While the Israel Navy in the past has stopped one or two vessels seeking to enter Gazan waters with humanitarian aid for the Hamas-controlled area, officials are now contemplating just how they will contend with 10 boats that will be arriving simultaneously, seeking to break Israel’s embargo on Gaza.

A KUNA reported carried by YWN-Israel a number of weeks ago indicated as many as 20 vessels may attempt to break the Gaza marine embargo. To maximize the pressure on Israel, in addition to the self-proclaimed humanitarian activists, the ships will also be carrying a number of political, media and parliamentary figures from a number of countries.

Officials have learned the vessels are scheduled to set sail for Gaza on May 3rd from Greece and Turkey. Pro-Hamas organizations in Europe are heavily involved in the effort, and estimates indicate there may be as many as 500 people on board the vessels. Undoubtedly, the event will be heavily covered by the international media.

In Jerusalem, officials have established a situation room to monitor the event, fearing it may become a marine intifada.

In another humanitarian move by Israel, while Gilad Shalit remains in Hamas custody, NIS 1.3 million in Bituach Leumi payments were sent to Gaza for 800 Gaza residents. Officials report the funds were transferred to Gaza residents who worked in Israel in the past and are therefore entitled to the payment. The payments were halted after Hamas assumed control of Gaza, but following consultations between officials in the Bank of Israel, treasury and Defense Ministry, arrangements were made to transfer the funds via a Ramallah bank.

Under the new arrangement, the PA (Palestinian Authority) will be responsible to see to it that the funds reach their intended recipients.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)