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Monday, May 31, 2010


The Perdana Global  Peace Organisation

Is Participating and Supporting

This FreeGaza Freedom Flotilla Mission




PRESS TV REPORTS - FREEDOM FLOTILLA ATTACKED



TUN DR.  MAHATHIR MOHAMAD CONDEMNS ISRAELI ATTACK ON GAZA AID FLOTILLA (31/5/10)



PUTRAJAYA, May 31 (Bernama) -- Perdana Global Peace Organisation  (PGPO) chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad condemned Israel's interception  of an aid flotilla bound for the blockaded Gaza Strip Monday.

"I feel very angry that the Israelis have used force against people  totally unarmed. I am sure the Israelis will say that these people are  carrying weapons. That is ridiculous," he told a media conference here.


Click to  read more ...


ISRAEL  THE ROGUE STATE - BY TUN DR. MAHATHIR MOHAMAD (31/5/10)

1. I am horrified at the violence employed by Israel to stop the  ships from carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza (read here). The ships  are in international waters, yet the arrogant Israelis do not care to  respect international laws and convention.

2. The claim that the people on the ships are carrying sharp objects is  ridiculous. Are they going to fight the well armed Israeli soldiers with  sharp objects?

3. Do Israeli soldiers shoot to kill people carrying sharp objects? The  act is most cowardly and deserving only of brutes, not civilised people.

4. What kind of world are we living in when it allows a rogue state to  use violence and killings against unarmed people on a mission of  charity.

Click  here to read more ...


PRIME  MINISTER OF MALAYSIA, DATUK SERI MOHD NAJIB TUN ABDUL RAZAK CONDEMNS IN  THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS THE BRUTAL AND INHUMANE ACTIONS OF THE TEL  AVIV REGIME AGAINST THE GAZA AID CONVOY - UMNO ONLINE (31/5/10)

Kuala Lumpur, 31 Mei – Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul  Razak hari ini mengutuk sekeras-kerasnya tindakan zalim dan tidak  perikemanusiaan yang telah dilakukan oleh rejim Tel Aviv terhadap misi  bantuan ke Gaza.

Serentak dengan itu, beliau berkata, Malaysia akan mengemukakan usul  sekatan antarabangsa terhadap Rejim Tel Aviv kerana tindakan kejam  tenteranya itu.

Menurut beliau tindakan tersebut menujukkan rejim Israel tidak  menghormati undang-undang antarabangsa kerana mengambil tindakan  ketenteraan ke atas konvoi misi bantuan kemanusiaan yang berada di  perairan antarabangsa.

“Atas nama kerajaan Malaysia dan seluruh rakyat Malaysia mengutuk  sekeras-kerasnya tindakan zalim tersebut yang jelas menunjukkan  kerakusan rejim Israel yang tidak menghormati undang-undang  antarabangsa.

Click to  read more ...



MALAYSIA  CONDEMNS ATTACK, URGES SECURITY COUNCIL TO CONVENE MEETING (31/5/10)

Malaysia on Monday condemned the attack by the Israeli defence force on  the Gaza humanitarian aid flotilla, which was sailing in international  waters, saying the act was "a serious breach of international law."

"Malaysia demands Israel to immediately cease its excessive and inhumane  treatment of the activists and calls for the immediate release of the  innocent people and the ships," Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman  said in a statement.

He also urged the United Nations Security Council to convene an  emergency meeting to consider action against Israel and to put pressure  on Israel to immediately lift the blockade on Gaza.

Anifah said the ministry "is closely monitoring the developments as we  have Malaysians onboard."

Click to  read more ...


REACTIONS  TO THE ISRAELI ATTACK ON FREEDOM FLOTILLA - THE PALESTINIAN CHRONICLE  (31/5/10)

Greta Berlin, Free Gaza Movement Spokesperson: "It's  disgusting that they have come on board and attacked civilians. We are  civilians. How could the Israeli military attack civilians like this? Do  they think that because they can attack Palestinians indiscriminately  they can attack anyone?" (BBC)

Navi Pillay, The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights:  "I am shocked by reports that humanitarian aid was met with violence  early this morning, reportedly causing death and injury as the boat  convoy approached the Gaza coast .. the [Gaza] blockade keeps  undermining human rights on a daily basis .. The current situation falls  far short of what is necessary for the population to lead normal and  dignified lives." (Press TV)

Amr Moussa, Arab League Secretary-General: "The Arab League  strongly condemns this terrorist act." (BBC)

Ismail Haniyeh, democratically-elected Prime Minister of Palestine:  "The Palestinian government honors the convoy's effort to break the  siege. We consider all of the killed as Palestinian martyrs, martyrs of  the siege on Gaza." (Press TV)

Ayman Mohyeldin, Al Jazeera's reporter in Jerusalem: "All the images  being shown from the activists on board those ships show clearly that  they were civilians and peaceful in nature, with medical supplies on  board. So it will surprise many in the international community to learn  what could have possibly led to this type of confrontation." (Aljazeera)

Turkish Foreign Ministry: "(The interception on the convoy) is  unacceptable ... Israel will have to endure the consequences of this  behavior." (Agencies and Aljazeera)

Senior UN Officials Report Serry and Filippo Grandi: "We are  shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on board boats  carrying supplies for Gaza, apparently in international waters. We  condemn the violence and call for it to stop. The situation is still  ongoing and we are awaiting confirmation of what has happened. We wish  to make clear that such tragedies are entirely avoidable if Israel heeds  the repeated calls of the international community to end its  counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of Gaza." (BBC)

Ramzy Baroud, Palestinian-US journalist and author of My Father was a  Freedom Fighter, Gaza's Untold Story: "What Israel has done tonight  is most barbaric. It's an unmitigated crime against humanity and no one  with a living conscious and a shred of humanity can stand idle as a  sophisticated army attacks and slaughters international peace activists  carrying medicine and toys while on their way to supporting a besieged  nation. However, the murder of those activists, and the wounding and the  arrest of hundreds will forever cement the ties between Palestine and  international peace and justice forces the world over. Starting tonight,  this conflict is no longer Israel vs. Palestine, but a criminal state  vs. humanity." (PalestineChronicle.com)

Uri Avnery, Israeli journalist: "This night a crime was perpetrated  in the middle of the sea, by order of the government of Israel and the  IDF Command A warlike attack against aid ships and deadly shooting at  peace and humanitarian aid activists It is a crazy thing that only a  government that crossed all red lines can do." (Gush Shalom)

Mahmoud Abbas, acting Palestinian President: "What Israel has  committed on board the Freedom Flotilla was a massacre." (Wafa news  agency)

A spokesperson for Catherine Ashton, EU foreign policy chief: the  official "expresses her deep regret at the news of loss of life and  violence and extends her sympathies to families of the dead and wounded.  On behalf of the European Union she demands a full inquiry about the  circumstances in which this happened. ... She calls for an immediate,  sustained and unconditional opening of the crossing for the flow of  humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza."  (Associated Press)

