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| Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
| Gaza govt warns of environmental impact of halting fleet |
| 2010-05-31 |
| [Ma'an] The Gaza government's Environment Authority chief warned of potential environmental damage that the Israeli army could cause by harming the Freedom Fleet whilst preventing it from docking in Gaza on Monday. A statement issued by Yousef Ibrahim said Sunday that vast amounts of pollution could be released into the sea should the Israeli navy damage one of the boats in an attempt to deter it from arriving in Gaza such as fuel leaking into the sea, the spillage of medical supplies and medicines, and the seeping out of cement, all items the convoy hopes to bring into the coastal enclave. The official warned against the detonation of mines and explosives by Israel's navy in a bid to intimidate the flotilla, citing the potential killing of sea life and fish, "particularly significant because it is the high season for fishing." "Since it was announced that the Freedom Flotilla was en route to Gaza, Israeli officials have officially sought to bar them from reaching their destination, threatening to use all means necessary, even if it is obliged to use force ... or to break onto the boats, placing them at risk," Ibrahim said. The ships are loaded with tons of humanitarian aid and goods banned from entering Gaza by Israel including school supplies, cement, medical equipment and food. Ibrahim urged international environment organizations, the International Environmental Monitor in particular, to prevent any attempt by Israel's navy to damage the convoy to ensure no dire environmental consequences as a result, and lift the siege on Gaza. Any pollution that would occur in the Mediterranean because of an attack against the boats would solely be Israel's responsibility, he added. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #2 Didn't see any pollution... |
| Posted by: 3dc 2010-05-31 19:51 |
| #1 cuz he's all about the fishes, natch |
| Posted by: Frank G 2010-05-31 09:02 |