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Libyan ship at heart of sea
Photo: AP

Libyans insist: Ship headed to Gaza

Member of organization sending aid ship to Strip denies Israeli reports it plans to dock in El-Arish

Where is Libya ship headed? The Navy said it had spoken with the ship's captain, who announced he would divert to El-Arish Port in Egypt, but crew on of Gaddafi's al-Amal ship insist it will not change course, and will dock in the Gaza Strip.

 

"The ship is heading to Gaza and it will not change its course," a member of the organization headed by Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son, told AFP. Youssef Sawani, who is on board the ship, also noted problems with the communication devices on the ship.

 

US State Department Spokesman Philip Crowley addressed the issue on Tuesday and urged all parties involved to act responsibly and avoid confrontation. "We have urged the Libyan government to avoid unnecessary confrontations. We call on all parties to act responsibly in meeting the needs of the people of Gaza," he said.

 

He reiterated the American stance on the delivery of aid to Gaza, saying, "We, along with our partners in the in the Quartet, urge all those wishing to deliver goods to do so through established channels so that cargo can be inspected by the government of Israel, and transferred via land crossings into Gaza."

 

Earlier, the Egyptians confirmed the Israeli report that the ship's captain announced he would proceed to El-Arish, and said the al-Amal received permission to dock in the Sinai port. The Israel Defense Forces continue to shadow the ship.

 

According to IDF sources, the ship changed its course Tuesday night. The sources believe the ship is currently headed towards El-Arish, but the Navy is also preparing for the possibility that the ship may change course.

 

The ship is carrying the captain, who is a Cuban citizen, and 12 crew members, most of them Cuban and Indian. Another nine passengers who say they are members of Gaddafi's aid organization are also on board the ship, including citizens of Syria, Morocco and Algerian.

 

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.14.10, 07:44
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