Israel asked Turkey to stop flotilla, envoy says
Ambassador Gabby Levy tells Hurriyet paper he explained Israel's position to Turkish government, stresses Israel does not object to legal transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza
Israel's Ambassador to Turkey Gabby Levy has asked the Turkish government to stop the flotilla scheduled to set sail next month, the Hurriyet newspaper reported Tuesday.
Levy told the paper that Israel explained its position to the Turkish government. The Israeli envoy handed over the request to a senior official in the Turkish foreign ministry.
Levy stressed that Israel has no problem with humanitarian aid being legally transferred to the Gaza Strip via the Turkish Red Cross, for example. "The Gaza crossing is open. The Israeli side has shown greater flexibility. The quota was set at 220 trucks which we do not cover as there is no need for further aid. Consequently such a campaign can only be seen as pure provocation," he said.
Meanwhile, the government held a meeting regarding the impending flotilla where it was proposed to allow the vessels to reach the Gaza shores. However, this option was not discussed and no decision has been reached.
Last week, head of the IHH Bülent Yildirim announced that the Marmara ship will take part in the flotilla. He noted that the vessel will depart from Europe and carry artists, journalists and politicians. The organizers claim more than 15 vessels are slated to take part in the flotilla.
Deadly raid on flotilla
In May 31, 2010 a Navy force raided the Marmara ship which had broken the naval blockade on the Gaza Strip. On board the vessel were terrorists from the IHH organization who ambushed the soldiers ahead of time. The ship also carried peace activists who apparently were not aware of the Turkish group's intentions.
Several of the Navy commandos were attacked and kidnapped to the lower deck. The soldiers were then forced to use live ammunition and killed nine of the passengers. A week after the incident the Turkish press distributed photos of bleeding IDF soldiers captured by the activists.
Since returning to Turkey the Marmara has turned into a memorial site commemorating the event. The IHH recently hosted 10 Palestinian children on board the ship.
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