– “Provocative” thoughts expressed on the seas are cause for piracy and murder, says Israel –
From the AP:
Israel is urging Lebanon and the international community to prevent two ships from sailing to the Gaza Strip from a Lebanese port, warning that efforts to break the illegal blockade of the Palestinian territory would be stopped.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gabriela Shalev, accused organizers of the aid ships Junia and Julia of “seeking to incite a confrontation and raise tensions in our region
A deadly Israeli commando raid on a Turkish ship trying to bring aid to Gaza on May 31 killed nine activists and focused international attention on Israel’s blockade of Gaza, imposed after Hamas … [was elected democratically].
In letters to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, Shalev said, “Israel reserves its right under international law to use all necessary means to prevent these ships from violating the … naval blockade.”
She called on Lebanon’s government to “demonstrate responsibility and prevent the two ships, Junia and Julia, from departing.”
“Israel and Lebanon remain in a state of hostility,” Shalev said, “and such action will prevent any escalation.”
“Israel further calls upon the international community to exercise its influence in order to prevent these boats from departing and to discourage their nationals from taking part in such action,” she said.
Shalev said it can’t be ruled out that the Junia and Julia are carrying weapons or individuals with provocative and confrontational intentions.
The killing of the eight Turks and one Turkish-American on May 31 put Israel under growing pressure to open Gaza’s borders.
Human rights worker in the Free Gaza movement vow to sail other ships in the face of Israel’s threats.
The newly voiced commitment comes after the release of a recently-revealed tape showing now Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu saying the United States is “easy” to manipulate as Israel derailed the Oslo Accords, a sentiment that has drawn attention and condemnation around the world.
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