This evening, the IDF Spokesman's New Media Unit arranged for an exclusive blogger-press-conference with a senior official from COGAT, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, which among its responsibilities, includes coordinating the transfer of humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip.
The senior official briefed us on the humanitarian aid transfer to Gaza in general, as well as the specifics of the aid from the flotilla ships.
"On a daily basis 80-100 trucks with humanitarian aid enters Gaza via Israel. The aid is not only medical supplies, but also contains supplies that support a wide range of important infrastructure projects, including water, sewage, and electrical power. We [COGAT] coordinate our efforts with UNRWA, UNESCO, WHO, UNICEF and we even help facilitate the transfer of toys and the enabling of mobile swimming pools for Gazan summer camps.
So far, we have loaded 21 trucks worth of aid from the flotilla and it appears there will between 70-80 trucks worth of aid. Its difficult to ascertain the amount of supplies because the aid was not loaded in an orderly manner onto the ships in crates, cartons or containers -- but was haphazardly dumped in.
As of now, there are 8 trucks at the Israeli - Gaza border crossing of Kerem Shalom; 7 of which contain medical equipment for the disabled and elderly, including 100 electric mobility scooters and hundreds of wheelchairs.
Unfortunately, the disabled, sick and elderly in Gaza are denied this aid, because Hamas has forbidden anyone in Gaza to coordinate the distribution of this equipment.
Hamas has stated that until every last one of the flotilla activists have returned to their home countries, they will refuse to allow the aid to enter Gaza."
Questions from bloggers:
Q: How does this equipment normally get distributed? A: The PA in Ramallah represents the private sector in Gaza and coordinates the distribution via the humanitarian organizations.
Q: How much aid does the flotilla represent, compared to the usual aid flowing into Gaza via Israel? A: About 1 day's worth.
Q: What sort of aid is on the ships? A: Clothes and shoes, though its not clear if they are new or used. Medicine, medical equipment. Its difficult to know because it was all randomly thrown into the belly of the ships.
Q: If its urgent for all this humanitarian aid to get into Gaza, why is Hamas not allowing it in? A: We (COGAT) have even asked the Red Cross to help with distributing the medical equipment, yet they have refused to get involved. We have 13 trucks waiting in Israel, not including the 9 at the Keren Shalom crossing, and we're just waiting to send it in.
Q: Has the date of the aid medication that arrived via the flotilla, expired? A: So far, we (COGAT) have located two types of medication. An unlabeled cough syrup of some sort, which expired this past April, and children's paracetamol (liquid acetaminophen) which expires this coming July (a month away).
Q: Slate magazine wrote a highly critical article against Israel's handling of this flotilla and the Gaza embargo in general. They wrote specifically that:
However, the execution of the policy [of the embargo] has been unreasonably draconian. Israeli officials take so long to inspect the cargo that medicines often expire by the time they reach Palestinian patients.
How long does it take COGAT to inspect and transfer medicines; what is the average turnaround time?
A: The average turn around time is 2 weeks. We need to ensure the medicine meets international health standards. Often, the medicines arrive, having already expired, or they arrive in packaging in a foreign language that no one here in the region knows, let alone the people in Gaza.
Slate Magazine should speak with the UN health organizations that were responsible for distributing the medical aid from the "Free Gaza" organization after the Cast Lead operation.
The vast majority of the medicine received was useless.
Update; The following is a statement received from COGAT's spokesman regarding the blockade and the transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza:
The policy of transferring merchandise into the Gaza Strip is implemented in accordance with existing Israeli policy, as determined by the Cabinet's decision of September 19, 2007, following Hamas's hostile seizure of the Gaza Strip.
The ongoing transfer of goods into Gaza is aimed at providing for the basic needs of the residents of the territories while preventing strengthening Hamas, either militarily or governmentally. Hamas engages in hostile activity against the State of Israel and its citizens and holds an IDF soldier captive without reason or justification.
According to the policy, humanitarian products, are delivered on a daily bases to the Strip. Food products are delivered almost without restriction - with the exception of luxury goods, which the average Gazan cannot afford, but which are purchased by the wealthy and corrupt leaders of Hamas. Additionally, hygiene products, medical equipment, medicine and essential infrastructure products (for water, sewage, electricity and communication systems) are transferred into the Gaza Strip. Raw materials, however, are not permitted since they can be used for military purposes, although exceptions have been made for humanitarian needs.
The entry of "dual -use" equipment (equipment which, while intended for use by civilian systems, can be exploited by terrorists) has been prevented, with the exception of special humanitarian cases.
Requests to transfer goods are received by the Palestinian Civilian Economic Council in Gaza and by the international community. The process of determining the daily entry of goods is made with the Palestinian civilian economic council, and priority is given to the delivery of medical supplies and medication, essential infrastructure equipment and basic products and donations from the international community. The type and range of the remaining goods for any given day are decided by the Palestinian Civilian Economic Council in Gaza.
A forum, headed by a senior officer from the Coordination of Government Activity in the Territories and representatives from international organizations meets weekly to review and expedite unique requests. The variety of food products permitted has expanded recently and changes from time to time, with consideration to the changing needs of the Palestinian population. With the help of various international organizations, a large quantity of products for the welfare of children and adolescents (including educational materials, toys and children's clothing) has entered the Strip.
The result of the current policies is that theirs a wide inventory and scale of food products, medical equipment and medications. Any allegations to the contrary are baseless; these facts are well-documented in UN agencies' official reports.
Also, recently, Israel has supported sewage projects in the strip, as a humanitarian gesture for the people of Gaza, in cooperation with the UN and the international community, and in coordination with the Palestinian Authority.
The COGAT system employs hundreds of soldiers and civilians with unique and extensive knowledge of the Gaza Strip, and their main duty is to follow and assess the humanitarian situation in the Strip and respond to any problems. Gaza DCO (District Coordinators Office) personnel work continuously to accomplish their mission, despite the many security threats against DCO facilities and crossings. They face serious threats including rocket fire and terrorist attacks, like the one on June 8th 2009 when terrorists attacked next to the Nahal Oz fuel terminal.
It's a new day. See the new post (or go to the main muqata page, http://muqata.blogspot.com) as we cover today's roundup of Flotilla news from Israel.
Monday, May 31, 2010. This post will be on top all day as we follow the Flotilla Terroristsand the IDF response.Refresh your browser and visit us often for updates around the clock.
12:03 AM (Tuesday) Initial video from IDF Spox of some of the weapons found about the flotilla terror ships.
11:36 PM Initial photos of some of the weapons found aboard the flotilla terror ships:
Best answer I've heard so far: publicly recognize the Armenian Genocide. It's the least we can do for a good friend and neighbor like Turkey.
11:14 PM Photos from the pathetic leftist demonstration in Tel Aviv this evening. (source)
All supporting their peaceful, good humanitarian friend:
11:13 PM No news yet on the "Rachel Corrie" boat getting crushed yet. But we're waiting.
10:40 PM Some items that caught my eye today:
Jenin on the High Seas: If Israel truly had wanted to “massacre” the Hamas sympathizers and fellow travellers aboard a six-ship Gaza-bound flotilla, the operation would not have been complicated. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would have used the trusty North Korean solution: Torpedo the ships and watch them sink to the bottom of the sea. That’s certainly what Hamas would have done to a boatload of Jews, if it got the chance. Tikkun Magazine wants to say Kaddish for Flotilla Terrorists. This will definitely turn your stomach.
We regret and deplore the killings which took place as Israeli troops, in defiance of international law, boarded and assaulted, wounded many and killed some of the participants in a flotilla seeking to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza (itself a morally outrageous policy) to bring humanitarian aid. We ask all people of peace to dedicate at least fifteen minutes today (Memorial day in the US) to silent memorial for those peace activists who have been killed (and we call upon all synagogues around the world to say Kaddish for those people at their Shabbat services this coming weekend), and for prayer for the speedy recovery of all those wounded in this attack (mostly peace activists, but also the Israeli soldiers who boarded the boats with violence).
