The Israeli navy kills four Palestinian militants off Gaza
Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Israeli navy has killed four Palestinians who were diving off the coast of Gaza. According to Israeli soldiers the group was preparing a "terrorist attack". Palestinian sources say that the four were members of the Martyrs Brigade Al-Aqsa and were doing exercises.
IDF sources say that the incident happened around 4.30 this morning (local time). Ahmad Al-Ashi, spokesman for the Health Ministry in Gaza identified the victims. They are Fayiz Alfiri (21), from Jabaliya refugee camp, Muhammad Qweidir (34) from Gaza, Ibrahim al-Wahid (25) from the port area, Hamid Thabit (20) from the Nusseirat refugee camp.
The incident takes place one week after the Israeli sea raid on the Mavi Marmara, part of a flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists, killing 9 people and wounded dozens. The raid has sparked international criticism against the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
Two days ago, another ship, the Rachel Corrie, that wanted to force the blockade, was intercepted by the Israeli Navy and forced to dock at the port of Ashdod. Today, nine activists from the ship - carrying a Nobel peace laureate and other Malaysian activists - were expelled from Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu has described the Rachel Corrie as a ship carrying "peace activists", but described the Mavi Marmara "a ship of hate, organized by Turkish terror extremists”.
Turkey, the nation of origin of the Mavi Marmara and home of the slain, called the Israeli action an act of "piracy."
The UN and the EU have asked for an international investigation into the incident, but Israel has refused. Tel Aviv says that there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza and that the blockade is necessary to halt arms supplies to the Hamas militants who control Gaza.
The tension in Gaza is growing. Iran says it is ready to escort vessels that want to force the Gaza blockade. Netanyahu replied: "We do not want Gaza to become an Iranian port.
The movement "Freedom for Gaza" - sponsor of the May 31 fleet announced there will be new attempts to force the blockade in the coming months.
Only yesterday, from Cyprus, Benedict XVI asked the international community for an urgent effort to secure peace in the Middle East, "before those conflicts lead to more shedding of blood."
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