Sami Abu Zuhri, Hamas's Spokesman: "We in Hamas consider the  Israeli attack on the freedom flotilla as a great crime and a huge  violation of international law. In spite of the great harm suffered by  the people who joined this flotilla, we consider that their message has  been delivered. Thanks to these heroes from other countries who showed  their solidarity with Gaza, the Israeli siege is now an international  issue and we consider that the occupiers, through this crime, are the  ones under siege now." (BBC)

Bernard Kouchner, French Foreign Minister: "I am profoundly  shocked by the tragic consequences of the Israeli military operation  against the peace flotilla for Gaza. Nothing can justify the use of  violence such as this, which we condemn. The circumstances of this drama  must be fully brought to light and we wish for a thorough inquiry to be  put in place without delay." (BBC)

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran: "The inhuman action of  the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people and preventing the  humanitarian aid from reaching Gazans does not show this regime's  strength, but is a sign of its weakness, and all this brings this  sinister and fake regime closer than ever to its end." (BBC)

Turkish protesters: "Down with Zionist, Israeli imperialism."  (The Guardian)



16  KILLED IN ISRAELI ATTACK ON AID FLOTILLA - NEW STRAITS TIMES (31/5/10)



ANTI-ISRAELI SENTIMENTS SWELL UP AFTER ATTACK...
A demonstrator waves a Palestinian flag during a protest against Israel  in front of the Israeli consulate in Istanbul  May 31, 2010. At least 10  activists were killed in an Israeli naval takeover on Monday
of a Gaza-bound aid convoy, an Israeli military spokesman said.
-- Picture by REUTERS/Osman Orsal




TWO  MALAYSIANS ON BOARD AID SHIP ATTACKED BY ISRAELI WARSHIP - THE STAR  (31/5/10)




KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are on board one of the convoy of six ships  carrying aid to blockaded Gaza that was attacked by an Israeli warship  on Monday, killing 15 people and injuring many more.

The two Malaysians are journalist Ashwad Ismail and cameraman Shamsul  Kamal Latip from Astro Awani, who are on board the lead Turkish ship  Mavi Marmara that was boarded by Israeli commandos.

It is still uncertain if the Malaysians are among the dead or injured,  said a senior Astro Awani source.

"We were on satellite phone contact but have not been in touch since  last evening," he said, adding that they were trying desperately to  establish contact.

Six other Malaysians, lawyer Matthias Chang, journalist Shamsul Akmar,  Parit MP Nizar Zakaria, activist Ahmad Faizal Azumu, TV 3 crew members  Halim Mohamed and Jufri Junid, who are on another ship Rachel Corrie  coming from Cyprus, were safe, according to a statement by NGO Perdana  Global Peace Organisation.

Click  here to read more ...


ISRAEL  ATTACKS GAZA AID FLEET – AL-JAZEERA (31/5/10)



Israeli forces have attacked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships aiming to  break the country's siege on Gaza.

More than 10 people were killed and dozens injured when troops  intercepted the convoy of ships dubbed the Freedom Flotilla early on  Monday, the Israeli military said.

The Israeli Army Radio had earlier said that up to 16 people had been  killed.

The flotilla was attacked in international waters, 65km off the Gaza  coast.

Click  here to read more ...


ISRAELI  SOLDIER ON BOARD THE IHH SHIP. PRESS TV REPORTS AT LEAST 10 HAVE BEEN  KILLED - PERDANA GLOBAL PEACE ORGANISATION (31/5/10)


Perdana Global Peace Organisation Delegation Safe

Kuala Lumpur, May 31 2010 – The Perdana Global Peace Organisation (PGPO)   delegation on board the Rachel Corrie comprising Member of Parliament,   Nizar Zakaria, PGPO members Shamsul Akmar, Matthias Chang and Ahmad   Faizal Azumu as well as Halim Mohamed and Jufri Junid, two press members   from TV3 are safe and are currently 1000 miles of the coast of Gaza.

The delegation has been informed of the brutal attacks on the Turkish   vessel by the Israeli navy this morning where 10 people have been   reported dead. The delegation will continue to proceed on their voyage   and have given assurances that they will return to Cyprus if there are   warnings by the Israeli navy to do so.

The Rachel Corrie which is carrying much needed humanitarian aid for   Gaza also has on board Nobel Prize Laureate Mairead Maguire, former UN   Assistant Secretary General Denis Halliday and documentary film maker   Fiona Thompson. Two Free Gaza Movement representatives Derek Graham and   Jenny Graham are also on board.

Click  here to read more ...


MAVI  MARMARA ATTACKED, 16 DIED - BIGDOGDOTCOM (31/5/10)




Freedom Flotilla which sailed from Turkey carrying activists, aid  workers and basic aid for the war stricken Gazans was attacked by  Israeli Defense Forces this morning. IDF gunships opened fire on the non  combattant liner which houses 800 activists and aid workers ranging  from 1 year old to 80 year before full battle fatigue Israeli commandos  boarded Mavi Marmara in open international waters.
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By Gregg Carlstrom in on May 31st, 2010
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Turkish protesters in Istanbul wave Palestinian flags. (Photo: AFP)

We'll be live-blogging the latest updates following Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, including international reaction, photos and video.
Early Monday morning, Israel attacked a flotilla of aid ships bound for the Gaza Strip; at least 19 people were killed in the pre-dawn raid, according to organisers and media sources.
We'll be live-blogging the aftermath of this incident throughout the day; keep checking back for international reaction, news from our correspondents on the ground, photos and video. (All times are GMT, except where noted.)
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3:13pm: Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's prime minister, has described the flotilla attack as "state terrorism."
3:00pm: Four of the flotilla's six boats have now docked in Ashdod, according to Al Jazeera's Sherine Tadros. Still no word from any of the passengers on board.
2:56pm: Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu had been scheduled to hold a press conference in Canada at 3pm GMT (just a few minutes from now). That press conference has been abruptly canceled; Netanyahu's staff says he's leaving early to return to Israel.
Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has officially scheduled a meeting to discuss the flotilla attack. It will start at 1pm local time (5pm GMT).
Palestinians throw stones in Jerusalem [AFP]
2:48pm: Global Voices Online is doing a good job rounding up blog and Twitter reactions to the flotilla attack. You notice quickly -- from GV's summary, or from following the #flotilla hashtag on Twitter -- that this story has become a galvanizing issue for many people.
Marc Lynch, a professor at George Washington University - writing in his Foreign Policy blog - notes that the global outcry over the attack will force the Obama administration to react.
I'll just say that the bottom line for Washington is that the U.S. can not ignore this or try to hope that it will pass quickly so that it can resume business as usual. It is rapidly spiraling into one of the most intensely galvanizing issues in the Arab media -- and around the world -- since the Israeli war on Gaza itself. If Obama goes ahead and meets with Netanyahu as if nothing happened, then his administration's outreach to the Muslim communities of the world is effectively over.
The White House has not exactly rushed to comment on the flotilla attack. We reported a brief one-sentence statement this morning (see 11:51am post); that's all we've heard so far.
(Netanyahu, we should note, announced about 30 minutes ago that he will not visit Washington as planned tomorrow.)
2:34pm: In addition to the Israeli army's official statement and video (see 1:59pm update), several Israeli military journalists are also publishing accounts of the raid.
Ha'aretz quotes Israeli commandos who describe the landing as a "lynching"; Ron Ben Yishai, Yedioth Ahronoth's military correspondent, calls it a "brutal ambush at sea."
Navy commandoes slid down to the vessel one by one, yet then the unexpected occurred: The passengers that awaited them on the deck pulled out bats, clubs, and slingshots with glass marbles, assaulting each soldier as he disembarked. The fighters were nabbed one by one and were beaten up badly, yet they attempted to fight back.
The sourcing on these reports is unclear -- was Yishai traveling with the commandos? were the Ha'aretz correspondents? -- so it's hard to tell whether these reports are based on any first-hand observation, or merely official statements from the defence ministry.
2:29pm: Salam Fayyad, the Palestinian prime minister, told Al Jazeera that the "most appropriate response" to Israel's attack on the flotilla would be for Hamas and Fatah to put aside their differences and sign a reconciliation deal.
The government condemns this crime, which reflects Israel’s disregard of international law and customs. It also reveals the urgent need to putting an end to the hostile policies of the Israeli government, starting with the unconditional lifting of the unjust siege on the Gaza Strip.
2:20pm: Avigdor Lieberman, Israel's foreign minister, says he spoke this afternoon with several of his counterparts, including EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle.
The statement is quite mocking of the activists on the flotilla, referring to them as "human rights knights" - not a title they ever appropriated for themselves - and dismissing them as "terror-supporters and anarchists."
2:09pm: Netanyahu has canceled his scheduled trip to Washington - he was supposed to meet with Obama tomorrow - and plans to return to Jerusalem.
1:59pm: The Israeli army has released its first official version of today's events, including an aerial video of the first commandos landing on the Mavi Marmara. The IDF statement says the commandos "first employed riot dispersal means, followed by live fire."

