Finnish ship SV
Estelle is seen during an operation off the southern Greek island of Gavdos,
south of Crete (AFP Photo / STR)
Source: Russia Today
Israel’s defense forces have boarded a ship attempting to
break through the Gaza blockade in “a peaceful operation.” The vessel was
carrying Palestinian activists, parliamentarians and humanitarian cargo, said a
mission spokesperson.
Israeli naval boats surrounded the SV Estelle’ 38
nautical miles from Gaza while it was still in international waters.
A spokesperson from the Israeli Department of Defense
said that they were forced to intervene after the vessel ignored numerous
warnings to change course and cooperate with the Israeli authorities.
"After the passengers ignored calls to change
course, the decision was made to board the vessel and lead it to the port of
Ashdod,” said the spokesperson, adding that no one was injured when the marines
seized control of the ship.
The organizers of the activist mission to Gaza announced
over the radio that their vessel had come under attack shortly after it was
approached by Israeli ships.
The activists are being transferred to Ashdod port where
they will be handed over to police custody and then on to the immigration
authorities. Previously, activists caught trying to break through the blockade
have been deported from Israel immediately.
The Finnish vessel was reportedly carrying 41 tonnes of
cement, books, toys, medical equipment and two olive trees.
A senior Defense Ministry official said that Israel was
well within its rights to “operate at sea to prevent the smuggling of arms
to terror organizations," reported Ynet. He denounced the activists
as "provocateurs who are drive by hatred for Israel" and
dismissed the “humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” maintaining “more
than 1,500 trucks carrying tons of goods enter Gaza each week through the land
crossings.”
In 2010, Israeli forces boarded a Turkish ship attempting
to force its way through the blockade. Soldiers killed nine activists, sparking
international outcry and condemnation from the UN for use of “excessive
force.”
The UN has called for the six-year blockade on Gaza to be
lifted on numerous occasions on the grounds that it represents “a denial of
basic human rights in contravention of international law.”
-------------------------------------------
Gaza bound ship attacked by Israel forces
Source: Al Jazeera
A ship carrying pro-Palestinian activists seeking to breach Israel's naval blockade on Gaza has "come under attack"
shortly after being approached by Israeli vessels, a spokeswoman said.
"The Estelle is now under attack - I have just had a message from them by phone," Victoria Strand, a Stockholm-based spokeswoman for the Ship to Gaza Sweden campaign told the AFP news agency on Saturday.
According to Dror Feiler, another spokesperson, the Estelle, whose passengers include five parliamentarians and a former Canadian politician, was attacked at around 08:15 GMT.
"Five or six military vessels surrounded the Estelle. Soldiers wearing masks are now trying to board the ship. The attack took place on international water: N31 26 E33 45," Feiler said.
The Israeli military confirmed that navy vessels were in the vicinity of the Estelle but denied the ship had been attacked or boarded.
"The Israeli navy has attempted to make initial contact with them, but they have not answered and nothing further has happened at this stage," a spokeswoman said.
Asked whether any attempt had been made to stop or board the Estelle, she said: "Not at the moment."
The Estelle, the latest ship to try to break Israel's blockade on Gaza as part of the 'Freedom Flotilla' movement, set sail from Naples in southern Italy.
Luigi de Magistris, the mayor of Naples, met with members of the crew during a visit to the Estelle in the city's port.
The Estelle, whose voyage is being organised by an international pro-Palestinian coalition, is carrying humanitarian goods to the Gaza Strip.
There are 17 activists from around the world on board, including passengers and crew from Canada, Israel, Norway, Sweden and the US.
shortly after being approached by Israeli vessels, a spokeswoman said.
"The Estelle is now under attack - I have just had a message from them by phone," Victoria Strand, a Stockholm-based spokeswoman for the Ship to Gaza Sweden campaign told the AFP news agency on Saturday.
According to Dror Feiler, another spokesperson, the Estelle, whose passengers include five parliamentarians and a former Canadian politician, was attacked at around 08:15 GMT.
"Five or six military vessels surrounded the Estelle. Soldiers wearing masks are now trying to board the ship. The attack took place on international water: N31 26 E33 45," Feiler said.
The Israeli military confirmed that navy vessels were in the vicinity of the Estelle but denied the ship had been attacked or boarded.
"The Israeli navy has attempted to make initial contact with them, but they have not answered and nothing further has happened at this stage," a spokeswoman said.
Asked whether any attempt had been made to stop or board the Estelle, she said: "Not at the moment."
The Estelle, the latest ship to try to break Israel's blockade on Gaza as part of the 'Freedom Flotilla' movement, set sail from Naples in southern Italy.
Luigi de Magistris, the mayor of Naples, met with members of the crew during a visit to the Estelle in the city's port.
The Estelle, whose voyage is being organised by an international pro-Palestinian coalition, is carrying humanitarian goods to the Gaza Strip.
There are 17 activists from around the world on board, including passengers and crew from Canada, Israel, Norway, Sweden and the US.
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