid ship to the blockaded Gaza Strip, calling on activists around the world to join.

In a Sunday statement, the Iranian Elite Research Center (IREC) condemned the May 31 attack by the Israeli navy on a Gaza-bound aid convoy in which 20 activists were killed.

“As an active organization in human rights issues… the IREC announces plans to send a humanitarian ship carrying relief supplies to the Gaza Strip,” the statement said.

“In line with this goal, we invite all human rights activists around the world to join the aid convoy.”

The statement adds that those willing to join the convoy may register online at irecngo.org.

Reports say that at least 100,000 people have so far registered.

The Iranian government has also announced that it will send aid convoys to the coastal sliver, which has been under a crippling Israeli siege since 2007.

Israel, in defiance of international calls, says it will not allow any ships to enter Gaza.