Israeli ambassador warns UN chief of dangerous consequences of Gaza-bound flotilla

Israel's Foreign Ministry director-general Dori Gold Monday sent a letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon warning of the potential conflict that may arise from the incoming flotilla expected to attempt to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip next week.

"This attempt to challenge Israel's naval blockade of Gaza holds the potential for dangerous consequences. The flotilla's sole purpose is to create provocations that pose security risks, and constitute a breach of international law," Gold wrote.

Gold also defended Israel's policy of imposing its blockade of the coastal Palestinian enclave, iterating that "The naval blockade was imposed as a legitimate security measure in order to prevent weapons from entering Gaza by sea and its implementation complied with the requirements of international law."

"It [the blockade] was designed as one way to prevent weapons reaching Gaza by sea and to prevent such attacks to be launched from land," he added.

Gold concluded the letter by stating that the incoming flotilla was an unnecessary and inappropriate platform to deliver assistance for the people of Gaza, stating "There is no humanitarian need for this flotilla... As is widely known, there are established mechanisms by which humanitarian assistance can be delivered to the Gaza Strip, including through Israel." 
[jpost.com]
22/6/15
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