JERUSALEM—A ship loaded with 2,000 tons of goods, including humanitarian aid and food, is bound for Gaza, according to the Libyan NGO sponsoring the ship.
The news comes at the same time as the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) was presented with a report on the ill-fated Gaza Flotilla last month, in which nine flotilla passengers were killed.
The Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation, based in Tripoli, said that a ship named Al-Amal left port in Athens on Saturday and is bound for Gaza. The organization says they “dispatched” the ship and expect it to reach Gaza by Tuesday. They also claim that there are a “number of peace activists on board.”
The ship is bearing the flag of Moldova.
Also on Saturday, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak called the ship a “Libyan provocation flotilla aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza.”
Barak reiterated the government position that humanitarian aid can be transferred to the Gaza Strip from the Port of Ashdod only after security checks.
“We will not allow weaponry, weapons, or war materials to find their way into Gaza,” said Barak on Saturday in a statement released by the Ministry of Defense.
The Israeli government is instructing the organizers of the ship to follow Israeli Navy ships to the Port of Ashdod or to go directly to the El-Arish port in Egypt upon arrival to the region.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Barak has been in contact with the Egyptian Intelligence Minister over the option of the ship docking at the Port of El-Arish.
Report on fatal flotilla operation
A summary of the report released on Monday regarding the deadly Gaza flotilla concluded that “had the process of preparation begun enough time in advance,” some of the fallout that occurred could have been avoided.
The conduct and performance of the commandos who boarded the ships in the Gaza Flotilla was described as “proper and fit” for performance engaged in battle.
A future need for better coordination between the IDF, the foreign ministry and other foreign affairs institutions was also emphasized if similar situations occur.
The report was prepared by an internal team lead by retired general Giora Eiland. The investigation focused largely on intelligence, Naval command, and the commando unit responsible for carrying out the operation.
The news comes at the same time as the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) was presented with a report on the ill-fated Gaza Flotilla last month, in which nine flotilla passengers were killed.
The Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation, based in Tripoli, said that a ship named Al-Amal left port in Athens on Saturday and is bound for Gaza. The organization says they “dispatched” the ship and expect it to reach Gaza by Tuesday. They also claim that there are a “number of peace activists on board.”
The ship is bearing the flag of Moldova.
Also on Saturday, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak called the ship a “Libyan provocation flotilla aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza.”
Barak reiterated the government position that humanitarian aid can be transferred to the Gaza Strip from the Port of Ashdod only after security checks.
“We will not allow weaponry, weapons, or war materials to find their way into Gaza,” said Barak on Saturday in a statement released by the Ministry of Defense.
The Israeli government is instructing the organizers of the ship to follow Israeli Navy ships to the Port of Ashdod or to go directly to the El-Arish port in Egypt upon arrival to the region.
According to the Ministry of Defense, Barak has been in contact with the Egyptian Intelligence Minister over the option of the ship docking at the Port of El-Arish.
Report on fatal flotilla operation
A summary of the report released on Monday regarding the deadly Gaza flotilla concluded that “had the process of preparation begun enough time in advance,” some of the fallout that occurred could have been avoided.
The conduct and performance of the commandos who boarded the ships in the Gaza Flotilla was described as “proper and fit” for performance engaged in battle.
A future need for better coordination between the IDF, the foreign ministry and other foreign affairs institutions was also emphasized if similar situations occur.
The report was prepared by an internal team lead by retired general Giora Eiland. The investigation focused largely on intelligence, Naval command, and the commando unit responsible for carrying out the operation.
