Israel threatens latest Gaza aid flotilla
Sunday 14 October 2012
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EmailFinland has revealed that Israel is threatening to take action against a ship carrying pro-Palestinian activists if it tries to break a naval blockade of Gaza.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Risto Piipponen said at the weekend that Israel had sent a message to the ministry about the Finnish-flagged Estelle.
"Israel said that it would take action to stop the ship from reaching land if it tries to break the blockade," Mr Piipponen said.
"We pointed out that it is a civilian vessel and urged them to practice restraint in any action they take."
The Swedish-owned ship left Naples on October 7 with about 20 people from eight countries on board, carrying items including cement, musical instruments and theatre equipment.
A September 2011 UN report upheld the legality of the naval blockade on Gaza, calling it a "legitimate security measure," although it criticised land restrictions.
However, other legal experts at the United Nations, along with the Red Cross, have declared the blockade illegal.
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