A Canadian ship trying to breach Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip has been intercepted by Israeli forces.
The Tahrir and another ship, both carrying medical aid and peace activists from nine countries including Canada, had left Turkey for Gaza on Wednesday.
Israel's military says its takeover of the two protest ships was peaceful and it will now tow the vessels to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Canadian Boat to Gaza organizer Denis Kosseim says activists lost communication with the Tahrir this morning and suspect that was when Israeli forces boarded the vessel.
Kosseim says the activists just want to "bring humanitarian aid and hope" to the people of Gaza and will keep trying to do so.
Israel has invited the activists to send aid over land and considers the boats a publicity stunt and provocation. A botched Israeli raid on a flotilla in 2010 ended with nine Turkish activists killed.
Kosseim says he hasn't heard from any of the three Canadians on board but hopes the takeover will remain peaceful.
Israel says its naval blockade of the Palestinian territory is vital to stop weapons reaching the Iran-backed Hamas militants who control Gaza. Critics say it amounts to collective punishment.
The Tahrir made a previous failed attempt to break the Israeli blockade this summer.
Ottawa has warned Canadians against all travel to Gaza, saying the security situation along the coast remains volatile.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has also said Canada can't protect Canadians who break the laws of another country. He urged those wishing to deliver aid to do so through "established channels."
The Tahrir and another ship, both carrying medical aid and peace activists from nine countries including Canada, had left Turkey for Gaza on Wednesday.
Israel's military says its takeover of the two protest ships was peaceful and it will now tow the vessels to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
Canadian Boat to Gaza organizer Denis Kosseim says activists lost communication with the Tahrir this morning and suspect that was when Israeli forces boarded the vessel.
Kosseim says the activists just want to "bring humanitarian aid and hope" to the people of Gaza and will keep trying to do so.
Israel has invited the activists to send aid over land and considers the boats a publicity stunt and provocation. A botched Israeli raid on a flotilla in 2010 ended with nine Turkish activists killed.
Kosseim says he hasn't heard from any of the three Canadians on board but hopes the takeover will remain peaceful.
Israel says its naval blockade of the Palestinian territory is vital to stop weapons reaching the Iran-backed Hamas militants who control Gaza. Critics say it amounts to collective punishment.
The Tahrir made a previous failed attempt to break the Israeli blockade this summer.
Ottawa has warned Canadians against all travel to Gaza, saying the security situation along the coast remains volatile.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has also said Canada can't protect Canadians who break the laws of another country. He urged those wishing to deliver aid to do so through "established channels."
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق