Sunday, May 30, 2010

Israeli Navy Storms Gaza Aid Ship, Several Passengers Killed

Just heard on BBC News.

Israeli forces storm Gaza aid ship (5/31/2010 BBC)

"The Israeli navy has stormed at least one of a convoy of ships carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip, amid reports of casualties on board.

"Some reports say two people have been killed and about 30 injured. Israel has declined to comment.

"The exact location of the interception is unclear. Israel had warned the ships not to enter its territorial waters.

"The ships are carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid to the Gaza Strip in an effort to break an Israeli blockade.

"Turkish TV pictures taken on board the Turkish ship leading the flotilla show Israeli soldiers fighting to control passengers.

"The footage showed a number of people, apparently injured, lying on the ground. The sound of gunshots could be heard. It is not clear whether the fighting is ongoing.

"Al-Jazeera TV reported from the same ship that Israeli navy forces had fired and boarded the vessel, wounding the captain.

"The Al-Jazeera broadcast ended with a voice shouting in Hebrew, "Everybody shut up!". " [The article continues.]

Turkish TV now confirms 10 people are dead, so does Israeli TV Haaretz, according to this site.

Haaretz also says more than 60 people wounded. Israel has seized the cargo (humanitarian aids to Gaza), and is building a detention center for the foreigners on the ships who would refuse deportation.

It's not clear whether the convoy was on international waters when the Israeli navy attacked.

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