LOC08:25
05:25 GMT
Flotilla'
GAZA, May 31 (KUNA) -- Israel Navy troops opened fire on pro-Palestinian
activists aboard the aid 'Freedom Flotilla' sailing for the Gaza Strip,
killing at least 10 and wounding several others after the convoy ignored
orders to turn back, news channels reported on Monday.
Turkey's NTV said between 10 and 15 people were killed, with over 60
wounded.
Earlier today, it was reported that the flotilla had changed course to
avoid a confrontation with Israeli navy ships.
The Israeli naval vessels reportedly made contact earlier with the
flotilla, which is carrying 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid and supplies to
Gaza, according to the Israeli Haaretz newspaper.
"The Israeli navy was operating under the assumption that the activists
manning the boats would not heed their calls to turn around, and Israeli
troops were prepared to board the ships and steer them away from the Gaza
shores and toward the Israeli port city of Ashdod," the Haaretz said.
The flotilla is trying to draw attention to Israel's three-year blockade of
the Gaza Strip. The boats are carrying items that Israel bars from reaching
Gaza, like cement and other building materials. Some 700 pro-Palestinian
activists are on the boats. (end)
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