Remind the wackos at Tikkun to say a prayer for this "peace activist" as well:
J-Street Blathers on:
This shocking outcome of an effort to bring humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza is in part a consequence of the ongoing, counterproductive Israeli blockade of Gaza. J Street has been and continues to be opposed to the blockade - believing that there are better ways to ensure Israel's security and to prevent weapons smuggling than a complete closure of the Gaza Strip.
We express our condolences to the families of those killed and we wish the injured a full and speedy recovery. We hope that leaders on all sides will take immediate steps to ensure that this incident does not escalate into a broader round of violence - in Israel, in Gaza, or in the region.
Such holy, holy people were those martyrs killed today on the ship, as they stabbed and shot at the evil IDF soldiers.
Reminder -- here's a photo of a J-Street hero:
10:15 PM One last Flotilla terror boat reported on the way after being delayed. Could be the "Rachel Corrie". Maybe the IDF will flatten it like a pancake.
8:14 PM As we start wrapping up today's events, its not surprising to see the world's condemnation of Israel. We expect it. Regardless of the non-lethal force the IDF was expecting to use, or the "peace activists" Israel was expecting on the ships, today's events spiraled out of control as terrorists brutally attacked IDF soldiers with intent to kill.
It should come as no surprise either as Israel gets blamed by self-righteous "moderate" Jewish bloggers, that seem to always line up with Israel's most radical leftists.
Right now Israel needs your support.
None of the "leftwing humanitarians" could care less about Gilad Shalit, nor were they willing to do even the bare minimum of delivering a letter to him from his family. Today's entire episode has nothing to do with Gazans or human rights. Its entirely about destroying Israel.
We'll update anything else of note...and we hope to be back to our regular Muqata programming tomorrow.
Regards,
Jameel and JoeSettler 8:11 PM Last Flotilla terrorist boat brought into Ashdod port.
7:23 PM Exclusive -- just released IDF Spokesman Close-Up Video of Flotilla Terrorists Attacking IDF soldiers
6:30 PM Updates from IDF Radio:
- None of the wounded IDF commandos currently have life-threatening injuries (thanks to surgery, treatment)
- There are about 30 wounded flotilla terrorists in Israeli hospitals now.
- A flotilla ship is being brought to the Ashdod port, under heavy guard. There are reportedly over 600 on board, and they don't want to be arrested, "quietly"
6:15 PM IDF Radio Hadas Shteif reports that hundreds of Arab residents of Um El Fahm are throwing rocks and rioting alongside highway 65. Car windows have been smashed, fires have been started alongside the sides of the roads, and the border police are firing tear gas and rubber bullets -- trying to disperse the Arab mob.
6:01 PM Thousands of Turks demonstrate against Israel in Ankara. (IDF Radio)
6:00 PM Reminder: To show solidarity with the brave wounded IDF soldiers who tried to board the Mavi Marmara peacefully early this morning and were met with violence, with tragic results that we have all seen, there will be a demonstration of solidarity with the IDF at 6pm tonight (UK time) in Whitehall opposite Downing Street.
5:59 PM IDF Reports that only 9 flotilla terrorists were killed today, not "more than 10, 16, 34, etc as reported by Al Jazeera".
5:38 PM Gaza flotilla participants created war atmosphere before confronting Israel -- Participants chanted Islamic battle cry invoking killing of Jews and called for Martyrdom
PMW reports: On the day before the Gaza flotilla confronted the Israeli navy, Al-Jazeera TV documented the pre-battle atmosphere created by men on board the flotilla, chanting a well known Islamic battle cry invoking the killing and defeat of Jews in battle:
"[Remember] Khaibar, Khaibar, oh Jews! The army of Muhammad will return!"
Khaibar is the name of the last Jewish village defeated by Muhammad's army in 628. Many Jews were killed in that battle, which marked the end of Jewish presence in Arabia. There are Muslims who see that as a precursor for future wars against Jews. At gatherings and rallies of extremists, this chant is often heard as a threat to Jews to expect to be defeated and killed again by Muslims.
Al-Jazeera also interviewed a woman who said that the flotilla participants' goal was "one of two happy endings: either Martyrdom or reaching Gaza."
