Q: Why are you against this humanitarian action?
A: This isn’t a humanitarian campaign. A genuine humanitarian effort would be concerned with all human suffering. The organizers of this campaign repeatedly ignore the suffering of those Israelis under regular attack from Palestinian terrorist groups, as well as the Palestinians themselves, suffering from Hamas' vicious Gaza regime. The activists seek to interfere with Israel's efforts to maintain security in the maritime areas off the coast of Gaza and to open a sea conduit for Hamas to bring in terrorists, weapons and other hazardous materials.
Q: But the protesters are only trying to bring in humanitarian supplies?
A: Getting humanitarian aid into Gaza is not a problem. Israel transfers many tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza on a daily basis, and the protest organizers can, if they want, do the same through the recognized channels.
It should be emphasized in this context that the entry of unauthorized vessels into the maritime areas off the coast of Gaza interferes with vital security operations of the Israel navy designed to prevent the infiltration of terrorists, weapons and other illegal materials into Gaza and to thwart terrorist attacks originating in such maritime areas.
Q: By what right do you stop this ship from reaching Gaza?
A: All mariners have been issued a notice to remain clear of the maritime areas off the coast of Gaza in light of the security situation.
Israel is engaged in ongoing security operations off the coast of Gaza in order to prevent the infiltration of arms and other dangerous materials into Gaza, in accordance with accepted practices [of self-defense] under international law and in accordance with the authority granted to the Israel navy under the Interim Agreement signed by Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA)
and supported by the international community. Israel is simply "doing its job" to maintain security in the maritime areas off of Gaza.
Q: Does Israel intend on using force?
A: Israel will exercise its recognized and legitimate authority in a proportionate manner, in line with international maritime procedures.
Q: What damage could a ship like this cause, if you would just let it through?
A: The challenge facing all moderates is how to balance the need for humanitarian access with basic security concerns. The real aim of this campaign is to try to establish uncontrolled maritime access to Gaza. Unfortunately the past has proven that such access has inevitably been abused by the terrorists to smuggle in arms and build up their strength. A campaign with this goal plays into the hands of the extremists by strengthening Hamas’ strangle-hold over Gaza. Hamas, the extremist Islamic terror group, brutally represses all opposition and rejects all peace. The needs of population, and the region, would be better served if concerned groups would first work to “Free Gaza” from Hamas tyranny.
מח' מידע ואינטרנט – אגף תקשורת
14 אוגוסט 2008
Hello,
ReplyDeleteAt the bottom of this post is some Hebrew wording. Since I ran it through "reverso" it was translated as "Specialized ' information and Internet – department of communication"
That still doesn't tell me much. Could you tell me WHO'S "department of communication" this came from please? In other words, the original source.
the government
ReplyDeleteThank you for your answer Doc. If I may I would like to ask another question since I'm not quite clear on something, is this a conversation between you and this government person or you posted this from another source?
ReplyDeleteHere's why I ask Doc, I read your profile which states you are a reporter. I am wondering if this was an Israeli navy person giving this interview, no specifics needed.
The reason I ask this is because are you aware as a reporter that Operation Reliant Mermaid is set for next week? A simple yes or no is all I am asking.
http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=246614
Notice the dates, August 17-22. This is a joint American, Turkish, Israeli naval search and rescue simulation exercise which is done biannually, in this case off the coast of Israel.
This person who was interviewed seems to be intimating that force could be used on these boats.
As I am sure the Israeli navy is following the boat process carefully by what is stated in this post they must be aware that they have been delayed but now are expected to sail next week, approximate arrival time estimated next Thursday, August 21, smack dab in the middle of Operation Reliant Mermaid.
Has the Israeli navy notified the US and Turkish counterparts in Reliant Mermaid that these boats full of American citizens (and others) as well as Tony Blair's sister in law are on board?
If you have their ear, you might want to ask this question.
Let me be clear-I report on news but do not consider myself a "reporter"-I have access and have been totally forth coming with the information I am given-wishing you well-doc
ReplyDelete