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July 20, 2011

Israel to Deport Jailed Flotilla Passengers 
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Passengers on the last ship in the Gaza-bound international aid flotilla
are set for deportation from Israel after their boat was seized at sea.
The passengers and crew of the French boat, Dignite-Al Karama, offered
no resistance as Israeli forces took over the vessel and towed it into
the Ashdod port. An Israeli navy admiral acknowledged the activists were
peaceful, but defended the siege of Gaza.

Israeli Navy Rear Admiral Rani Ben Yehuda: "We know that on this ship
there were no arms, but if the naval security blockade will be taken
off, we are sure that this line will be used to smuggle weapons into
Gaza."

The passengers are still being detained at the port and supporters are
calling for their release.



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