The Israeli Navy stopped the Gaza-bound flotilla ship Dignite al Karama from reaching the Strip Tuesday afternoon. The Israeli marines met no resistance by the activists.
Around 10:30 am, Israel Navy ships intercepted the French vessel, hailed it and informed it that is was nearing the Gaza blockade lines and must head to Ashdod Port or Egypt.
The Navy stressed that at any time prior to marines boarding the ship, it will allow the vessel to turn around and sail to another destination.
The ship refused to divert its course, prompting IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz to give the Navy the green light to board the vessel.
When the Dignite al Karama was about 12 nautical miles from Gaza, the military hailed in again and told the passengers to prepare for a “calm boarding.” Navy Chief Admiral Eliezer Marom oversaw the operation, which was reportedly over within minutes.
Navy sources said the takeover was uneventful and that the passengers were transferred to one of the naval ships participating in the mission, where a physician made sure they were in good health and they were provided with food and water.
The Navy will now escort the French vessel to Ashdod Port, where preparations are underway to process the activists and any goods they may be carrying with them. The Dignite al Karama previously said it was carrying passengers only.
(Source: YNET)
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4 Responses
Excellent!
“the passengers were transferred to one of the naval ships… where a physician made sure they were in good health and they were provided with food and water”
What for? Why shouldn’t they be in good health? And can’t they eat and drink their own food for such a short ride to port? Doesn’t make sense.
#2- it’s a PR thing, so that they can’t say “They wouldn’t even provide us with food” blah blah blah
#3 makes sense; but it won’t help. PR is a good thing and they should start using some in the media.