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June 17, 2011

Israel Vows to Block New Gaza Flotilla 
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Israel is vowing to again use armed force to stop an international aid
flotilla from reaching the Gaza Strip. Palestinian solidarity activists
are expected to set sail from a number of ports later this month just
over a year after Israeli forces killed nine activists on an aid boat at
sea. A U.S.-based vessel is taking part in the mission. An Israeli navy
commander, Rani Ben Yehuda, warned flotilla organizers to hand over
their aid if they want it to reach Gaza.

Rani Ben Yehuda: "Supplies are getting into Gaza on a daily basis. The
reason of the maritime security blockade is to prevent from terrorists
and weapons to get into the hands of terrorist organizations in Gaza.
Like we said before, I'm saying it again: We are inviting all the
organizers of the flotilla to come to Ashdod and to transfer the cargo
in the legal way into Gaza."

Among the boats that are part of the flotilla is one filled with about
fifty Americans. The ship is called the "Audacity of Hope". It is
planning to set sail from Athens, Greece , next week.



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