May 31 Media Reports Associated with Gaza Ships | Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

Various media are reporting on violence involving a flotilla of ships in international waters headed towards Gaza described as “aid ships.” The reports describe Israeli helicopters and military halting the flotilla in international waters, and soldiers boarding one of the ships in the flotilla, the Turkish Mavi Marmara ship, during which shots were fired. The IDF reports that the Mavi Marmara ship held “extremists” that sought to attack an Israeli commando who boarded the ship, and took the Israeli commando’s gun away.

The media has had wide ranging reports on the casualties and the causes from 10 to 20 killed, and 60 injured, including injured Israel soldiers. Reports on the tolls include: RT video has reported , Turkey’s NTV states, and The Daily Telegraph.

The Israel Defense Force (IDF) released video reportedly of soldiers being beaten when trying to board the ship.

BBC reports that Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister “Danny Ayalon said it was a ‘premeditated and outrageous provocation’ and the activists on board were intent on violence;” Ayalon described the flotilla as an “armada of hate and violence in support of Hamas organization was a premeditated and outrageous provocation. The organizers are well-known to their ties to global Violent Extemism, Al-Qaeda, and Hamas…”

A Turkish news agency reported that X-ray of items brought on board the ship showed no weapons. In media reports, the Israel government claims that violence only occurred on the ship Mavi Marmara.

United Nations’ human rights chief Navi Pillay said she was “shocked” at the violence. United Nations Secretary General Ban stated: “I am shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on boats carrying supplies for Gaza… “I condemn this violence… It is vital that there is a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place.”

The Associated Press reported that the U.S. President Obama administration spokesman Bill Burton stated that it “deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained” and that U.S. administration officials are “currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.”

Other reports included those of French President Sarkozy stating that he “condemns the disproportionate use of force and sends his condolences to the families of the victims,” Greece has canceled military exercises with Israel, and the Turkish ambassador to Israel has been withdrawn. The Turkish NTV/NBC news agency published images of wounded in “handcuffs,” and protesters have been outside the Israeli consulate in Turkey.

One report states that protests are also occurring throughout Israel.