5:35 PM IDF Radio reports that Israeli Arabs in Umm Al Fahm are planning a demonstration at 6 PM alongside highway 65. Police are concerned the demonstration will turn violent and block evening traffic as motorists attempt to return home.
5:27 PM The IHH "Charity organization" helped organize the flotilla of terror. The CIA already noted its ties to terror as early as 1996. No surprise.
5:16 PM Peaceful Flotilla Terrorist brandishes his harmless salad knife prior to IDF soldiers boarding his ship.
5:05 PM: Demonstration in support of the IDF and Israel -- Whitehall, London -- 6 PM, UK time. Bring flags! In coordination with Police and CST. Get out and show your support!
4:50 PM IDF Radio reports that masked Arabs are throwing rocks at cars and IDF border police at the Umm el Fahm interchange on highway 65. Troops are responding with tear gas and shock grenades.
4:32 PM The "media narrative" that the brutal ambush against IDF soldiers was committed by "peace activists" is already emerging. Reminder: The bloody violence was initiated by the Flotilla Guerrillas.
4:31 PM Reports that there are 600 flotilla terrorists on one of the ships that is refusing to cooperate. Apparently, there are wanted Hamas terrorists hiding among the flotilla terrorists on the ship. 4:30 PM Official Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
The Gaza Flotilla and the Maritime Blockade of Gaza Legal Background – 31 May 2010
1. A maritime blockade is in effect off the coast of Gaza. Such blockade has been imposed, as Israel is currently in a state of armed conflict with the Hamas regime that controls Gaza, which has repeatedly bombed civilian targets in Israel with weapons that have been smuggled into Gaza via the sea.
2. Maritime blockades are a legitimate and recognized measure under international law that may be implemented as part of an armed conflict at sea.
3. A blockade may be imposed at sea, including in international waters, so long as it does not bar access to the ports and coasts of neutral States.
4. The naval manuals of several western countries, including the US and England recognize the maritime blockade as an effective naval measure and set forth the various criteria that make a blockade valid, including the requirement of give due notice of the existence of the blockade.
5. In this vein, it should be noted that Israel publicized the existence of the blockade and the precise coordinates of such by means of the accepted international professional maritime channels. Israel also provided appropriate notification to the affected governments and to the organizers of the Gaza protest flotilla. Moreover, in real time, the ships participating in the protest flotilla were warned repeatedly that a maritime blockade is in effect.
6. Here, it should be noted that under customary law, knowledge of the blockade may be presumed once a blockade has been declared and appropriate notification has been granted, as above.
7. Under international maritime law, when a maritime blockade is in effect, no boats can enter the blockaded area. That includes both civilian and enemy vessels.
8. A State may take action to enforce a blockade. Any vessel that violates or attempts to violate a maritime blockade may be captured or even attacked under international law. The US Commander's Handbook on the Law of Naval Operations sets forth that a vessel is considered to be in attempt to breach a blockade from the time the vessel leaves its port with the intention of evading the blockade.
9. Here we should note that the protesters indicated their clear intention to violate the blockade by means of written and oral statements. Moreover, the route of these vessels indicated their clear intention to violate the blockade in violation of international law.
10. Given the protesters explicit intention to violate the naval blockade, Israel exercised its right under international law to enforce the blockade. It should be noted that prior to undertaking enforcement measures, explicit warnings were relayed directly to the captains of the vessels, expressing Israel's intent to exercise its right to enforce the blockade.
11. Israel had attempted to take control of the vessels participating in the flotilla by peaceful means and in an orderly fashion in order to enforce the blockade. Given the large number of vessels participating in the flotilla, an operational decision was made to undertake measures to enforce the blockade a certain distance from the area of the blockade.
12. Israeli personnel attempting to enforce the blockade were met with violence by the protesters and acted in self defense to fend off such attacks.
4:18 PMEyewitness Account: How the flotilla terrorists brutally ambushed the IDF.
...Navy commandoes slid down to the vessel one by one, yet then the unexpected occurred: The passengers that awaited them on the deck pulled out bats, clubs, and slingshots with glass marbles, assaulting each soldier as he disembarked. The fighters were nabbed one by one and were beaten up badly, yet they attempted to fight back.
