Israeli Marines Intercepted Two Freedom Flotilla's Ships

07.11.2011 Israeli marines detained two ships of the so-called Freedom Flotilla which on Nov 4 tried to break the maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip. According to Agence France-Presse, Canadian-flagged ship Tahrir and Irish-flagged yacht Saoirse with pro-Palestinian activists on board were arrested in international waters off Gaza.

According to Israeli authorities, they asked crews of the ships to stop moving, but the ships ignored the demand and did not change course. After that, Israeli marines boarded the ships. Nobody suffered during the operation.

Reportedly, Israeli marines arrested 27 men. Activists showed no resistance.

According to the news agency, the passengers were allowed to leave humanitarian cargo in Israeli port Ashdod for further forwarding to Gaza Strip. However, the activists said they had no cargo on board.

Tahrir and Saoirse left Turkey for the Gaza coast on Nov 2.

Activists from different countries demanding to lift the Gaza blockade regularly arrange maritime expeditions known as Freedom Flotillas. Israeli military intercept those vessels not letting them reach the coast.

The most known interception happened in May 2010. Passengers of a Turkish ship attacked boarding marines; consequently, nine Turks were killed. This incident seriously harmed Turkish-Israeli relations.