Israeli security estimates deduct that similar to previous flotilla attempts, the all-female ship is trying to generate publicity. Israel does not permit unauthorized breaches of the naval blockade off of the Gaza coastline, and Israel was yet to confirm whether the flotilla was transporting humanitarian aid. A security source said on Tuesday ‚there is no siege on Gaza. Israel sends between 800-1000 trucks with goods everyday. Anyone can send goods to the Gaza Strip on the condition that they pass a regulated check, therefore claims of a siege are baseless from the beginning.‘ The source added that ‚media »shows« like this will not help the Gaza Strip to recover.‘“
(Noam Amir: „IDF set to escort women’s flotilla away from Gaza coast on Wednesday“)
UPDATE: „A flotilla carrying 13 woman, which was bound for Gaza was intercepted by the Israeli Navy late Wednesday afternoon. The Zaytouna-Olivia, which set sail from Barcelona in September was seized by the Israeli Navy around 35 nautical miles off the coast of the Gaza Strip and towed to the Ashdod port with out incident the IDF said in a statement. The all-female ‚Women’s Boat to Gaza,‘ is part of larger movement of pro-Palestinian boats that periodically set sail to Gaza in an attempt to break the maritime blockade. There were no reported casualties or injuries.”
(Eliyahu Kamisher: „Israeli Navy intercepts Gaza-bound protest boat without incident“)
Mehr zum Thema auf Mena Watch: Frauenschiffe gegen Israel