A freighter intercepted by the Israeli navy as it tried to run the Israeli blockade of Gaza docked today under naval escort in the port of Ashdod.
The cargo vessel
Tali, flying the flag of the West African state of Togo, was towed into the harbour after being boarded off the coast of the Gaza Strip, in a zone Israel has closed to foreign shipping.
It was the first apparent attempt by a foreign ship carrying aid to reach the Palestinian enclave since Israel ended its 22-day offensive in the Gaza Strip two weeks ago.
Israeli defense minister Ehud Barak confirmed that "the navy boarded the vessel, stopped it" and ordered it to Ashdod. Two gunboats escorted the
Talinorthwards.
Doha-based Al-Jazeera television quoted a correspondent aboard the vessel as saying the Israeli navy had fired shots then boarded the
Taliand beaten passengers and crew.
"They are opening fire toward the vessel ... there are Israeli soldiers who have actually boarded the vessel," said Salam Khoder. "Three of them are pointing their weapons at us ... They are beating those on the vessel, they are beating and kicking us."
Lebanese prime minister Fouad Siniora condemned the action. "Those who commit massacres against innocent civilians in Lebanon and Gaza will not stop themselves from assaulting, in front of the world, a ship carrying humanitarian supplies," he said. "I express my utmost condemnation for this blatant attack."
An Israeli army spokesman said no gunfire was used in taking control of the vessel and most of the 20 passengers aboard were from media organisations.
The freighter left Lebanon and docked in Cyprus before sailing for Gaza. The captain was told repeatedly that he would not be allowed to take it into Gaza waters, the army spokesman said.
Confronted yesterday by Israeli navy vessels, the ship's captain said he was changing course for the Egyptian port of El Arish on the Mediterranean coast, 45 kilometres west of the Gaza-Egypt border.
An Egyptian official said the ship requested permission to dock and the captain was "told to stop in the waiting area until measures are taken to bring it in, since the boat has had no previous dealings with the port."
But early today, the ship turned and started heading back toward Gaza, Israel said. "It entered Gaza territorial waters in a suspicious way," said the army spokesman. "They were not acting in accordance with regular naval procedures which raised suspicion they may be smuggling something or endangering Israeli security."
Al-Jazeera said the ship was carrying humanitarian aid from Lebanese and Arab charities destined for those made homeless during the Israeli offensive.