The video does clearly show activists attacking several of the soldiers landing on the ship. One of them is thrown from the upper deck of the ship to the lower deck; another is attacked with some kind of metal pole.
But a few caveats: The video is grainy and sometimes hard to decipher, because it was shot at a distance. The text overlaid on the video influences your perception (as one Israeli journalist just remarked, "it helpfully explain[s] what you're supposed to see").
And, of course, the clip only contains the footage the IDF wanted to release; we don't know what happened before or after this 60 seconds of video.
1:50pm: As per Lebanon's request (see our 11:18am update), the United Nations Security Council will meet this afternoon to discuss the flotilla attack. No exact time yet for the meeting.
1:50pm: As per Lebanon's request (see our 11:18am update), the United Nations Security Council will meet this afternoon to discuss the flotilla attack. No exact time yet for the meeting.
1:35pm: A group of Israeli activists affiliated with Hadash - the Jewish-Arab socialist party - is planning a rally tonight in front of the defence ministry building in Tel Aviv.
"The violent takeover of the Flotilla expresses the government's lost path, pushing it to acts of madness, killing and political suicide," the group wrote in a Facebook announcement about the rally.
12:50pm: Careful wording from Catherine Ashton, the European Union foreign policy chief, who said she "deeply regrets the loss of life as a result of the Israeli military operation."
The EU strongly condemns any acts of violence and deplores any excessive use of force. In this regard, on behalf of the EU, the High Representative is requesting a full immediate enquiry by the Israeli authorities.
Her language is a bit hedged, similar to the brief White House statement we copied earlier: Ashton doesn't specifically call the flotilla attack an "excessive use of force."
Ashton also calls the continued "policy of closure of Gaza" unacceptable and "politically counterproductive."
12:42pm: Amnesty International just issued a statement -- its latest of many -- demanding Israel end the Gaza blockade; it also called for a full investigation into the flotilla attack.
"Israeli forces appear clearly to have used excessive force," said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International’s director for the Middle East and North Africa. "Israel says its forces acted in self-defence, alleging that they were attacked by protestors, but it begs credibility that the level of lethal force used by Israeli troops could have been justified. It appears to have been out of all proportion to any threat posed."
The group called on Israel to reveal the rules of engagement it issued to its commandos.
12:38pm: Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu spoke this afternoon with defence minister Ehud Barak, army chief of staff Lt Gen Gabi Ashkenazi, and several other Israeli officials, according to a statement from Netanyahu's office.
The prime minister "reiterated his full backing for the IDF."
Netanyahu is currently in Canada, where he's been traveling for the last few days. He's expected to issue a longer statement to the press this afternoon.
12:30pm: The flotilla story continues to command a lot of attention in the regional media, not just in the Arabic press, but also in Turkey.
Hurriyet, one of Turkey's largest-circulation newspapers, has basically given over its entire homepage to flotilla coverage, with several stories about the diplomatic fallout, prime minister Erdogan's reaction, protests in Istanbul and more.
11:51am: Bill Burton, a spokesman for the White House, issued a very short statement this morning from Chicago, where President Obama is spending the weekend:
The United States deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained, and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
The US is just waking up; I'm sure we'll see a longer White House statement today, plus further reactions from members of Congress, lobbying groups and other organizations. Remember, though, that this is a holiday weekend in the US -- today is Memorial Day -- so this story might receive less attention than it ordinarily would.
11:28am: Nabil al-Sharif, Jordan's minister of communication and media affairs, gave a statement to reporters a few minutes ago; he called the Israeli attack an "ugly, unacceptable crime."
Jordan is very concerned, and is following up on the fate of its 25 passengers aboard the flotilla, and holds Israel completely accountable and responsible for any harm caused to the Jordanians on board.
Jordan calls on the international community to take firm and immediate action to pressure Israel to lift its siege on Gaza.
A few other reactions: A spokesman for German chancellor Angela Merkel said that, at first glance, the raid does not appear "proportional," which would make it a violation of international law; Britain's foreign secretary, William Hague, said there was a "clear need for Israel to act with restraint"; South Africa condemned the attacks; and Austria's foreign ministry has summoned the Israeli ambassador.
11:18am: Lebanon's foreign minister, Ali al-Shami, said a few moments ago that his government will ask the UN Security Council to condemn the Israeli attack.
Protesters in Amman, Jordan [AFP]
Lebanon currently holds the rotating presidency of the council -- but that presidency expires at the end of May.
11:15am: The Egyptian foreign ministry has summoned Israel's ambassador to Egypt, according to Egyptian state television.
11:11am: Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations secretary-general, called for a full investigation of the flotilla attack during a press conference today in Kampala, Uganda.
It is vital that there is a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place. I believe Israel must urgently provide a full explanation.
Other UN officials have offered harsher statements: Robert Serry, the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, and Filippo Grandi, the commissioner-general of UNRWA, said they were "shocked" by the attack and "condemn[ed] the violence."
11:06am: Turkey's prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is cutting short an official visit to Latin America to return to Turkey.
11:03am: The Palestinian Ma'an News Agency is reporting (in Arabic) clashes between "Palestinian youths" and Israeli soldiers in Jerusalem's Old City; one soldier was lightly wounded in the fighting, according to Ma'an. Shopkeepers in the Old City are reportedly closing their businesses in protest of the Israeli attack on the flotilla.
There have also been other scattered demonstrations throughout the West Bank, including one in Nablus, according to Palestinian media reports.
10:59am: Al Jazeera's Sherine Tadros, reporting from Ashdod, just tweeted that a second boat from the flotilla is approaching the port (the first one arrived about an hour ago).
10:57am: Israel's National Security Counter-Terrorism Bureau just issued a travel warning for Turkey, warning of the threat of "violent outbreaks" against Israeli citizens traveling there.
It advises Israelis to postpone any trips to Turkey; for Israelis currently in Turkey, it recommends that they "should remain in their places of residence, avoid city centers and sites in which demonstrations are being held, and monitor developments out of concern that the situation could worsen."
10:53am: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the emir of Qatar, was one of the first Arab leaders to condemn the attack; he called it an "act of piracy" in a speech earlier this morning.
Before I conclude I must briefly refer to what happened this morning: The Israeli act of piracy against Arab and foreign activists, who tried to break a non-humanitarian, unjust siege imposed on our fellow citizens in the Gaza Strip, [imposed] for no reason but [that] they exercised their democratic right of choice. The crimes perpetrated this morning against the civilians supporting the Palestinians remind us of the unjust siege, the open bleeding wound in the [Gaza] Strip. All those who preach freedom, justice and democracy are required now to move, and to act to break this siege, so the blood of these free men does not go down the drain. This is a message addressed to the Arab states, who were brought to the moment of justice by those free men on board."
10:48am: The BBC is reporting that the Greek government canceled joint military exercises with Israel in protest over the attack.
Protesters in Nablus [AFP]
Turkey's deputy prime minister announced a few moments ago that Turkey, too, is canceling joint drills with Israel.
10:43am: We're still trying to track down information about today's victims (various reports now put the death toll between 16 and 20).
We do know that the majority of the people on board the ships were Turkish. The passengers also include people from Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Norway, Palestine, Serbia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
At least three of the German passengers were members of parliament.
10:38am: The Los Angeles Times is reporting a crowd of roughly 10,000 demonstrators in Istanbul today; they marched from the Israeli consulate to Taksim Square.
Turkish media, meanwhile, are reporting that the foreign ministry recalled Turkey's ambassador to Israel.
10:32am: The Egyptian foreign ministry issued a statement condemning the flotilla attack, according to Al Jazeera's Amr El-Kahky, who sends this note from Cairo summarizing the statement.
The spokesman sent his condolences for the families of the victims. He added that such actions remind the world that Gaza is still entirely under occupation calling for the immediate lifting of the blockade. He vowed that Egypt will continue to ease the suffering of Gazans by allowing more individual passage to and from the coastal strip and making sure aid heading for Gaza is delivered to the beseiged Palestinians.
The Egyptian government temporarily opened the Rafah border crossing with Gaza earlier this month, but it generally maintains tight controls over the movement of people and goods.
Jordan's government is expected to issue a formal statement in about a half-hour.
10:10am: We're hearing from Iraq that Moqtada al-Sadr has called for a large anti-Israel rally across from the Green Zone in Baghdad. The rally is scheduled to start around 5pm local time (2pm GMT).
