(Jerusalem Post) The sole purpose of a new Gaza flotilla "is to create provocations that pose security risks, and constitute a breach of international law," Israel Foreign Ministry Director-General Dore Gold wrote to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday. Gold reminded Ban that a panel established by his office deemed Israel's maritime blockade of Gaza to prevent arms smuggling to be in accordance with international law. "My government has a fundamental duty to protect its citizens and prevent weapons from reaching the hands of terrorists in Gaza....Israeli authorities will take all the necessary measures to enforce the naval blockade and prevent all vessels from approaching this area, in accordance with international law." Furthermore, Gold asserted, there is no humanitarian need for the flotilla, since there are established mechanisms through which humanitarian aid can be delivered to Gaza.
2015-06-23 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive