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E-mailIsraeli commandos ready to board the 'Rachel Corrie'
Published Friday, June 4, 2010, 7:18 AM
Updated Friday, June 4, 2010, 10:12 AM
The same commandos who launched a nighttime assault on aid ships bound for Gaza will also try and stop the Irish aid ship Rachel Corrie.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear late Thursday that the ship will not be allowed into Gaza but will be boarded and brought to an Israeli port.
Israeli navy sources told the Jerusalem Post that the operation would be carried out by commandos from Flotilla 13 –several of whom took part in their earlier engagement at sea that left nine aid workers dead, including one American citizen, who was shot four times in the head.
The plan is to board the Rachel Corrie, the newspaper says.
The Israelis have asked that Rachel Corrie would voluntarily sail to Ashdod Port rather than be boarded.
There have been discussions this week between Israel and the Irish government about the Ashdod plan.
However, speaking to The Irish Times from the Rachel Corrie yesterday, former UN official Denis Halliday strongly denied reports that the ship had turned back or that it would go to another port.
He said they hoped to make Gaza by the weekend.
“If we are not boarded beforehand, we hope to be in Gaza by Saturday,” Halliday said.
“We cannot accept an offer of an escort to another port which could jeopardize safe delivery of our cargo of construction and educational materials and medical supplies.
“We fear that any such escort could mean that our 550 tons of cement on board and our educational material would be confiscated by the Israelis, given that they do not define this as humanitarian goods – in breach of the UN definition of same,” he said.
The Israeli Navy and members of the Free Gaza flotilla differ on where the ship is at this time.
Israeli navy says its arrival is imminent.
However, a major cat and mouse game is underway to ascertain when the Rachel Corrie, which was fitted out in Dundalk in Ireland, reaches Gaza.
Irish Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Corrigan Maguire is on board as well as several other Irish nationals.
The Rachel Corrie is described as "rather decrepit, shallow-hulled trading vessel meant for trade between locations on the same continent or island," and not ideal for the trip to Gaza from Ireland.
Earlier reports stated that Israeli intelligence sabotaged the ship when it was at anchor in Cyprus. The ship was delayed there and did not arrive with the rest of the flotilla.
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Posted by shuvonn on Jun 11, 2010, 07:17 PM EDTDoes that right apply to ONLY Israel?
IS Israel the ONLY country that has the right to protect the safety of their citizens?
It appears to some that the ONLY rockets that count are the ones INTO Israel, the ones out of Israel do not count, cause they are ONLY Palestinians....
So its okay to keep Gaza at 25% of the aid that was allowed into Gaza, BEFORE the Illegal blockade. It's quite reminiscent to the Warsaw ghetto that was in operation from 1940 to approximately 1944 for jews which Israel now thinks its okay to do to the Palestinians... And YET nothing about the death threats to an Arab Israeli member of the Knesset? Your silence speaks VOLUMES, only the Jewish lives count...we get it.
Posted by Starlet on Jun 11, 2010, 03:01 AM EDT
Israel faces very real threats from Islamist extremists and Iran.
Israel has the right, but above all the duty, to protect the safety of its citizens.
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 07, 2010, 11:12 AM EDT
And nothing about the death threat on facebook ? NOTHING??
Not a BIG fan of Helen Thomas myself. And NO, I watched her try to use her five minutes to speak in the Knesset and they were NOT very tolerant of her, in fact they heckled her, called her names, and did not allow her the time she was supposed to be given to make a 5 minute speech and now you are okay with that fact that there is death threat against her.
I have problems with the manner in which women are second class citizens in muslim countries, I have spoken out about that before, but I would not call them fascist countries. I didn't think you would have a problem with the death threats against her....I am sure you are quite happy about that
Posted by Monsoonman on Jun 07, 2010, 10:05 AM EDT
Shuvonn: There is none so blind who will not see. Your bit of news concerning the arab member of the Israeli parliament, illuminates what a great and tolerant democracy Israel is. Do you see any Jewish members in the regimes of the fascist muslim countries that you champion? Didn't think so. I am sure Helen Thomas expressed your views perfectly didn't she?
