Navy ship
Navy shipIsrael navy website

Israel has given the Gaza-bound Libyan boat a deadline of midnight to change course or face interception, the Pakistani News reported Tuesday afternoon.

"Israeli authorities have given us until midnight tonight to change course and head to the port of El-Arish [Egypt]; otherwise they are threatening to intercept the boat with their navy," said Mashallah Zwei, one of the organizers of the sailing aimed at challenging Israel’s sovereignty over the coast off of Hamas-controlled Gaza.

The News identified Zwei as a member of the Qaddafi Foundation, an alleged charity. He said by satellite phone that the request would be "studied before a response is given." The foundation said that the Israeli Navy is “shadowing” its vessel, named the Almathea, which will reach Gaza Wednesday morning if it continues on its present course and at current speed.

Leaders on board the ship earlier had said they would head for Egypt if confronted by the Navy, which was trapped into a violent clash May 31 with terror activists aboard a ship sponsored by the Turkish-based IHH origination. It since has been revealed to be a charity front for terrorist-linked activities and support.

A Greek businessman involved with the ship told an Arabic language newspaper, "If this is the only option put forward by the Israeli authorities, we will choose to sail to the port of el-Arish [Egypt] and transfer the assistance by ground to Gaza.”.

He invited the Navy to board the ship and see that it is carrying humanitarian aid and is not transporting weapons to Gaza.

One of those on board is reported to Syrian President Bashar Assad son of eccentric Libyan President Muammar Qaddafi.