Protesters bound for Gaza killed in naval clash
AT least 15 activists on board a flotilla of ships bound for Gaza were killed during rioting after Israeli naval forces boarded the ships to redirect them to an Israeli port.
JERUSALEM — At least 15 activists on board a flotilla of ships bound for Gaza were killed during rioting after Israeli naval forces boarded the ships to redirect them to an Israeli port.
Israel’s Navy intercepted six of the ships early on Monday morning (May 31) as they attempted to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Israel had radioed to the ships numerous times, requesting that they head to the port in Ashdod, where they could unload their aid material to be transferred to Gaza after security inspections, according to a statement from the Israel Defence Forces.
When Naval Forces boarded the shops, they were attacked with metal clubs and knives, as well as live fire, according to the IDF.
“The demonstrators had clearly prepared their weapons in advance for this specific purpose,” the statement said, adding that the Navy then used riot dispersal methods, which include live fire.
“The forces operated in adherence with operational commands and took all necessary actions in order to avoid violence, but to no avail,” according to the IDF.
In addition to the reported 14 dead protesters, tens of protesters were injured and evacuated to Israeli hospitals. Ten Israeli soldiers were also injured, two in a serious condition.
The Israeli Government decided last week not to allow the ships to reach Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu may cancel a planned visit to the White House following the incident.
Netanyahu was scheduled to meet with United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday after visiting Canada, but is considering cancelling the US leg of his trip and returning to Israel, Haaretz reported.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Monday morning called for three days of mourning, and ordered flags to be lowered to half-mast, the Palestinian news service Ma’an reported.
Israeli ambassadors in Spain and Greece, as well as in Turkey, were called in to the country’s foreign ministries to clarify Israel’s actions, according to reports.
In Turkey, dozens of protesters throwing rocks tried to storm Israel’s consulate in Istanbul, following news of the Israeli interception.
The European Union on Monday morning called for a comprehensive inquiry into the deaths of protesters aboard the flotilla, and called for the lifting of the blockade on Gaza.
Israeli police went on high alert across the country out of concern that Arab citizens of Israel would riot. The Temple Mount area in Jerusalem has also been closed, according to reports.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry reportedly will call on all Israeli tourists in Turkey to leave the country, and urge those heading to Turkey to make alternate plans.
JTA
PHOTO: An Israeli Navy warship. Photo: AJN file