10:04am: Raed Salah, a senior member of the Islamic Movement in Israel, was reportedly seriously wounded during the attack, and is being treated in a hospital in Israel.
Salah's deputy, Sheikh Kamel Khatib, told an Israeli radio station that Israel would be "directly responsible" if Salah was killed.
9:53am: More international condemnation continues to roll in:
  • Pakistan's foreign ministry issued a statement that "strongly condemns the use of brazen force by Israel."
  • The Jordanian foreign ministry has summoned the Israeli charge d'affaires, the ranking official at the Israeli embassy in Amman.
  • Saeb Erekat, the chief negotiator from the Palestinian Authority, called the Israeli attack "a war crime."
9:14am: The Stop the War Coalition and several other organisations are planning a rally this afternoon at 2pm local time (1pm GMT) outside the UK prime minister's residence.
8:59am: I just spoke with Greta Berlin, one of the flotilla's organisers, who said her organisation (the Free Gaza Movement) has had no contact with the passengers and crew on board the ships since they were attacked.
Berlin also strongly rejected the Israel's claim that the activists were the first ones to start shooting. She said there were no weapons on board the boats, and that any violence from the activists would have been in self-defense:
People certainly have the right to resist if they're being attacked. We taught our Free Gaza Movement people to be non-violent, and the Turks did the same, but if anyone resisted, it was in response to soldiers opening fire on them when they hit the deck.
Berlin also said organisers are still hoping to launch a second flotilla of boats, most of which remain at port in Cyprus.
We need to find out where the passengers are, where the crews are... and then we need to assess - we split up our flotilla, we have a second set of boats.
But Berlin said she didn't know when that second launch would happen; she expects it will be several days until everyone on board the first flotilla is accounted for.
8:43am: A statement from Saad Hariri, the Lebanese prime minister, who called the attack "dangerous and crazy":
The Israeli attack on the aid convoy is a dangerous and crazy step that will exacerbate tensions in the region.
Lebanon firmly denounces this attack and calls on the international community, notably major powers... to take action in order to end this continued violation of human rights and threat to international peace.
8:31am: Spain's foreign ministry has also summoned the Israeli ambassador for questioning. And Bernard Kouchner, the French foreign minister, described himself as "profoundly shocked" over the attack.
8:24am: An observation: We've heard a lot from the Israeli army, the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, the European Union, and a number of other governments.
The one party we haven't heard from in the last few hours is the organisers of the flotilla. Obviously it's impossible to reach those activists who were on board; and I haven't been able to reach their on-shore counterparts. The group's Web site hasn't been updated in the last few hours.
8:17am: This video, a report from Iran's state-run English-language Press TV network, shows a large crowd of protesters gathered outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul this morning.
8:05am: Turkish media are reporting protests throughout the country, particularly in Istanbul (several of the ships, and many of the activists on board, are Turkish). 300 people tried to storm the Turkish consulate in Istanbul early this morning; a larger protest is planned for 12:30 local time (9:30GMT).
"Massive" security is reported around the Israeli embassy in Ankara, and around the residence of Gaby Levy, the Israeli ambassador.
There are also reports of a small demonstration outside the US consulate in Adana, a city in southern Turkey.
7:53am: A few more international reactions:
  • The European Union has called for an inquiry into the attack. Individual European governments are also starting to issue statements: Sweden's foreign minister, Carl Bildt, said his government summoned the Israeli ambassador "to get information."
  • The Syrian government has called for an Arab League meeting to discuss the attack.
  • Kuwait's parliament is due to hold an emergency meeting today to discuss the raid. Waleed al-Tabtabai, a member of parliament, was one of 16 Kuwaiti nationals on board the ships.
7:47am: We're getting reports of a protest planned for later this morning outside the prime minister's office in Amman, Jordan. The organisers are reportedly demanding the closure of the Israeli embassy in Amman.
7:39am: If you haven't seen it, here's the report our Jamal Elshayyal filed shortly before communications from the ships were cut off.
7:21am: Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington later this week to visit US president Barack Obama. Ha'aretz reports that he may cancel the trip in the wake of the flotilla attack (though we should note the Ha'aretz report isn't actually sourced to anyone).
7:11am: Avital Leibovich, a spokeswoman for the Israeli military, is giving a press conference right now at  Ashdod port, where the navy originally planned to tow the flotilla ships after seizing them.
Leibovich acknowledged that the flotilla was seized in international waters, not in Israeli territorial waters.
The Israeli army also issued a statement on the attack, claiming that the activists on board the ship were armed.
During the intercept of the ships, the demonstrators onboard attacked the IDF Naval personnel with live fire and light weaponry including knives and clubs. Additionally one of the weapons used was grabbed from an IDF soldier. The demonstrators had clearly prepared their weapons in advance for this specific purpose.
As a result of this life-threatening and violent activity, naval forces employed riot dispersal means, including live fire.
The Israeli foreign ministry is expected to comment on the attack within the hour.
7:07am: Over in the West Bank, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas declared a three-day state of mourning over the flotilla deaths. He also issued a brief statement:
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemns the crime perpetrated by the occupation authorities against international solidarity activists aboard the Freedom Flotilla. The Palestinian leadership is closely following the developments and the President calls on the United Nations to confront Israel, which is disregarding all international laws and norms.
The Palestinian cabinet is scheduled to convene about one hour from now, at 8am GMT.
6:58am: Ismail Haniya, the Hamas leader in Gaza, wrapped up a speech to journalists a few minutes ago. He called on the Palestinian Authority to end its indirect talks with Israel, demanded a United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the attack on the flotilla, and called for a general strike tomorrow (Tuesday) in the West Bank and Gaza.
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Watch live streaming video from insaniyardim at livestream.com
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Latest Development on the Lifeline4Gaza Flotilla;
1. As have been widely publicised, the Lifeline4Gaza flotilla has come under attack by the Israeli armed forces. Israeli aggressors have boarded the capital ship Mavi Marmara and open fire resulting in 3 volunteers dead and more than 30 others seriously injured. Mavi Marmara is one of the 7 strong flotilla enroute to Gaza to deliver the much awaited material aids to the besieged people of Gaza.
2. Twelve volunteers including media representatives from Malaysia is on board the capital ship Mavi Marmara. Their participation is purely humanitarian in nature.
3. All the objectives and movement of the flotilla is in compliance with the UN Security Council Resolution 1860 (2009) and all relevant maritime regulations. Resolution 1860 stated among others:
a) Appeal for deliverance of humanitarian aid to Gaza including food, fuel and medical assistance.
b) Urge efforts to ease passage and other mechanisms for the unimpeded deliverance of aids.
c) Call for all nations to support such efforts at the international level to alleviate the dire humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza
d) condemns acts of agression and attacks on civilians and all forms of acts of terrorism.
Every Malaysian participants in the flotilla are holding fast to the international regulations and laws and vow to uphold the goodname of Malaysia and our national aspirations.
4. The flotilla is laden with 10,000 tonnes of material aid. Over 540 volunteers are on board Mavi Marmara, including Parliamentarians, academics, journalists, scholars, an infant less than a year old and a senior citizen over 80 years old. No weapons were brought in this flotilla even for self defense which testifies to the wholly humanitarian nature of the mission.
5. Based on these facts it is very clear indeed that Israel has violated international laws. Whatmore the raid took place in international waters and on an unarmed aid ship on a humanitarian mission. Israeli rash action deserve a worldwide condemnation in the strongest possible term.
6. We appeal to the Government of Malaysia under the premiership of YAB Dato’ Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak and Datin Seri Paduka Rosmah Mansor in her capacity as patron for the Palestinian Aid Donations Drive to issue a statement condemning Israel for the murderous aggression on a peaceful flotilla whose objective is to deliver aid to the beseiged people of Gaza.
7. We call for the UN to convene an emergency assembly to pass a strong resolution against Israel and to summon Israeli leaders to the international court of justice for crime against humanity.
8. We call upon the Malaysians from all walks of life to express their utmost concern of the grave situation and to be ready to respond to any need for action and calls for our support in dealing with the incident.
9. We appeal to all political leaders, NGOs and the Malaysia people to join together in coming to the aid of the volunteers.
10. We also call upon every strata of the society to continue to supplicate and pray for the success of this mission and the safety of the volunteers from further untoward incidence.
Zulkifli Mohd Nani
Chairman
Crises Management Team for LL4G Malaysia
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http://www.lifeline4gaza.org
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Kenyataan Media HALUAN Malaysia

