Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office quoted
him telling UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that a mission of around 15 ships
expected in late May “was being organized by extremist elements, among others,
with the goal of creating a provocation and bringing about a flare-up.” The
Free Gaza Movement, a pro-Palestinian activist umbrella group, said the May
flotilla would comprise 15 ships with international passengers including
Europeans and Americans.
“We sail not just for Gaza,” the group said in a March 31
posting on its website. “We sail to confront an entire apartheid regime that
must be dismantled through citizen action.” Citing security needs, the Israeli
navy stopped a six-vessel flotilla in international waters on May 31, 2010 as
it tried to reach Gaza.
Marines killed nine Turkish activists in melees aboard the
lead ship, fraying Israel’s once-strong ties to Ankara.
Israel has since eased commercial traffic over its land
crossings with Gaza, many of whose 1.5 million Palestinians are aid-dependant,
but still keeps close control of the sea access.
Regarding the new sailing, Netanyahu said Israel was “committed
to acting firmly against the flotilla,” according to the statement. It did not
say what the prime minister expected the United Nations to do.
The Free Gaza Movement has called the blockade illegal and
flagged persistent Palestinian poverty in the territory. It has championed
non-violent political action in a comprehensive challenge to Israel.
