Protesters stop Israeli ship from unloading at Port of Oakland in picket against blockade

Protesters at Port of Oakland picket Israeli ship

OAKLAND, Calif. — Hundreds of protesters condemning Israel’s recent raid on an international flotilla bound for Gaza are picketing at the Port of Oakland, where an Israeli ship is due to arrive.

The demonstrators gathered Sunday to prevent the incoming ship from being unloaded. The dock’s day shift of longshoremen agreed to not cross the picket line.

Meanwhile Sunday, Israel said it will immediately allow all goods into Gaza except weapons and items deemed to have a military use under its decision to ease its three-year-old blockade of the Palestinian territory.

Israeli officials had decided last week to ease the blockade under intense international pressure after the raid that killed nine pro-Palestinian activists.

Oakland police say there were no arrests Sunday.

Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, www.sfgate.com/chronicle