In line with Turkey’s new anti-Israel political position, Turkey has rejected an Israeli compromise offer seeking to prevent the Gaza flotilla set to arrive at the Gaza shore towards week’s end. The ten boats carrying hundreds of passengers, members of the international media, European parliamentarians and members of Israel’s left-wing community are planning to break the Israeli embargo on Gaza, hoping to deliver their humanitarian cargo.

Israel suggested that the humanitarian aid will be transferred to the Port of Ashdod, and from there taken to Gaza by UN representatives. Turkish officials rejected the offer, adding it is not responsible for the operation and therefore, is not empowered to halt it.

Israel is preparing to head off the boats and detain the hundreds of passengers, with the government remaining firm in its unwillingness to lift the embargo for as long as Gilad Shalit remains in Hamas custody. The offer was presented to Turkey’s ambassador by IDF Major-General Eitan Dangot, who serves as the coordinator of activities in PA areas.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)