June 05, 2010 "JPost" -- Earlier reports of military boarding the boat appear to have been premature.
Navy ships have intercepted the boat Rachel Corrie approximately 55 kilometers from the Gaza Strip, and are calling on it to divert to Ashdod, activists on board the boat said Saturday morning.
Earlier reports had suggested that the Rachel Corrie had been boarded, but the army and the boat’s passenger’s later said this was not true.
“They are being followed,” said Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza, which is one of the groups behind the effort to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.
Earlier in the night, boat co-sponsor ‘Perdana Global Peace Organization,’ a Malaysian NGO, stated on its website that the ship's passengers had agreed to let international inspectors search the ship before it proceeded to Gaza. The statement said that the activists "welcome a UN inspection to examine our cargo, which is solely construction and educational materials and medical supplies, but we believe this can be done at sea or in Gaza.”
Irish Foreign Minister Dr. Michael Martin had earlier reached an agreement with Israel, whereby the Rachel Corrie would proceed to Ashdod where its contents would be checked, unloaded and then shipped to Gaza under observation of representatives of the activists, the UN and the Irish government. The activists rejected this offer, insisting on breaking the Israeli blockade. They did however give assurances that they would not resist the IDF, should it decide to board the ship. The White House later expressed support for the agreement and called on the ship to dock at Ashdod.
Jenny Graham, who is on board the ship, told the "Free Gaza movement" that "We will have no part in a deal that involves us legitimizing the siege of Gaza. We intend to continue on our mission to deliver our cargo of aid and supplies to the people of Gaza. This has always been our intention."
IDF: Gaza-bound ship 'Rachel Corrie' ignores order to stop
Army spokesman said Israel navy was gearing for the possibility of a forceful takeover of the Gaza aid ship if it fails to comply.
By Haaretz Service and News Agencies
JERUSALEM - Israeli Defense Forces contacted a Gaza-bound aid ship Saturday and told the crew it won't be allowed to reach the Palestinian territory.
Officials said they informed the crew that Gaza is under blockade and that the ship should change course.
The MV Rachel Corrie was roughly 40 miles off the coast of Gaza at about 8 a.m. local time (1 a.m. ET) Saturday when officials asked the crew to identify themselves, Israeli officials told NBC news.
Three Israeli naval ships were shadowing the Irish-owned boat in the Mediterranean, a spokeswoman for the campaign group supporting the ship said.
Earlier, the group, called the Free Gaza movement, said Israel had boarded the Rachel Corrie then later issued a correction.
"They have not been boarded. They are being followed," said Greta Berlin of the movement, who added that contact with those aboard the Rachel Corrie was intermittent. The group had based its earlier statement about a boarding on an unconfirmed report from an Israeli radio station, Berlin said.
An Israeli military spokeswoman said earlier Saturday, "At this minute, there's no takeover."
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article25632.htm
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