Hamas calls for int'l protection to Gaza-bound aid flotilla
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Xinhua, June 25, 2011
Ismail Haneya, the deposed premier of Hamas government in Gaza on Friday called on the United Nations to protect the II Gaza-bound aid flotilla, which will sail to the Gaza Strip within a few days.
Haneya, who was speaking to dozens of prayers in a Gaza mosque on Friday that he condemns the Israeli threats to intercept the arrival of the aid ships to the shores of the Gaza Strip ruled by his movement.
"The United Nations and all international law organizations should provide protection to the second flotilla that is preparing to sail to the Gaza Strip. The world must stop Israel from intercepting the ships," said Haneya.
On May 31 last year, the Israeli naval force intercepted the first Gaza-bound aid flotilla. Nine Turkish activists were killed and dozens wounded, where Israel confiscated the aids and then sent them to Gaza through border crossings.
"We believe that it is the right of the foreign activists to arrive in the Gaza Strip, and we condemn any Israeli threats against them. It is obvious that the Israeli occupation is preparing for another crime against them," said Haneya.
The European campaign to end Gaza siege announced on Thursday that the II Gaza-bound aid flotilla would sail to the Gaza Strip in the middle of next week, adding that there are no changes to this date.
"This time, the ships would carry hundreds of international activists coming from around 40 countries, among them lawmakers and members of the European parliament, in addition to 40 TV stations," said the campaign.
The Israeli army had earlier announced that it had given clear instructions to its soldiers not to enable any of the ships to arrive at Gaza beaches. Attacking the first flotilla last year was largely condemned by the world.
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