Gaza flotilla says Israeli vessels intimidated its boats as it nears blockade
Source: Latest News
The flotilla has raised tensions in recent days since it was attacked by drones, which dropped stun grenades and itching powder on the vessels, causing damage but no injuries. Israel did not comment on that attack, but has said it will use any means to prevent the boats from reaching Gaza, arguing that its naval blockade is legal as it battles Hamas militants in the coastal enclave.
Italy and Spain deployed naval ships to help with any rescue or humanitarian needs but have said they will not engage militarily. Turkish drones have also followed the boats. However, Italy and Spain said they would stop following the flotilla once it got within 278km of Gaza for safety reasons.
PAST ATTEMPTS TO DELIVER AID
At the press conference held by organisers on Wednesday, Francesca Albanese, the top UN expert on Palestinian rights, said any interception of the flotilla “would be yet another violation of international law, the law of the sea” since Israel had no legal jurisdiction on waters off Gaza.
Israel has imposed a naval blockade on Gaza since Hamas took control of the coastal enclave in 2007 and there have been several previous attempts by activists to deliver aid to Gaza by sea, both during the latest conflict and others. In 2010, nine activists were killed after Israeli soldiers boarded a flotilla of six ships manned by 700 pro-Palestinian militants from 50 countries.
In June this year, Israeli naval forces detained Thunberg and 11 crewmembers on a small ship organised by a pro-Palestinian group called the Freedom Flotilla Coalition as they approached Gaza.
Italy and Greece on Wednesday jointly called on Israel not to hurt the activists aboard and called on the flotilla to hand over the aid to the Catholic Church for indirect delivery to Gaza – a plea the flotilla has previously rejected.
The original article: belongs to Latest News .