Mavi Marmara
Photo: Dudi Cohen
Turkish ships going home
Vessels used in infamous Gaza-bound mission handed back to Turkish authorities; Israel to Turkey: Prevent more ships from heading to Gaza
The three Turkish ships that took part in the Gaza-bound mission about two months ago were granted permission to leave Israel and head back to Turkey.
Turkish tugboats arrived at the Haifa port Thursday morning in order to transport the Mavi Marmara – where an IDF raid left nine people dead.
Raid gone wrong (Photo: Reuters)
The Marmara was seized by Israel with two more vessels and held at the Ashdod port; a few days ago, it was moved to a civilian dock where it underwent renovation work and preparations ahead of its return to Turkey.
A statement issued by the Defense Ministry noted that following the political leadership's decision and in line with a request made by Turkish authorities, the vessels will be handed over to Turkish representatives.
'No more ships'
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry sent a letter to Turkish officials, expressing Jerusalem's expectation that Ankara prevent any more ships from breaching the blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip.
The letter stressed that Israel regularly transfers goods into Gaza via land crossings, in a manner acceptable to the international community and in line with recognized agreements.
At the beginning of the week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will be cooperating with a probe into the flotilla incident ordered by United Nations Chief Ban Ki-moon.
