Israel has backed down for the fourth time and allowed pro-Arab activists to successfully challenge IDF control of Gaza's coast on Saturday. The Foreign Ministry said its policy is to refuse to discuss the issue.
The latest boat to reach Gaza's shores carried 11 European politicians, including legislators from Switzerland, Italy and Ireland.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry said in August it would take every means to stop the Free Gaza movement from crossing international waters, which the government has said it must control in order to prevent smuggling of weapons for terrorists.
Spokesmen explained that they allowed the first boat to land in order to prevent activists from exploiting a confrontation and gaining media attention. However, its opposition to a second landing the following month was overruled by outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and the IDF.
Arresting the activists or keeping them at sea could result in injuries or seasickness and attract media attention that would be to Israel's detriment. The boats so far have carried medical supplies and have not carried terrorists or weapons.
However, when asked if there is a limit to the freedom of activists to land at Gaza, ministry spokesman Yossi Levi said, "We refuse to discuss the issue."
When asked if there is a limit to the freedom of activists to land at Gaza, ministry spokesman Yossi Levi said, "We refuse to discuss the issue.
The activists have engineered the sailings with a media campaign and slogans aimed at winning sympathy for the Hamas authority. They named the movement "Free Gaza" and have called the boat "Agriculture Minister Shalom Simchon (Labor) Dignity," accusing Israel of imposing a "siege" on Gaza by not allowing free movement of goods and merchandise into Gaza.
The government has allowed daily humanitarian shipments at the Gaza crossings but suspended them temporarily after Gaza terrorists resumed attacks on Israel. Previous terrorist attacks have targeted the crossings.
Goods, merchandise and weapons continue to reach Gaza through smuggling tunnels, which have become a source of employment for approximately 5,000 Gaza residents. The tunnels also provide an income for Hamas, which taxes tunnel operators and controls the distribution of the goods.
Israel has denied activists' claims that Gaza is lacking the medical supplies they brought with them on boats.
Free Gaza movement spokeswoman Greta Berlin claimed that an Israel Naval gunboat approached the vessel on Saturday and then retreated after tracking it. She said, "The gunboat radioed the Dignity and asked who they were and where they were going" and asked for a passengers lists.
A passenger responded, "Our passengers are listed on our Free Gaza website for everyone to see. You are welcome to visit it any time. And… while you're there, feel free to make a donation."
She added that the Naval radio operator laughed and responded, "Have a nice day."