Jordanians slam Greece over flotilla ban

Scores of Jordanians have held a rally in the capital Amman, to protest Greek government's ban on the departure of Gaza-bound "Freedom Flotilla II," carrying humanitarian relief aid for the impoverished sliver.

The protesters thronged in front of the Greek embassy in the Jordanian capital and condemned the Greek government's decision to prevent international flotilla II from leaving Greek waters for the Gaza Strip, DPA reported on Tuesday.

Greek authorities have banned vessels heading to the impoverished Gaza Strip from leaving ports in Greece.

Greece's Civil Protection Ministry said coast authorities have been instructed to take 'all appropriate measures' to enforce the ban.

“We are surprised to see Athens, known as the cradle of democracy and Western civilization, acts as a guard on behalf of the Zionist soldiers and seizes the boats which carry aid to the besieged children and women of Gaza,” said Mohammad Ababneh, the chairman of Jordan's Trade Unions Council.

Ababneh urged the Greek people to put pressure on their government to let the flotilla ships set sail for Gaza.

Greece seized the US "Audacity of Hope" on Friday, moments after it set sail for Gaza to break Israel's blockade of the Palestinian coastal enclave.

The ten-ship humanitarian flotilla gathered in various Greek ports and was supposed to set sail for the coastal sliver in early July in a bid to break Israel's five-year blockade on the territory.

The French "Dignite El Karameh" is so far the only boat in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla II to set off for Gaza from Greece.

Greece has recently expanded its relations with Israel and the two sides are currently holding preliminary talks on potential energy deals.

Greece's cash-strapped government is also currently seeking additional sources of overseas investment, possibly from Israel, to offset its financial crisis.

Israel's security cabinet has ordered the Israeli navy to use all possible means to prevent the incoming international aid flotilla from reaching the Gaza Strip, but the Gaza Freedom Flotilla II organizers insist that they will push ahead with their aid mission.

Some 1.5 million residents of Gaza are being denied their basic rights, including freedom of movement, the right to a decent standard of living, and proper employment, healthcare, and education.