 The Baltimore Jewish Council, as always,
stands in solidarity with Israel in the aftermath of the confrontation that took
place off Israel's coast yesterday.
While there is much misinformation about
the incident, we want to present you with as accurate a report as possible.
Please read the following information, and contact the
Council with any questions. We will continue to send updates as needed.
Martha Weiman
President
Baltimore Jewish Council
As we are faced with the sometimes biased or
confusing media reports in the coming hours and days, it is important to
understand certain key facts: - Early Monday, May 31, the Israeli Navy intercepted six ships attempting to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.
- The intercept took place after numerous warnings from Israel that were issued prior to the action. The navy requested the ships to redirect toward Ashdod, where they would be able to unload their cargo which would then be transferred to Gaza over land after undergoing security inspection. The IDF stressed that the passengers could then return to their point of departure on the same vessels.
- During the interception of the ships, the demonstrators on-board attacked the IDF naval personnel with live gunfire as well as light weaponry including knives, crowbars and clubs. The demonstrators had clearly prepared weapons in advance for this specific purpose.
- As a result of this life-threatening activity, naval forces employed riot dispersal means, including, when they determined that their lives were in immediate danger, live fire. According to initial reports, these events resulted in over 9 deaths among the demonstrators and numerous injured.
- A number of Israeli naval personnel were injured, some from gunfire and others from knives and crowbars. Two of the soldiers were moderately wounded and the remainder sustained light injuries.
- The provocateurs were organized by an Islamist organization that has links to fundamentalist jihadi groups.
- The activists were carrying 10,000 tons of what they said was aid. Israel transfers about 15,000 tons of supplies and humanitarian aid every week to the people of Gaza.
- "We fully intend to go to Gaza regardless of any intimidation or threats of violence against us; they are going to have to forcefully stop us," said one of the flotilla's organizers.
- Using the Arabic term 'intifada,' Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said "We call on all Arabs and Muslims to rise up in front of Zionist embassies across the whole world."
- Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said this week: "If the ships reach Gaza it is a victory; if they are intercepted, it will be a victory too."
- Israel left Gaza in hopes of peace in 2005 and in return received more than 10,000 rockets and terrorist attacks.
- Israel has said that it will deliver any humanitarian aid to Gaza, as it does daily.
- No country would allow illegal entry of any vessel into their waters without a security check.
Close-Up Footage of Mavi Marmara Passengers Attacking IDF Soldiers
Video taken by IDF naval boat shows the passengers of the Mavi Marmara, one of
the ships in the 'Free Gaza' Flotilla, violently attacking IDF soldiers who
were trying to board the ship after having sent repeated requests for the boat
to change course.
IDF Spokesperson 2nd video taken from helicopter
IDF Met with Pre-Planned Violence When Boarding Ship
Gaza flotilla participants created war atmosphere before confronting Israel
The Israel Navy warns flotilla that the Gaza region is closed to maritime traffic, and invites the ships to enter Ashdod port to transfer humanitarian aid.
Beating the Hell Out of Israeli Naval Commandos BBC Footage posted by user LetsFreeGaza, May 31, 2010
MFA legal expert Sarah Weiss Maudi explains why the flotilla was not allowed to dock at Gaza
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ISRAEL AND THE FLOTILLA: THE FACTS 