Posted by lifeline4gaza on 31 May 2010
Kenyataan Media HALUAN Malaysia
PEMBUNUHAN TERBUKA DI LAUT LEPAS
Dunia Menjadi Saksi Atas Kekejaman Dan Sikap Keganasan Israel Di Perairan Antarabangsa Laut Mediterranean
KUALA LUMPUR, Mei 31 – PERBUATAN jijik dan amat memalukan yang dilakukan oleh rejim Israel pada hari ini dengan mengarahkan komando tentera lautnya menyerang kapal misi kemanusiaan Lifeline for Gaza (LL4G) “MV Mavi Marmara” sehingga mengakibatkan 20 orang terbunuh dan puluhan lagi penumpang yang tidak bersenjata cedera terkena tembakan telah menzahirkan betapa kejam dan ganasnya rejim Israel yang terkutuk itu.
HALUAN Malaysia selaku ketua NGO delegasi Malaysia ke LL4G dengan ini mengajak seluruh lapisan masyarakat, tidak kira kaum ataupun agama, agar segera mengutuk dan mencela Israel  atas sikap kurang ajar mereka ke atas pelayaran damai (Freedom Flotilla) yang membawa barangan keperluan hidup harian kepada penduduk Gaza yang semakin terhimpit dek tekanan ketenteraan, ekonomi dan kemanusiaan oleh rejim Israel di bawah pemimpin-pemimpin mereka yang mendapat dokongan kuat Amerika Syarikat dan Britain.
“Kami ingin menegaskan bahawa penindasan Israel ke atas rakyat Palestin dan kini pembunuhan terbuka di atas kapal penumpang “MV Mavi Marmara” dengan penggunaan peluru hidup ke atas penumpang yang sedang tidur telah menzahirkan sikap ganas Israel yang jelas menyalahi undang-undang antarabangsa dari segi hak asasi kemanusiaan mahupun undang-undang maritim antarabangsa yang menegaskan bahawa tiada suatu negara pun berhak bertindak sewenang-wenangnya di perairan antarabangsa. Jelaslah Israel telah bertindak ala samseng dunia. Kini satu dunia mengutuk Israel dan konco-konconya,” tegas Prof. Madya Dr. Abdullah Sudin Abdul Rahman, Presiden HALUAN Malaysia.
“Kami ingin menegaskan bahawa seluruh penduduk dunia yang diwakili oleh para sukarelawan  yang terdiri daripada pelbagai bangsa dan agama dari lebih 50 buah negara yang berada di atas kapal tersebut itu, mengutuk sikap Apartheid yang ditunjukkan Israel itu sebagai satu tindakan yang amat kejam. Israel telah sedar bahawa modus operandinya selama ini untuk decimate ataupun meluluhkan bilangan rakyat sah warga Palestin daripada tanah tumpah darah mereka sendiri sebagai suatu tindakan bangsa yang bangkrap adab, akhlak, idea dan tamadun. Israel sudah tahu bahawa sudah ada gerakan antarabangsa yang kini sedang menjadi arus penentangan ke atas polisi luarnya yang amat menindas dan amat tidak berperikemanusiaan. Dakwaan mereka sebagai negara “underdog” yang dikepungi negara-negara Islam sudahpun lapuk dan kini Israel mahu mempamerkan yang ia mampu berlagak samseng di mata dunia untuk melangsungkan agenda kejinya itu. Ketahuilah, bahawa warga dunia tidak akan berpeluk tubuh terhadap sikap Apartheid Israel itu. Dunia TIDAK akan memaafkan Israel,” ujarnya lagi.
Pada bulan April yang lepas, Dr Abdullah Sudin Abd Rahman menegaskan di dalam suatu sidang akhbar bahawa penglibatan HALUAN di dalam misi LL4G ini adalah untuk “expose to the public the crimes which is being inflicted by the Zionist Israel regime and its allies upon the citizens of Gaza and the Palestinian Nation as a whole”. Kini, buktinya telahpun jelas lagi nyata.
Rejim Israel mengisytiharkan bahawa permusuhan mereka bukan hanya kepada orang Islam tetapi semua bangsa dan agama yang menentang agenda zionisnya. Sebab itulah tanpa rasa malu mereka telah memusnahkan masjid, gereja, hospital, sekolah, universiti, kompleks pentadbiran, stesen janakuasa elektrik, tadahan air minuman dan semua yang diperlukan untuk kelangsungan hidup.
Rejim ganas ini PERLU disekat oleh kita semua, rakyat Malaysia.
HALUAN dengan ini menegaskan bahawa kami melalui gabungan semua NGO dan badan-badan lain yang menentang sikap degil dan kejam Zionis Israel akan “Bersatu Untuk Palestin”. Kami menyeru semua lapisan rakyat Malaysia agar menulis surat atau emel kepada Duta Besar Amerika, Britain dan Mesir di Malaysia untuk menyatakan solidariti kita menentang sikap mereka yang menyokong bangsa dan negara Israel yang terang-terangan amat keji itu.
Akhirnya kami memohon dan merayu kepada seluruh rakyat Malaysia supaya berdoa dan bermunajat kepada Allah agar menyelamatkan semua sukarelawan yang menyertai LL4G dan menghancurkan Israel laknatullah.
Siaran Media
Hubungi: Encik Amran Baharum
Telefon: (+6) 019-225 4105 /251 4105
Web : www.lifeline4gaza.org
Emel : media@lifeline4gaza.org
Mei 31, 2010
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Israel attacks Gaza aid fleet


