Israel contends the "Freedom Flotilla" was a publicity stunt, more a political act designed to damage Israel's already beleaguered international standing than an attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. It's important to understand that both Israel and Egypt for years have maintained blockades of Gaza.
But Israel also maintains a humanitarian corridor for the transfer of food and humanitarian supplies into Gaza, which is used on a continuing basis by groups such as the Red Cross and United Nations. In recent days, before the ships neared the Gaza coast, Israel offered to assist in getting the cargo to Gaza through the Israeli port of Ashdod, to allow Israelis to first verify that no weapons material was on board.
The reason Israelis were insisting on such a condition is that Gaza's government is run by Hamas, an organization viewed by Israel and recognized by Ottawa as a terrorist organization. Hamas is known to receive support and weaponry from Iran and Syria.
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