Monday, May 31, 2010
Barack: Flotilla organizers to blame for 15 dead activists
In a press meeting hours after the incident, "said Barak, that Israel was ready to face the consequences of their actions and will continue to protect their independence.
Barak expressed regret for the killing, but called the flotilla a political provocation and said sponsors flotilla was violent supporters of a terrorist friendship.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, meanwhile, said the soldiers were forced by violent activists to respond with live fire.
Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said earlier Monday that the organizers in Gaza supporting flotilla has links to international terrorist organizations like Hamas and Al Qaeda, and called the support convoy and provoking a violent attempt to break blockade of Gaza.
Ayalon, speaking at a press meeting at the Foreign Ministry, said Israel found weapons on board the flotilla in Gaza, which were used against IDF soldiers.
The deputy foreign minister said Gaza flotilla not hear the Israeli calls to halt its movement in the Gaza Monday morning, and emphasized that no sovereign state would have approved such an invite to take place.
"We could not allow the opening of a corridor in smuggling weapons and terrorists, Ayalon said.
The deputy foreign minister told reporters that Israel does not want to fight with all countries, but the incident in the Gaza flotilla is not yet over.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers the annulment of his upcoming trip to the U.S. in the wake of the killing of at least 10 people after Israel Navy troops boarded a flotilla of ships bound for the Gaza Strip, carrying aid.
Netanyahu was due to a trip to Washington at the invitation of President Barack Obama.
The Israeli military says at least 10 people were killed after troops came under fire while intercepting the group as it en route to the Gaza Strip.
Trade and Industry Ministry Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer expressed regret Monday morning, died on board the Gaza-bound ship.
"The pictures are totally not nice. I can only voice regret over all those killed," said Ben-Eliezer told Army Radio.
Labels:
15 dead,
Barack Obama,
organizers
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment