Egyptian officials say a Libyan ship which docked in one of its ports carrying aid supplies for Gaza is awaiting instructions before unloading.

The Egyptian government hopes the cargo can be transferred by land to the Palestinian territory. The ship’s captain is said to be waiting for orders from the charity headed by Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi’s son, which chartered the boat.

The Almathea headed for the port of El Arish after being intercepted by the Israeli navy which reportedly blocked it from sailing further east. Israel had warned that the ship would be escorted to Ashdod if it continued towards Gaza.

The pro-Palestinian activists say the ship, which left Greece last weekend, is carrying two thousand tonnes of food, cooking oil, medicines and pre-fabricated housing.

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