Ex-US Rep on Damaged Gaza-bound ShipDecember 30, 2008
Associated Press
LARNACA, Cyprus - Israeli naval vessels reportedly have rammed a Gaza-bound boat carrying doctors, medical supplies and international peace activists -- among them former U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney.
According to a statement released early today by the aid mission's organizers, the 66-foot yacht Dignity was struck on the bow side. took on water and suffered engine damage.
In recent months Israel has permitted several similar missions to reach Gaza, but with the two sides now locked in combat the Israelis apparently have decided to prevent the latest ship from reaching port in the besieged territory.
The ship sailed to Lebanon after the incident, according to a statement released early today by organizers. They also said Dignity was 90 miles off the coast of Gaza, in international waters, when it was intercepted by the Israelis, who allegedly also fired machine guns into the water to stop the ship from reaching Gaza.
The Israelis have denied their ship deliberately struck the Dignity, telling The Associated Press that the ships collided when Dignity tried to maneuver around the Israeli ship.
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