16:39
societynews[dot] org
JERUSALEM (Reuters)-Israel said Monday it was rethinking its threat to bar foreign journalists from entering the country for 10 years, if they are on board a new aid flotilla that plans to defy the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip.
"(Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) heard on the news and asked to re-examine this issue because it is problematic," Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon said, referring to Israel's warning Sunday Government Press Office (GPO).
"I know that the Prime Minister was surprised when I hear this," he said, without revealing that he had taken the decision to hand over the threat.
"There is no way to stop the media in this day and age if (are) anyway. It is better not to clash with them. "
The Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem described the warning, that GPO Director Oren Helman sent to international media organisations, such as a "chilling message" that raised questions about Israel's commitment to press freedom.
Pro-Palestinian activists have said about a dozen ships carrying aid to Gaza Strip, territory controlled by the Islamists of Hamas, could depart from ports in Europe in the coming days.
Israel has made clear that he will apply the block that it says is aimed at stopping arms to Hamas, which is shunned by the West because of his refusal to recognize Israel, renounce violence and accept the existing peace deals.
The Palestinians say the blockade is illegal and is helping to strangle the economy underdeveloped in Gaza. Israeli officials have said the convoy could dock in Egypt or in Israel and have his load of aid transferred by road to the Gaza Strip.
In an email, Helman said participation of the flotilla would be "an intentional violation of Israeli law and could result in a ban on the entry of 10 years in Israel and the kidnapping of the journalists ' equipment.
A year ago, nine Turkish activists, including one with dual citizenship U.S.-Turkish, were killed by Israeli soldiers who raided an aid convoy to Gaza and were confronted passengers brandishing Clubs and knives.
Netanyahu's security cabinet discussed the new flotilla on Monday. A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister reiterated that "Israel is determined to prevent the flotilla to reach Gaza with as little friction as possible with his passengers."
(Writing by Jeffrey Heller; edited by Crispian Balmer)
Posted in: 
0 comments:
Post a Comment