Al Jazeera's report on board the Mavi Marmara before communications were cut
Israeli forces have attacked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships aiming to break the country's siege on Gaza.
At least 19 people were killed and dozens injured when troops intercepted the convoy of ships dubbed the Freedom Flotilla early on Monday, Israeli radio reported.
 The flotilla was attacked in international waters, 65km off the Gaza coast.
Avital Leibovich, an Israeli military spokeswoman, confirmed that the attack took place in international waters, saying: "This happened in waters outside of Israeli territory, but we have the right to defend ourselves."
Footage from the flotilla's lead vessel, the Mavi Marmara, showed armed Israeli soldiers boarding the ship and helicopters flying overhead.
Al Jazeera's Jamal Elshayyal, on board the Mavi Marmara, said Israeli troops had used live ammunition during the operation.

Live blogging
Aftermath of Israel's attack on Gaza flotilla
The Israeli military said four soldiers had been wounded and claimed troops opened fire after "demonstrators onboard attacked the IDF Naval personnel with live fire and light weaponry including knives and clubs".
Free Gaza Movement, the organisers of the flotilla, however, said the troops opened fire as soon as they stormed the convoy.
Our correspondent said that a white surrender flag was raised from the ship and there was no live fire coming from the passengers.
Before losing communication with our correspondent, a voice in Hebrew was clearly heard saying: "Everyone shut up".
Israeli intervention
Earlier, the Israeli navy had contacted the captain of the Mavi Marmara, asking him to identify himself and say where the ship was headed.
Shortly after, two Israeli naval vessels had flanked the flotilla on either side, but at a distance.

IN DEPTH
 
Focus: On board the Freedom Flotilla
Focus: 'The future of Palestine'
Focus: Gaza's real humanitarian crisis
Outrage over Israel attack
Tensions rise over Gaza aid fleet
'Fighting to break Gaza siege'
Aid convoy sets off for Gaza
Programmes: Born in Gaza
Video: Israel's Gaza PR offensive
Video: Gazan's rare family reunion abroad
Video: Making the most of Gaza's woes
Organisers of the flotilla carrying 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid then diverted their ships and slowed down to avoid a confrontation during the night.
They also issued all passengers life jackets and asked them to remain below deck.
Al Jazeera’s Ayman Mohyeldin, reporting from Jerusalem, said the Israeli action was surprising.
"All the images being shown from the activists on board those ships show clearly that they were civilians and peaceful in nature, with medical supplies on board. So it will surprise many in the international community to learn what could have possibly led to this type of confrontation," he said.
Meanwhile, Israeli police have been put on a heightened state of alert across the country to prevent any civil disturbances.
Sheikh Raed Salah,a leading member of the Islamic Movement who was on board the ship, was reported to have been seriously injured. He was being treated in Israel's Tal Hasharon hospital.
In Um Al Faham, the stronghold of the Islamic movement in Israel and the birth place of Salah, preparations for mass demonstrations were under way.
Protests
Condemnation has been quick to pour in after the Israeli action.
Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, officially declared a three-day state of mourning over Monday's deaths.
Turkey, Spain, Greece, Denmark and Sweden have all summoned the Israeli ambassador's in their respective countries to protest against the deadly assault.

Worldwide outrage has followed the deadly Israeli attack of Gaza aid convoy [AFP] 
Thousands of Turkish protesters tried to storm the Israeli consulate in Istanbul soon after the news of the operation broke. The protesters shouted "Damn Israel" as police blocked them.
"(The interception on the convoy) is unacceptable ... Israel will have to endure the consequences of this behaviour," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.
Ismail Haniya, the Hamas leader in Gaza, has also dubbed the Israeli action as "barbaric".
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists, including a Nobel laureate and several European legislators, were with the flotilla, aiming to reach Gaza in defiance of an Israeli embargo.
The convoy came from the UK, Ireland, Algeria, Kuwait, Greece and Turkey, and was comprised of about 700 people from 50 nationalities.
But Israel had said it would not allow the flotilla to reach the Gaza Strip and vowed to stop the six ships from reaching the coastal Palestinian territory.
The flotilla had set sail from a port in Cyprus on Sunday and aimed to reach Gaza by Monday morning.
Israel said the boats were embarking on "an act of provocation" against the Israeli military, rather than providing aid, and that it had issued warrants to prohibit their entrance to Gaza.
It asserted that the flotilla would be breaking international law by landing in Gaza, a claim the organisers rejected.
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At least 19 people are dead and dozens more injured after Israeli troops attacked a convoy of ships in international waters bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza, Al Jazeera is reporting. The flotilla was attacked 65 km off the Gaza coast as it aimed to break Israel’s siege on Gaza.