However, to their misfortune, they were only equipped with paintball rifles used to disperse minor protests, such as the ones held in Bilin. The paintballs obviously made no impression on the activists, who kept on beating the troops up and even attempted to wrest away their weapons.
One soldier who came to the aid of a comrade was captured by the rioters and sustained severe blows. The commandoes were equipped with handguns but were told they should only use them in the face of life-threatening situations. When they came down from the chopper, they kept on shouting to each other “don’t shoot, don’t shoot,” even though they sustained numerous blows. More here at YNETNEWS.
4:06 PM Updates about the Flotilla from a pro-Israel viewpoint -- on facebook.
From commenter Rabelad:
The BBC interviewed Audrey Bomse,the rep of the Free Gaza Movement at the link here.
What I liked is that this BBC interviewer was uncharacteristically tough on Bomse, the anti-Israel terrorist-"activist". One of the inconsistencies of her story exposed in this audio clip is that she claimed to be unaware of any light weapons stashed by her "activists" yet at the same time she was absolutely convinced that there was no live fire there. How could she claim this, since she wasn't there to begin with, and over 600 people were on that ship. Even if she would have inspected each one personally there are still ways of taking them aboard surreptitiously. But being that it is seriously unlikely that she could know either one of those as facts for sure it means, not having been there, combined with her utter certainty about both details means she's feeding us lies.
3:52 PM As Israel defends itself against a barrage of international criticism, the following is being distributed on Israeli leftwing websites.
3:49 PM While Israel's left is planning a demonstration against the IDF at the Kirya, Tel-Aviv this evening at 7 PM, a pro-Israel, pro-IDF, pro- freedom and security counter demonstration is being planned for the same location and time.
3:47 PM Ashdod residents demonstrate on behalf of IDF soldiers at the Ashdod Naval Port.
3:42 PM The usual gang of antisemites joins the party, denying Israel the right to security and freedom. 3:38 PM According to the San Remo Manual it is permissible under rule 67(a) to attack neutral vessels on the high seas when the vessels “are believed on reasonable grounds to be carrying contraband or breaching a blockade, and after prior warning they intentionally and clearly refuse to stop, or intentionally and clearly resist visit, search or capture.”
3:31 PMPhoto of IDF soldier being evacuated for medical treatment
(Reuters)
3:28 PMTapuz forum via Rotter reports that "Tzav-8" emergency call up orders being distributed to air force and navy reservists.
3:23 PMReports of Arabs rioting in the Bethlehem -- over 100 Palestinians throwing rocks at IDF soldiers (walla) Right wing student attacked by Arab students at Haifa University (nrg) 3:21 PM Reports from the field that Jerusalem's Arabs are starting to riot in the area between the Lion's gate and Herod's gate of the Old City of Jerusalem. 3:15 PMReminder: There is no humanitarian "crisis" in Gaza. See it all here. 3:11 PM Video showing leftists "peace activists" stabbing IDF soldiers. Note -- the IDF soldier was equipped with a paint gun.
3:09 PM 16 of the Flotilla terrorists have been transferred from the Ashdod holding port to a jail in Beer Sheva.(ynet)
2:54 PM News1reports that the IDF soldiers were not prepared for the violence that erupted from the flotilla terrorist peace activists. The soldiers testified that Sheikh Raed Salakh was among the violent attackers. military correspondents who accompanied the soldiers said the soldiers were given paintball rifles. When they boarded the ship, they were attacked with slingshots, metal balls, chairs and live fire. The terrorists threw soldiers overboard and tried to capture soldiers. This wasn't a freedom flotilla but one of terror. It was all too reminiscent of the Ramallah Lynching of 2 IDF soldiers by a Palestinian mob.
2:52 PM Israeli Arab media reporting that 2 of the dead flotilla terrorists are Arab residents of Haifa.
