Turkish sources reported that the Israeli Navy boarded Freedom Flotilla Ships and opened fire at the peace activists killing two and wounding at least thirty others. The navy and the Israeli Air Force violently attacked the ships and opened fire at the peace activists in international waters.
(Al-Jazeea TV correspondent in Isdood reported that the Israeli attack occurred in international waters about 50 miles off the coast).
Senior Turkish officials held an urgent meeting to decide on the country’s stance on the Israeli attack, especially since it seems like the killed and some of the wounded are Turkish.
Al Jazeera reported that Israeli paratroopers and Navy personnel attacked the ships and opened fire in different directions at the passengers.
The Al Jazeera managed to broadcast live images of the wounded activists after being attacked by the Israeli soldiers.
The Free Gaza Movement said on its twitter page that "At about 4:30 am, Israeli commandos dropped from helicopter onto deck of Turkish ship, immediately opened fire on unarmed civilians."
Israel is still threatening a larger offensive against the humanitarian ships and the activists on board.
The Freedom Flotilla was supposed to reach Gaza Monday morning.
The Israeli army is trying to take the ships to the Ashdod Port to confiscate them and arrest the activists.
Communication Lost With Freedom Flotilla
Monday May 31, 2010 06:28 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies All communications with the Freedom Flotilla, carrying hundreds of peace activists and hundreds of tons of humanities supplies to the Gaza Strip, were lost as Israel scrambled all communications and warned the activists to turn back. Injuries were reported after the Navy violently attacked the ships.
Al Jazeera reporter said that the captain of one of the ships was seriously wounded after the navy violently attacked the ship, and even refused to allow him to receive medical treatment.
The army used rounds of live ammunition and gas bombs against the peace activists.
He added that the navy opened fire at the ships, attacked them from the sea and the air, and that all activists are now detained in their own ships.
Israel scrambled all communications in preparation to carry a full attack against the ships.
Al Jazeera said that the navy attacked the ship in international territorial waters and that the army wants to conclude this massive attack before scrambling of communication.
It added there are reports of injuries, including serious injuries and likely two deaths, but could not confirm due to Israel’s media blackout and scrambling of communications.
Three Israeli navy ships left Haifa after 9 at night on Sunday and approached the Freedom Flotilla, the Free Gaza movement reported.
The navy said it would fire missiles at the ships should they continue sailing towards Gaza.
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