Israel Acting To Pressure Libya Into Voiding Its Solidarity Ship To Gaza

Saturday July 10, 2010 18:54 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

The Israeli government headed to the United Nations demanding it to pressure Libya into canceling its “Hope” solidarity ship that would be heading to Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies to the besieged coastal region.

File - Gaza Solidarity Ship

The ship is filled with medicine, medical equipment and other essential supplies.

The Israeli Radio reported Saturday that Israel’s U.N. envoy, Gabriella Shalev, sent a letter to the United Nations Security-General, Ban Ki-Moon, in addition to the Security Council and the General Assembly informing them that Israel “reserves the right to prevent the ship from breaking the siege on Gaza”, and that this act does not violate the International law.

Israel recently said that it will use all available means to prevent the ship from reaching Gaza.

“Hope” will be heading to Gaza from Greece carrying nearly 2000 tons of supplies, including food and medicine. The ship was organized by the Qaddafi Foundation, headed by the son of the Libyan president, Moammar Qaddafi.

In related news, the Popular Committee Against the Siege urged the authorities in Greece to facilitate the sailing of Hope ship, and not to surrender to Israel’s pressures and demands to prevent it from sailing. The ship is now awaiting the approval of Greece before it sails to Gaza.

Jamal El Khodary, head of the Popular Committee Against the Siege, stated that the Hope ship does not violate international sailing laws, and is coherent with all regulations and agreements.

He issued a press release stating that the ship carries human rights activists, medicine and humanitarian supplies.

Ship organizers are also coordinating their efforts with the Committee and with Arab member of Knesset, Dr. Ahmad Tibi, who presented a list of the urgently needed medications and supplies.

El Khodary said that the Israeli threats and acts of piracy will not be able to stop the “Intifada of ships”, and that the only option the occupation has is to lift the siege.

He thanked Greece for its stances supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle, and saluted the Libyan president, government and people for standing by the besieged people of Gaza.

israel | gaza siege | news report saed at imemc dot org