Libyan aid ship to Gaza – Letter from Israel

Identical letters dated 9 July 2010 from the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General, the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council 

 I write to bring to your attention a developing situation of grave concern to my Government. 

 It appears that a Moldovan ship, which has been hired and sponsored by a Libyan organization, plans to depart from Greece this Saturday with the claimed purpose of bringing aid to Gaza. In spite of the stated intention of this mission, we are deeply concerned that the true nature of its actions remains dubious. Israel has repeatedly guaranteed that humanitarian aid will be delivered securely through its established channels. Thus, this mission is completely unwarranted. 

 The declared intentions of this mission are even more questionable and provocative given the recent measures taken by Israel to ensure the increase of humanitarian aid flowing into the Gaza Strip. The Secretary-General and Middle East Quartet have both welcomed these measures taken by Israel. 

 The Middle East Quartet has clearly stated that all who wish to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza should do so through already established channels. Unfortunately, those who are involved with this Libyan-sponsored ship are undermining real humanitarian efforts. Israel reserves its right under international law to prevent this ship from violating the existing naval blockade on the Gaza Strip. 

 In view of these circumstances, Israel calls upon the international community to exert its influence on the Government of Libya to demonstrate responsibility and prevent this ship from departing for the Gaza Strip. Israel also expects the related authorities to discourage their nationals from taking part in such action and expects the international community to ensure that this ship does not sail. 

 I kindly request that this letter be distributed as an official document of the Security Council. 

(Signed) Gabriela Shalev
Ambassador
Permanent Representative 

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