Israel Matzav

Israel monitoring flotilla

Israel's Navy is monitoring the two-boat flotilla that left Turkey earlier today, and for those wondering whether the Turkish navy is following, the answer for now is apparently no. The Turks may not have even known where they were going.

The activists told Turkish authorities that they are sailing towards the Greek island of Rhodes.

"We don't believe they are seeking violence. But the IDF is ready. The Navy is following developments. We won't allow them to enter," the source said. "We're not aware of any IHH presence," he added, referring to the radical Turkish group that arranged the 2010 flotilla to Gaza, which ended in deadly clash between activists and navy commandos.

The vessels will be allowed to dock in Ashdod, the source added.

Israel's naval closure is a fully legal measure to prevent the smuggling of arms to terror organizations in Gaza, and has been endorsed by the UN Palmer report, the official said.

The vessels are expected to approach the Israeli-Gazan area on Thursday night or Friday morning, but could hit rough seas, according to weather predictions.

Activists said that the boats were carrying "symbolic cargo," consisting of $30,000 in medicines as well as activists "committed to nonviolent defense of the flotilla and Palestinian human rights."

Hope the boats don't sink. Heh.

Labels: flotilla of fools, Gaza blockade, Gaza plenty, MV Saoirse

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 10:35 PM