2:47 PM Nir Devori Reporter from Channel 2 TV: Devori reports that he personally saw Molotov cocktails ready to be thrown aboard the ship. He saw camera crews hit soldiers with metal bars, and then claim they were only camera crews. He saw demonstrators throw IDF soldiers off the decks of the boat, and then jumped afterward to give the appearance that they were thrown off. 2:43 PMTurkey's deputy prime minister says Turkey is withdrawing its ambassador to Israel, canceling three joint military drills and calling on the U.N. Security Council to convene in an emergency session about Israel. (ABC) Good Riddance.
2:41 PMIntelligence reports that rocket attacks are likely in the immediate hours from Gaza. The Gaza seam communities have been instructed to prepare their bomb shelters.
2:38 PM Channel 2 TV updates accounts from the IDF Naval Commandos that boarded the ship. Soldiers recounted that the "peace activists" all fought with knives, axes, metal bars, box cutters, razor blades -- even among the "photographers". 2:28 PM Updates!Channel 10 and IDF radio report that the IDF commandos were equipped with paint ball rifles to ensure minimum casualties among the flotilla terrorists -- their hand guns were to be used as a means of last resort!
The terrorists tried connecting the steel cables from the overhead helicopters to the boat's antenna, in order to cause the helicopters to crash.
Only when the "peace activists" severely beat the soldiers with iron rods, stab them with knives, and tried to lynch them, did the soldiers respond. IDF soldiers were pushed down stairs, thrown overboard, and shot at.
Reported by Or Heller, Channel 10 TV.
2:21 PM Pro-Israel Demonstration outside Turkish Embassy in Tel Aviv: Tonight at 7:30 PM, 202 Yarkon Street.
2:15 PMSee video here of peaceful flotilla terrorists severely beating IDF soldiers (circled in red) 2:11 PMThe second Flotilla terror ship has docked at the Ashdod port. First the "Challenger" ship and now another one. None of the flotilla terrorists are carrying identifying documents. The Challenger ship had nationals from Ireland, Holland, Belgium and the USA.
2:08 PMIDF Radio reports that Israelis are heeding the serious travel advisory to Turkey, and there are reports of mass cancellations.
1:55 PMIsraeli Arabs Riot at "Mei Ami" Junction on the Wadi Ara highway (65) -- burning tires close the highway. 1:53 PM Video: The "nonviolent" Gaza Flotilla unleashes knives, clubs, and live fire on the Israeli commandos sent to prevent them from running Israel's internationally-recognized blockade on the Iranian-backed Hamas government.
Later in the video you see footage of them departing Turkey. They're chanting "Khaybar Khayber ya Yahud, Jaysh Muhammad sa ya'ud," which translates to "Khaybar Khaybar O Jews, the army of Muhammad will return." The reference is to the seventh century massacre and enslavement of Jews in the city of Khaybar by Mohammed.
1:27 PM Video of IDF Navy Warning Flotilla from entering Gaza waters.
1:15 PM Terror Flotilla Photos
Demonstrators outside the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.
Israeli Air Force Rescue Command UNIT 669 brings injured IDF naval commandos to Rambam Hospital in Haifa.
1:07 PM Press Conference -- Chief of Staff, Gabi Ashkenazi.
When all our attempts to convince the flotilla to abandon their provocation failed, we had no choice but to act.
There is no connection between a Humanitarian flotilla and the behavior of the people on those ships.
There was brutal violence from the second our troops boarded the ships.
1:02 PM Press Conference -- Defense Minister Ehud Barak:
Israel tried countless times to convince the flotilla to allow its humanitarian aid to be sent to Gaza via Ashdod, yet the flotilla was determined to create a hostile provocation.
More than 10 Naval commandos wounded from live fire, knives, metal bars and extreme violence.
There is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza today.
This entire flotilla is a huge political provocation, supported by international terrorists under the guise of "humanitarian" support.
Israel will continue to do what is necessary to protect its citizens.
The entire responsibility for Gaza is that of Hamas.
1:01 PMIsrael Army Radio definitely reports that Raed Salah is alive, and on one of the terror-flotilla ships.
12:55 PM Israel recommends citizens planning trips to Turkey cancel them. 12:54 PM Official report that 5 soldiers wounded. 1 serious, 1 moderate, 3 light.