The flotilla left Cyprus on Sunday to reach Gaza by Monday morning, but Israel claimed the boats were engaged in an “act of provocation” against the Israeli military instead of providing aid, and that it issued warrants to prohibit their entrance, noting that the flotilla would be breaking international law by landing there. Organizers, mostly pro-Palestinian advocates from the UK, Ireland, Algeria, Kuwait, Greece and Turkey, rejected this claim.

Israeli military spokesperson Avital Leibovich said: “This happened in waters outside of Israeli territory, but we have the right to defend ourselves.” Al Jazeera’s correspondent said a white surrender flag was coming from the ship and there was no live fire coming from the passengers.
Al Jazeera
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This SMS News Alert just came in:
31/5 Israeli warships attack one of 6 ships carrying aid for blockaded GAza, killing at least 2, Malaysians are on board one of those aid ships/STAR.
My immediate thought and prayers for Matthias Chang, Shamsul Akmar and many other Malaysians and other activist in the Gaza flotilla humanitarian mission.

Was just informed volunteers from groups like Jemaah Islam Malaysia (JIM) is probably in the first group of people being shot at.

Matthias and Shamsul are members of the Perdana Global Peace Organisation volunteers that was part of this humanitarian mission to assist the Gaza Palestinians that have been blockaded from receiving supplies and aids since January 2009.

There is a call on all Malaysian to put aside party politics and demonstrate in front of the US Embassy, British High Commision and United Nation office immediately.

Update: Dr Mahathir will give a press conference at 4:00 pm at the Perdana Leadership Foundation (PLF), Presinct 8, Putrajaya.

Majlis Perundingan Melayu (MPM) called for an emergency meeting at 4:30 at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman. PC at 6:00 pm.


Palestinian naval police waiting for the arrival of the small flotilla

Blogger Greg Carlstrom gave a good honest rundown of the exercise here.

News below:

Israeli ships stalk pro-Palestinian aid flotilla

HAIFA, Israel (AP) - Israeli warships stalked a flotilla carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists, including a Nobel laureate and a Holocaust survivor heading for the Gaza Strip on Monday, edging closer to a naval showdown on the high seas. Huwaida Arraf, one of the organizers, said the six-ship flotilla began the journey from international waters off the coast of Cyprus on Sunday afternoon after two days of delays. She said they expected to reach Gaza, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) away, on Monday afternoon, and that two more ships would follow in "a second wave."
Another news from AP

Two killed in Israeli attack on Aid Flotilla: Report

Israeli warships attacked at least one of the six ships carrying pro-Palestinian activists and aid for blockaded Gaza, killing at least two and wounding other people on board, an Arabic satellite service and a Turkish TV network reported early Monday.

CNN Turk television in Turkey reported that two people had been killed and 30 wounded.

The Israeli military denied that its forces attacked the boats but said they would enforce the decision to keep them away from Gaza.

The al-Jazeera satellite channel reported by telephone from the Turkish ship leading the flotilla that Israeli navy forces fired at the ship and boarded it, wounding the captain. The Turkish NTV network also reported an Israeli takeover with gunfire, and at least two people were killed.

The al-Jazeera broadcast ended with a voice shouting in Hebrew, “Everybody shut up!”

A Turkish website showed video of pandemonium on board one of the ships, with activists in orange life jackets running around as some tried to help an activist apparently unconscious on the deck. The site also showed video of an Israeli helicopter flying overhead and Israeli warships nearby.

The reports came just after daybreak, with the flotilla still well away from the Gaza shore. Israel had declared it would not allow the ships to reach Gaza.

The head of the Gaza Hamas government, Ismail Haniyeh, condemned the “brutal” Israeli attack.

“We call on the Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, to shoulder his responsibilities to protect the safety of the solidarity groups who were on board these ships and to secure their way to Gaza,” Mr. Haniyeh told The Associated Press.

Turkish television stations say police have blocked dozens of stone-throwing protesters who tried to storm the Israeli consulate in Istanbul after reports of the attack on the flotilla. CNN-Turk and NTV televisions show dozens of angry protesters scuffling with Turkish police, guarding the consulate in downtown Istanbul.

On Sunday, Huwaida Arraf, one of the organizers, said the six-ship flotilla began the journey from international waters off the coast of Cyprus on Sunday afternoon after two days of delays. She said they expected to reach Gaza, about 400 kilometres away, on Monday afternoon, and that two more ships would follow in “a second wave.”

The flotilla was “fully prepared for the different scenarios” that might arise, and organizers were hopeful that Israeli authorities would “do what's right” and not stop the convoy, she said.

“We fully intend to go to Gaza regardless of any intimidation or threats of violence against us,” she said. “They are going to have to forcefully stop us.”

After nightfall Sunday, three Israeli navy missile boats left their base in Haifa, steaming out to sea to confront the activists' ships.

Two hours later, Israel Radio broadcast a recording of one of the missile boats warning the flotilla not to approach Gaza.

“If you ignore this order and enter the blockaded area, the Israeli navy will be forced to take all the necessary measures in order to enforce this blockade,” the radio message continued.

The al-Jazeera satellite channel reported that the ships changed course to try to avoid a nighttime confrontation, preferring a daylight showdown for better publicity.

The flotilla, which includes three cargo ships and three passenger ships, is trying to draw attention to Israel's three-year blockade of the Gaza Strip. The boats are carrying items that Israel bars from reaching Gaza, like cement and other building materials. The activists said they also were carrying hundreds of electric-powered wheelchairs, prefabricated homes and water purifiers.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said that after a security check, permitted humanitarian aid confiscated from the boats will be transferred to Gaza through authorized channels. However, Israel would not transfer items it has banned from Gaza under its blockade rules. Mr. Palmor said that for example, cement would be allowed only if it is tied to a specific project.

This is the ninth time that the Free Gaza movement has tried to ship in humanitarian aid to Gaza since August 2008.

Israel has let ships through five times, but has blocked them from entering Gaza waters since a three-week military offensive against Gaza's Hamas rulers in January 2009. The flotilla bound for Gaza is the largest to date.

Some 700 pro-Palestinian activists are on the boats, including 1976 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire of Northern Ireland, European legislators and an elderly Holocaust survivor.

The mission has experienced repeated delays, both due to mechanical problems and a decision by Cyprus to bar any boat from sailing from its shore to Gaza. The ban forced a group of European lawmakers to depart from the breakaway Turkish Cypriot northern part of the island late Saturday.

Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade on Gaza after Hamas militants violently seized control of the seaside territory in June 2007.

Israel says the measures are needed to prevent Hamas, which has fired thousands of rockets at Israel, from building up its arsenal. But UN officials and international aid groups say the blockade has been counterproductive, failing to weaken the Islamic militant group while devastating the local economy.

In particular, the ban on building materials has prevented Gazans from repairing thousands of homes that were damaged or destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, meant to stop Hamas rocket attacks, early last year.
Israel rejects claims of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying it allows more than enough food and medicine into the territory. The Israelis also point to the bustling smuggling industry along Gaza's southern border with Egypt, which has managed to bring consumer goods, gasoline and livestock into the seaside strip.

Israel has condemned the flotilla as a provocation and vowed to block it from reaching Gaza.

Mr. Palmor said foreigners on the ships would be “sent back to their countries.” Activists who did not willingly agree to be deported would be detained. A special detention facility has been set up in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod.

At Gaza's tiny port, meant for small fishing boats, Hamas officials, activists and foreign nationals prepared to welcome the flotilla, sitting in some 40 small boats that were bobbing in the sea and decorated with the flags of the countries of the pro-Palestinian activists, including Turkey and Algeria.

In other boats, Gaza boy scouts played music, while on shore, other activists released balloons with the faces of Palestinian civilians and militants killed in battles with Israeli forces.

In Syria, eight Damascus-based Palestinian groups urged Arab and Muslim states to work to support the flotilla and warned Israel against committing any “foolishness to impede the vessels”

“This could create more tension and trigger unpredictable reactions,” said the groups, which included Hamas and the militant Islamic Jihad.
SMS from Dato Ibrahim Ali, Presiden Perkasa:

URGENT MSG: Salam YB ... latest news at GAZA waters - komando/navy zionist attacking FREEDOM FLOTILLA, shooting civilians-2 dead! tlg gerak SEMUA rakyat/parti politik demo at USA Embassy asap. ALLAHUAKBAR .. (apa pandangan.apa patut kita buat. minta respon) TOK HIM.
CNN News 046 GMT:

Israeli military boards ship in Gaza flotilla

Israeli soldiers boarded a Turkish boat carrying aid for the Palestinian territory of Gaza during a pre-dawn raid, the Free Gaza Movement said.

"At about 4:30 am, Israeli commandos dropped from helicopter onto deck of Turkish ship, immediately opened fire on unarmed civilians," a post on the group's Twitter page said.

Video aired on CNN sister network CNN Turk showed what appeared to be soldiers rappelling onto the deck of a ship.

Turkish media reported two dead and 50 injured in the alleged incident as a flotilla of six ships approached the Gaza coast.

"We did not attack any boat, we merely fulfill the Israeli government's decision to prevent anyone from going into the Gaza strip without coordinating with Israel," a statement from the Israeli military said. "The flotilla is a provocation made to de-legitimize Israel. Had they really wanted to deliver the cargo into Gaza they could have done so via Israel as it is done on a daily basis."

The convoy of boats approached Gaza in defiance of an Israeli blockade and had been shadowed by three Israeli warships. Free Gaza had earlier reported that they had been contacted by the Israeli navy.
Pacific Free Press comment:

Mainstream" Media Silence Meets Gaza Flotilla

A Battle for the High Seas and the High Ground
by Lauren Booth*

If you’re hoping to see news about the extraordinary events taking place in the Med sea around Cyprus on either the BBC or Sky this weekend. Forget it. For now.

Despite the fact that almost three dozen Brits are amongst the 700 brave souls heading to Gaza on a fleet of ships laden with essential aid. Or the incredible military and political manoeverings surrounding Israels response to the peaceful attempt, major news channels in the West remain silent.

This despite the fact their news editors have the direct numbers of spokespeople on board and access to the live news feed.

After calls to newsrooms across the UK it is clear to me that the first ever sea bound fleet of international aid to Palestine is not of itself a big enough story for our media - until if fails. On Israel’s terms. The BBC has been taking some 200 calls in an hour from viewers wanting news of the mission - to no avail.

So what’s going on? Read on here
Xinhua reports:

Up to 16 killed in Israeli attack on aid flotilla bound for Gaza



Palestinians ride boats in a preparation ceremony to receive the international aid convoy "Freedom Flotilla" in Gaza Seaport, on May 30, 2010. (Xinhua/Yasser Qudih)


JERUSALEM, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces on Monday attacked an international flotilla carrying aid to besieged Gaza, killing up to 16 and wounding more than 30 others, an Israeli television reported.

The clash happened after Isreali soldiers tried to stop the flotilla from reaching Gaza. Israel's private Channel 10 television said Israeli forces opened fire after being attacked by a number of passengers.

The Isreali Army Radio also put the number of deaths toll at up to 16, saying that more than 30 others were injured.

The flotilla consisting of six ships were carrying about 10,000 tons of aid and activists who were making an attempt to break the blockade on Gaza.

Israeli commandos dropped from a helicopter onto the deck of a Turkish ship at about 4:30 a.m. and immediately opened fire on unarmed civilians, said a twitter of the human rights group Free Gaza Movement.

Read on here.
Israeli is flexing their muscle. Juruselem post reports:

Ankara’s support for flotilla prompts Israeli backlash
New survey shows that nearly all of Israel’s unions are boycotting organized workers’ trips to Turkey.

Turkey, once the number one destination for organized workplace vacations, is now facing a boycott from the same groups that used to storm its seaside resorts every summer.

On Sunday, a survey conducted by Va’adim, a company that gathers information on the social and economic activities of Israel’s unions, revealed that 95 percent of the unions had banned all organized trips toTurkey following that country’s involvement in organizing the aid flotilla to the Gaza Strip.

In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Va’adim CEO Yakov Alush said that “Turkey had been wiped off the workers unions’ travel maps.”

“In a survey we conducted among the participants in the semi-annual union heads forum, we found that Israel’s workers’ unions have had enough of Turkey ’s hostility toward Israel, which in the past had been characterized by verbal attacks by the country’s prime minister, but had now shifted to active attempts to harm Israel’s sovereignty,” said Alush.

“The tourism boycott is a weapon that will send a message to Ankara that words and deeds have consequences.”

Read on here.
New York Times reported below:

Gaza Flotilla Organizers Protest Israeli Response to Their Mission

Organizers of a flotilla of up to nine vessels carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists and thousands of tons of supplies for Gaza protested on Friday against what they called an Israeli disinformation campaign aimed at their mission.

Israel has vowed to stop the boats from reaching Gaza, which is controlled by the Islamic militant group Hamas, and insists that there is no humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian coastal enclave.

“For over four years,” the organizers said in a statement, “Israel has subjected the civilian population of Gaza to an increasingly severe blockade, resulting in a man-made humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions.”

The boats were expected to approach the coast sometime over the weekend. The aim, the organizers said, was to break through the “illegal” Israeli blockade “in non-violent direct action.”

More stories in Goggle News on Gaza Flotilla here.
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