Key Points on Terrorist sponsored Flotilla

Key messages

· Last night, IDF forces took control over the flotilla bound for Gaza, in contravention of the blockade.

· The IDF action was authorized by the Security Cabinet, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense.

· Passengers on one of the six boats initiated violent clashes.

· Israel regrets that people have been injured, but responsibility lies with the organizers and participants of the flotilla who initiated the violence.

· The State of Israel approached the organizers of the flotilla – prior to their departure and late, while at sea – and invited them to dock at the Port of Ashdod for the sake of transferring their cargo to Gaza, subject to security inspection. The organizers refused.

· While boarding on of the vessels, IDF soldiers were physically attacked with live ammunition and other weapons, including knives and clubs, which had been prepared in advance. A weapon belonging to one of soldiers was snatched and, apparently, fired on IDF forces.

· During the course of the incident, when their lives were put in danger, IDF soldiers were compelled to employ means to disperse demonstrations, including live weapons.

· Initial reports indicate that about 10 flotilla participants were killed, and others injured, during the course of events. Seven Israeli naval officers were also wounded. All the injured were evacuated to hospitals.

· There is no famine or humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The area is under the control of Hamas, a terrorist organization that continues to arm itself with weapons and rockets for the purpose of attacking Israelis – as it has done in the past. Hamas continues to hold captive an Israeli soldier, in contravention of international law. Accordingly, Israel stands on its natural right to inspect all cargo entering Gaza.

· The entire flotilla was designed as a media stunt and political provocation by elements that are hostile to Israel, primarily the IHH – a violent, extremist group which supports terrorist organizations under the guise of humanitarian activity. Israelis are being encouraged to exercise restraint and not allow radicals to exploit this incident for the sake of igniting violence.

· Israel will continue to express its desire for peace and extend its hand to all those who are willing to engage.


More Facts on the Flotilla

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· Reports that activists carried out a pre-planned violence, armed with knives and metal bars, each soldier being attacked by a mob of a dozen extremists.

· The provocateurs were organized by an Islamist organization that has links to fundamentalist jihad groups.

· The extremists brought small children on board knowing that they intended to violate international maritime law.

· Israel offered to transfer the aid to Gaza again and again - they refused - and chose confrontation.

· Israeli Minister Danny Ayalon: "Weapons found on board; the organizers intent was violent, their method was violent and the result was, unfortunately violent"

· Israeli Minister Danny Ayalon: "We repeatedly called on the organizers to stop this provocation"

· Israeli Minister Danny Ayalon: "The maritime blockade in Gaza is because of the terrorism of Hamas"

· Israeli Minister Danny Ayalon: Allowing the illegal flotilla to reach Hamas would have opened a corridor of smuggling of weapons to Gaza and resulting in civilian deaths.

· Israel transfers about 15,000 tons of supplies and humanitarian aid every week to the people of Gaza.

· "We fully intend to go to Gaza regardless of any intimidation or threats of violence against us, they are going to have to forcefully stop us," said one of the flotilla’s organizers

· Using the Arabic term ‘intifada,’ Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said "We call on all Arabs and Muslims to rise up in front of Zionist embassies across the whole world.

· Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said this week: "If the ships reach Gaza it is a victory; if they are intercepted, it will be a victory too"; Hamas is responsible for the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis.

· Israel left Gaza in hopes of peace in 2005 and in return received more than 10,000 rockets and terrorist attacks.

· Israel has said that it will deliver any humanitarian aid to Gaza, as it does daily.

· No country would allow illegal entry of any vessel into their waters without a security check.

· Any police force in the world would respond to aggression; the provocation is the reason for this regrettable outcome.

· Wounded, including violent activists, are receiving medical treatment in Israeli hospitals.