12:51 PM Riots reported starting in Ramallah (and Amman!).
12:44 PMLatest numbers (unconfirmed): 19 flotilla terrorist dead. 28 flotilla terrorists injured. 15 IDF soldiers injured (2 seriously, 1 moderate). 12:43 PMIsraeli investment house reports they are divesting from Turkey.
12:32 PM Hatzalah inform all EMS volunteers - recheck and prepare all your medical and radio equipment. 12:24 PM Muqata blog holding up well in face of today's traffic surge.
12:18 PMPistols used to shoot IDF soldiers snatched from IDF by Flotilla terrorists during operation. (Channel 2 reports)
12:12 PMChannel 2 reporting that Turkish parliamentarian may have been killed in fighting. 2 IDF soldiers in serious condition. 12:01 PMRadio news update: 15 IDF soldiers wounded. 10 Flotilla terrorists dead. Riots in Nazareth.
Reports of Raed Salach's death from Arab workers at hospital where Raed Salah was taken to. Radio reports he's alive. Official death announcement may cause major riots.
Other reports place Raed Salach alive and well on one of the boats.
11:57 AM VERY UNCONFIRMED. Rumors that Flotilla terrorist may have killed an IDF soldier. VERY UNCONFIRMED.
11:52 AMArabs throwing stones in Jerusalem near Sha'ar Shchem (Damascus Gate) and other locations. Loony Left protesting in Ashdod.
11:49 AM #Flotilla #Gaza : First Hamas Flotilla Terror boat brought into Ashdod port.
11:44 AMIDF spokesperson informed the Muqata that we will be receiving exclusive videos later today.
11:33 AMRaed Salach dead (Raed Salah) - (Unconfirmed foreign media reports). Awaiting confirmation. 11:09 AM Deputy Foreign Minister Ayalon: Israel did everything they could to prevent violence, including transport of humanitarian aid through proper channels. The flotilla was a pre-conceived provocation. There were readied weapons found aboard the ships.
10:56 AMIsrael Tourism Ministry warns Israeli cruise ship to not dock in Turkey.
10:52 AMArab MK Taleb A-Sanaa issued a press release Monday in which he called IDF soldiers "Nazis".
10:45 AM Flotilla terrorists had their own weapons. 2 emptied (used) pistols found on deck
10:43 AMNear Gaza Settlements (towns) told to open and prepare bomb shelters. 10:26 AMIDF spokesman reporting that gunfire began when Hamas Flotilla member grabbed a soldiers gun from him and started shooting it. (See 10:45 AM update - 2 fired pistols found on boat).
10:07AMIDF reporting that Hamas Flotilla lynch attack was premeditated lynch and provocation
9:50 AMIDF spokesman. "Humanitarian Activists" attempted to LYNCH IDF soldiers (that's not very humanitarian). IDF will be releasing videos and audios of the lynch attempt throughout the day. 10 Flotilla terrorists confirmed dead by IDF spokesman Col Avi Binayahu.
IDF soldiers only opened fire after the lynch attempt. Operation still ongoing. IDF inspecting containers.
Raed Salach in critical condition.
9:18 AMChannel 10 reports Apache Helicoptors and (4?) F-15 circling around Hamas Flotilla. Police preparing for mass Arab and Leftist violence throughout the country.
Ashdod port being prepared for Hamas flotilla arrival. CNN reports Deputy Head of Turkish parliment on board Hamas terror boats.
9:14 AMForeign Ministry preparing for media onslaught.
9:12 AMPolice close highway near Um El-Fahm (Route 65 - Wadi Ara) and Temple Mount area. 443 still open to Arab traffic.
9:08 AMUnconfirmed report that Israel's envoy being evicted from Turkey.
CNN reports that soldiers were attacked with Guns, knives, axes, metal bars. Operation is still "ongoing".
9:06 AMRaed Salach officially listedas seriously wounded. Hamas Prime MinisterIsmael Haniyeh says this is a Crime against Humanity(he certainly should recognize those personally).
IDF soldiers attacked with gunfire from Hamas Peace Activists flotilla members.
