Seattle protesters aim to block Israeli cargo ship over Gaza siege

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Seattle protesters aim to stop Israeli shipPalestinian rights activists in the Seattle area picketed the Port of Tacoma on Monday in an attempt to block a commercial Israeli cargo ship from unloading its merchandise.

The action follows a similar protest last week that managed to prevent the delivery of goods for days from a vessel seeking to dock in Oakland, California.

Block the Boat organizers said the ship, which is owned by Israel's Zim Shipping Services Ltd., one of the world’s largest container shipping companies, was schedule to arrive in the Port of Tacoma on Monday afternoon.

Activists planned to block dockworkers from entering the port and prevent the ship from unloading, said organizer Nada Elia, who spoke to Al Jazeera as Monday's action began.

"Our hope is to prevent the unload completely, but even if we just delay it we send the message we want," Elia said.

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