A Libyan ship that Israeli officials suspected might try to defy the naval blockade of Hamas has announced that it will dock in Egypt. The ship's captain said he would steer the vessel to El-Arish.
Israeli naval forces had contacted the ship's crew several times over the course of the day and warned that foreign boats are forbidden to dock in Gaza. An organizer told Pakistani News that Israeli authorities had given the ship until midnight to change course or face interception. IDF officials denied the report, and said no ultimatum had been issued.
When they were warned at 2 p.m. not to sail to Gaza, crew members said they would continue their course despite the warning, but only if the captain were to agree.
IDF officers said they remain prepared to intercept the ship if it attempts to sail to Gaza despite the captain's announcement.
Organizers said the ship carries only humanitarian aid, and offered to allow the IDF to inspect the cargo. Israeli officials have pointed out in the past that humanitarian aid can enter Gaza freely via land crossings, and does not need to be brought in by sea.
The ship's voyage was sponsored by The Qaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation, headed by the son of Libyan ruled Muammar Qaddafi.