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 07, 2010, 08:53 AM EDT
There is now an Israeli group on facebook asking for the execution of M.K. Haneen Zoabi, a member of the Israeli parliament, she was heckled through her entire speech, calling her a terrorist etc... Really inappropriate, kids have been taken and questioned over wanting to slap a teacher, and no one is going to do anything about this?
I see no reason for violence to be advocated on any level against either side, calm needs to prevail, I hope face book take that page down NOW.
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 06, 2010, 08:25 PM EDT
PHPEARSE: Did you NOT get the memo, its only the governments that THEY want to have that right, did ya not KNOW that? Apparently the Irish government had no right to ask for safe passage of their citizens on the Rachael Corrie and the Turkish government (ISRAELS ALLY) had no right to either. How silly of us to even THINK they might have those same rights...the rockets INTO Israel count, NOT the ones that go into Gaza...silly you PHPEARSE :-)
Posted by PHPEARSE on Jun 06, 2010, 07:52 PM EDT
Southernpride:
" It's every goverments duty to protect it's citezens against terrorists"
Can't diagree with that. Of course you include the Gaza government in this--they have a duty to try and protect their citizens too, don't they?
Posted by killowen on Jun 06, 2010, 07:32 PM EDT
US of ISRAEL Games
"One of the main purposes for increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula was to apply pressure on Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to reverse course on moving the U.S. Marine Corps base off Okinawa. Hatoyama has admitted that the tensions over the sinking of the Cheonan played a large part in his decision to allow the U.S. Marines to remain on Okinawa. Hatoyama's decision has resulted in a split in the ruling center-left coalition government, a development welcome in Washington, with Mizuho Fukushima, the Social Democratic Party leader threatening to bolt the coalition over the Okinawa reversal.
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 06, 2010, 07:32 PM EDT
Apparently the government ministers who asked for the safe passage, the ones who support the Rachael Corrie are not decent Irish people in Southernprides opinion. No matter, *men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction* Blaise Paschal
Posted by manofaran on Jun 06, 2010, 06:27 PM EDT
Where do you get your stats? 95% of decent Irish people?.Does that mean the people you dont agree with dont count, Where is this survey ?.I dont think most Irish people would agree with the treatment of the people in the Gaza strip.
Posted by manofaran on Jun 06, 2010, 06:21 PM EDT
Southern Pride, You say the Irish Goverment had to use harsh measures during the Irish Civil war against IRA terrorist, by that you must mean interment, execution without trial, torture as well documented in Channel 4 especially in Kerry, and just so you know the Free State was backed by the Brits Arms and Intellegence. Learn your history.
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 06, 2010, 12:38 PM EDT
No need to remind me, but you are selective in your thinking whom should be kept safe. Labeling the people on the Turkish ship terrorists does not make them so, Turkey is an ally of Israel. There were no weapons found on any of the ships, Israel has only used the footage that suits their agenda AND Israel has admitted that it tampered with the communications they taped between the ships before it illegally jammed the ability to communicate claiming that it was ONLY to make them easier to understand, not really believable AND the Israeli government has apologized for the tasteless video it released on youtube, made by a jp post columnist.
Posted by Southernpride on Jun 06, 2010, 12:23 PM EDT
Thanks, teadoir.
It's every goverments duty to protect it's citezens against terrorists. The Irish goverment had to use harsh measures during the civil war to protect innocent Irish people against IRA terrorists who were killing innocent Irish people and causing mahem in the South of Ireland.
I just wanted to remind Shuvonn of what has to be done to combat dangerous terrorists lunatics to keep our citizens safe
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 06, 2010, 11:17 AM EDT
There is no argument here, just merely differences of opinion. I do not care to be called a left wing nut job, and there are no buddies of mine in Jail anywhere, I am not a law breaker in any capacity. I am not calling you or the people who hold the same illogical arguments names. Not big on handouts either as you infer and allege. Pity the people on the Turkish vessel (Israeli ally) could not sleep at night when they were attacked in International waters.
Posted by teadoir on Jun 06, 2010, 10:05 AM EDT
Southernpride - forgot to mention, thanks for your service to Ireland....she probably doesn't understand it is because of people like you that she can have freedom of speech and sleep at night without worrying about getting attacked by another country...
Posted by teadoir on Jun 06, 2010, 09:47 AM EDT
Southernpride - you are correct, it was a lapse in judgment on my part to argue with a left wing nut job. I love Ireland and it's people just not the border line communist that hate America until they want a handout or protection. It seems people forget that most of the funding and arms came from the Irish in America during the rebellion, but hey we are used to getting kicked around by former recipients..just look at the French….she probably is angry because her seven buddies that were out to get the Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks for drawing a cartoon are locked up in Cork and Waterford…
Posted by Watereskhill on Jun 06, 2010, 03:09 AM EDT
And yet the area is still referred to as The Holy Land. Holy what? There hasn't been an hours peace there among it's Jews, Muslims or Christians to date. Each of them claiming this or that square yard of dust and adding to it to create further seperation division and die-hard 'Devotion' with a flag or symbol from as far back as any of us can recall. I find nothing noble in Mairaid Corrigan Maguire. She lived high and large on the monies she recieved on winning the "Peace Prize". Now taking to a flat bottomed boat to all accounts (see Article) unsuited to such a journey. An antagonist in my opinion. She abandoned Northern Ireland and is unworthy of mention.
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 05, 2010, 06:43 PM EDT
I am Irish, born and raised. I am sorry but really do not think that the Irish army was of much consequence in any capacity, and being neutral never engaged in any major wars ANYWHERE. SO except for their service abroad or the Irish citizens that served in other armies around the world or in UN aid missions in the middle east, or peace keeping forces around the world not an important army in any capacity, no disrespect. I am very aware of Irish history, so I do not need a history lesson. I KNOW and am related to people who served in various capacities in the Irish and British army, the Irish police force, Irish customs, Special Branch with distinction and other capacities in Ireland so I am WELL aware and quite up to date on things :-) And in 1922 there was a civil war going on and we ARE talking about things that have JUST occurred. My mother was born in Galway, nice county. The Irish government asked for safe passage of the Rachael Corrie and its humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Posted by Southernpride on Jun 05, 2010, 06:25 PM EDT
Shuvonn, I served in the Irish army and I was stationed in Galway. I was proud to serve my country and defend our citizens. Are you Irish, Shuvonn?
Anyway, this is how we Irish have treated IRA terrorists who caused mayhem and killed innocent Irish citizens:
27 September 1922 – The Free State's Provisional Government puts the "Public Safety Bill" before the Dáil, setting up military courts which allow for the execution of IRA terrorists captured bearing arms against the state and aiding and abetting attacks on state forces. It passes by 48 votes to 18. The Irish Labour Party oppose it.
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 05, 2010, 06:15 PM EDT
Our Broke ass country? No aid involved in re-fueling? Please ENLIGHTEN us as to what the US DID for Ireland in 1916? WE Irish built your railways, we were there at the beginning of union organization in this country, would NOT have happened otherwise, we have provided you with educated, English speaking immigrants who are willing to assimilate DESPITE YOUR NO IRISH NEED APPLY *WELCOME* And we're entitled to ASK to be legalized as do other nationalities.
How come no one else will let you refuel? Ireland ALLOWED American companies to set up shop in Ireland TAX FREE for years and as soon as that offer was up they ALL took off and LEFT and NEVER paid taxes all adding to the economic demise of Ireland but the US is no better economically at the moment and don't even try to tell me otherwise. As for the British citizen comment, ANYONE born in Ireland BEFORE 1949 is entitled to that but frankly that would NOT really be MY cup of tea.
SOUTHERNPRIDE: YOU do NOT represent Ireland or it's people,
so please do not equate sympathy for Gaza with arab terrorists, its a little too Fox news for me.
Posted by Southernpride on Jun 05, 2010, 05:36 PM EDT
Teadoir, are you honestly judging all Irish people on a few left-wing, marxist loons who support all terrorists.
As a proud Irish man, born and bred in Ireland 95% of decent Irish people support Israel's right to defend it's citizens against Arab terrorists.
