Israel’s UN ambassador urged the government of Lebanon and the international community to prevent a small group of ships from trying to break the blockade of Gaza, warning that it reserves the right to use “all necessary means” to stop the vessels.
Gabriela Shalev sent a letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warning that the attempt by the organisers to sail from Lebanon and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza could escalate tensions and affect peace and security in the region.
Shalev’s letter was circulated soon after secretary-general Ban urged Israel to agree to an international investigation of its deadly commando raid on a Turkish ship trying to bring aid to Gaza on May 31 and do “much more” to meet the needs of the Palestinians living under the three-year blockade.
