Israeli sources have confirmed that Israel will make an official request to the United Nations for clarification of how an official representative of the United Nations could call for European countries to send ships to Gaza without authorization and prior coordination with Israel. John Ging, the Director of Operations of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), has called upon the international community to break the siege on the Gaza Strip by sending ships loaded with desperately-needed supplies to the beleaguered territory.

In an interview with a Norwegian newspaper, Mr. Ging said, "The international community must take responsibility on this issue and embrace practical ways to break the siege, because it is possible to break it." In urging the world to send ships to the shores of Gaza, he added, "We believe that Israel will not intercept these vessels because the sea is open, and human rights organizations have been successful in similar previous operations proving that breaking the siege of Gaza is possible."

According to Mr. Ging, Egypt and Israel are responsible for the continuation of the blockade. "How could Israel evade responsibility for the siege, and how could Egypt not agree to show flexibility in order to bring aid to Gaza?" he asked. "It is time for the international community to facilitate assistance by sea as it did in Haiti."

Officials in Israel were taken aback by the statements and noted that they are unprecedented and very serious. Hebrew radio reported that several overseas aid organizations have taken John Ging's statement to heart and preparations are already being made to send ships carrying food supplies to Gaza.

Source: Jerusalem/Sama