Israel warns activists against breaking Gaza blockade

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ATHENS (AFP) — Israel has warned a group of pro-Palestinian activists sailing for the Gaza Strip to break a year-long blockade to steer clear of the territory, the Israeli embassy in Athens said on Tuesday.

"The area to which you are planning to sail is the subject of an (Israeli Navy) advisory notice which warns all foreign vessels to remain clear of the designated maritime zone," the Israeli foreign ministry said in an open letter to the participants of the Free Gaza Boat Expedition.

"We assume that your intentions are good but, in fact, the result of your action is that you are supporting the regime of a terrorist organisation in Gaza," the ministry said.

Ruled since June 2007 by Hamas, an Islamist movement that is considered a terrorist organisation by...