Posted by killowen on Jun 05, 2010, 05:27 PM EDT
Friday, June 04, 2010
President Obama puts rage aside to focus on oil spill fix, he tells Larry King Obama has not yet dismissed the idea of resuming offshore oil drilling "if it can be done safely."
Gulf oil slick reaches Florida beaches, putting summer tourist season in doubt Instead of bikini-clad sunbathers, locals in Pensacola gathered at the beach to bid farewell to their way of life.
Sarah Palin aide Fred Malek helped former President Richard Nixon dump Jews, tapes reveal "The government is full of Jews," Nixon griped to chief aide H.R. Haldeman in a July 1971 Oval Office recording.
Baracudas fully running everything - you name it -
its g-d's own show. Little Zionee goys can't seem to extricate themselves - fully mired in the sludge.
Posted by teadoir on Jun 05, 2010, 04:42 PM EDT
Pat52rk - Amen, the same people that sanction murdering innocent people and celebrated 9/11 in the streets of Palestine.
Posted by teadoir on Jun 05, 2010, 04:41 PM EDT
Wake up Ireland, these people have called for the destruction of Israel and America. These are the same people that are naming landmarks after suicide bombers in Iraq that have killed Americans. So far over 50 Americans have been killed by Palestinians included the stoning to death of a 13 year old boy or the sick display of Palestinians celebrating 9-11 in the streets cheering and flashing the victory sign. It is hard for me to imagine Irish people supporting organizations that call for the obliteration or nullification of Israel.
I am 100% Irish by blood but have lost my stomach to continue visiting Ireland with all the radical logic and arrogance that is now part of a culture that we once cherished. Why do you think so many Irish Americans travel to England, France and Italy instead of spending their vacations in the land of their ancestors? Good luck on your economic recovery, maybe Hamas will come to your rescue. The biggest joke is all the illegal Irish wanting to stay in the US and for us to lobby for them while they continue to support enemies of the US. Move to Palestine if the US is such a terrible country and we are such bad people.
Posted by teadoir on Jun 05, 2010, 04:39 PM EDT
Shuvonn- there is no aid involved with our planes refueling in Ireland. Your broke ass country is recieving money for allowing US planes to refuel. Ireland has never came to America's aid, we should have never supported your country in 1916 and maybe you would be more open to America as a British citizen.
Posted by pat52rk on Jun 05, 2010, 03:36 PM EDT
the people of gaza elected a terrorist group 'hamas' to lead them. They have to deal with the consequences.
Posted by killowen on Jun 05, 2010, 01:11 PM EDT
The NUT'N'YAHOO, Israeli Pirate head, teams up with Somalian Pirates but with a twist. This nut and his g-dly connected, assisted by their Great Kihuna backer aim
to keep imprisoned Gazans from the basic aid that they are in dire need of.
Facts such as this will be pretzel twisted by their minions who manage their goy flock with consumate ease.
Having given us a god named Jesus it would be natural
for us believe we are dealing with a g-dly people. Our
Zion Masters. No one dare complain. Three our fathers and
three hails should keep the sheep from going beserk as the
Germans demonstrated in the past century.
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 05, 2010, 01:01 PM EDT
As a proud Irish WOMAN I support the right of people to question with action the legality of the blockade of Gaza by Israel. This has nothing to do with arab terrorists, NO weapons were found on ANY of the vessels...
Posted by Southernpride on Jun 05, 2010, 12:47 PM EDT
As a proud irishman I support Israel right to defend their citizens against Arab Terrorists
Posted by shuvonn on Jun 05, 2010, 12:42 PM EDT
Manhattan: Ireland has been of great aid to the US for as long as YOUR war with Iraq has been going on, they ALLOW US planes to land and refuel in Shannon daily. SO PLEASE do NOT tell IRELAND whom we can ask for help and whom we cannot. The aid to Gaza is down 75% of pre ILLEGAL blockade. Get your facts straight! You do NOT know what the agenda of that Irish ship named after an AMERICAN CITIZEN murdered by an Israeli bulldozer is, you DO not speak for Ireland, nor do you speak for the agenda of the people aboard it. We do NOT have to stand back and do nothing like YOU seem to want to.
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