Al-Jazeera (unreliable) reporting 16 dead, 50 wounded among floating Hamas supporters. (From 9AM IDF Radio report)
8:57 AMIsrael Foreign Ministry tells Israeli tourists in Turkey to leave immediately.
8:56 AMMDA goes to highest alert level.
8:26 AMArab media reporting Raed Salach in moderate condition and 6 IDF soldiers injured. Confirmed reports on Galei Tzahal (IDF radio). 3 wounded transferred to Israeli hospital by helicopter.
8:18 AM2 IDF naval soldiers reported injured in raid. 1 IDF soldier stabbed in stomach (by Humanitarian Peace Activist).
8:12 AMIn Um el Fahm Israeli Arabs converge on Salach's home. Riots expected. 8:07 AMMUQATA EXCLUSIVE: Unconfirmed reports say that Raed Salach head of the Islamic Movement in Israel was killed on the boat.
The far left Gush Shalom announces solidarity rally at Ashdod port.
As the Hamas-supporting "Free-Gaza-Flotilla" makes it was towards the shores of Gaza, IDF Naval ships are planning to stop them.
The JPost reports that the the Shalit family asked today for assistance from the international left-wing activists.
If the left-wing activists pressure Hamas to allow international organizations to bring letters and food packages to Gilad Schalit, the kidnapped soldier's family has agreed to support the international expedition's attempt to dock, Army Radio reported Thursday.
Lawyer Nick Kaufman presented the offer to the organization "Free Gaza," one of the organizers of the flotilla headed for Gaza, which promptly refused the offer.
"We are disappointed that the organizers of the flotilla have refused to also provide basic humanitarian assistance to our son, who has been held in Gaza four years in contradiction of international law," said the Schalit family.
The IDF announced Wednesday evening that it was planning to stop the international convoy of nine ships currently on its way to Gaza carrying hundreds of activists and thousands of tons of supplies.
“If they decide to continue sailing and do not listen to the instructions, then they will be stopped, brought to Israel and dealt with by the Interior Ministry, which will return them to the countries they came from,” an IDF statement said.
According to the statement, the IDF will unload the supplies and transfer the shipment to the Gaza Strip, after inspecting it for weaponry.
To the Israeli Leftists who support the Flotilla - now's your real chance to help Gilat Shalit.
If you seriously believe in Human rights, then you should demand that basic human rights are observed by Hamas, and that Gilad be able to receive letters, food packages, and even a visit from the International Red Cross.
That's the bare minimum. Anything less is pure hypocrisy.
The IDF would be more than glad to let your ships dock at Gaza...all you need to do is prove you really care about human rights, and you're not just aligning yourselves with Hamas to be anti-Israel.
Peace-Anarchists announce that their luxury liner, the MV Rachel Corrie, (a 1200-ton cargo ship), is part of the eight-vessel "Freedom Flotilla" on its way from Ireland to Gaza.
In the past week, reports from Israel have indicated that the Israeli authorities will not allow the Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza with its cargo of much-needed reconstruction material, medical equipment, and school supplies. According to Israeli news sources, clear orders have been issued to prevent the ships from reaching Gaza, even if this necessitates military violence.
The Free Gaza Movement, which has launched eight other sea missions to Gaza, confirms that Israel has tried these kinds of threats and intimidation tactics before in order to try to stop the missions before they start. “They have not deterred us before and will not deter us now,” said one of the organizers.
Ship to Gaza -- Sweden, a Freedom Flotilla coalition partner, together with parliamentarian Mehmet Kaplan (Green Party) yesterday asked for an audience with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Carl Bildt, to discuss what measures the Swedish government and the European Union will take to protect the Freedom Flotilla’s peaceful, humanitarian voyage. Earlier this week during a meeting with the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza – another coalition partner, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyib Erdogan expressed his support for “breaking the oppressive siege on the Gaza Strip...which is at the top of Turkey’s list of priorities.“
Who are these peace anarchists on their way to visit? Watch this video...
The question is: Will the Peace Anarchists have a pancake breakfast with Hamas leadership?
