JERUSALEM: Israel on Friday issued a tough threat against a group of activists who hope to sail to the Gaza Strip this weekend with a delivery of humanitarian supplies, calling the mission an unacceptable “provocation and saying “all options were under consideration.
The two boats carrying members of a US-based activist group set sail from Cyprus early Friday in a bid to break Israel’s 14-month blockade of Gaza.
The activists hope to reach Gaza’s shores on Saturday.
Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Aviv Shiron said Israel was closely following the boats.
“We will make sure that this provocation is not taking place, he said. He declined to say whether military action was planned, saying only that “all the options are being considered. A military spokeswoman refused to comment.
Members of the Free Gaza protest group could not immediately be reached for comment, but earlier, organizer Paul Larudee said the group expected Israeli authorities to intercept the boats and arrest those on board. He said it was “highly unlikely the Israeli navy would fire on them.
The 21-meter Free Gaza and 18-meter Liberty left the southern port of Larnaca about 0700 GMT Friday for the estimated 30-hour trip. They plan to deliver 200 hearing aids to a Palestinian charity for children and hand out 5,000 balloons.
The group said some 46 activists from 14 countries – including an 81-year-old Catholic nun – were participating. They hope other rights groups will follow their example.
“I’ve been nervous, but today I’m excited, said activist Lauren Booth, 41, sister-in-law of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. “It’s not about our fear, it’s about the people waiting in Gaza, you can’t think about anything else.
Israeli officials say the delivery is illegal because Gaza is controlled by Hamas, which it considers a terrorist group.
Israel sealed its borders with Gaza after Hamas violently took power in June 2007, routing forces loyal to moderate Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Under the closure, Israel has allowed little more than basic humanitarian supplies into Gaza.
The boats departed after last-minute engine repairs to the Liberty, passenger safety drills and a final inspection of the vessels’ hulls by Cyprus Marine Police divers. Group members sang a peace song in Arabic and formed the peace sign with their fingers before boarding the boats.
“Trying to breach the wall of silence surrounding Gaza is the best way to show that when a problem is hidden, it doesn’t exist, said Tasos Kourakis, a Greek lawmaker who joined the activists.
