Israeli military spokeswoman Lieutenant Avital Leibovich accused the activists of staging a provocation.


‘‘We have this blockade because there are constant smuggling attempts of weapons, munitions, that eventually reach the hands of terror organizations inside Gaza,’’ she said. 

The ship was checked at every port and nothing like that was found -- at all. 

Although Hamas and Israel have maintained an unwritten truce for more than two years, violence occasionally flares in the area. 

It's a one-sided truce, but I expect the skewish journalism these days. 

Most recently, an Israeli strike on a prominent Al Qaeda-inspired jihadi prompted two days of tit-for-tat rocket fire and strikes last week.

Excuse me, but I've gotta take a crap

Strand said the takeover of the Estelle by Israeli forces was a ‘‘demonstration of ruthlessness.’’ The ship was carrying cement, basketballs, and musical instruments, she said.

Israel, aided by Egypt, closed Gaza’s borders after Hamas seized control and drove out forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas more than five years ago.

There they go again.

Israel eased its restrictions after its raid of a Turkish-led blockade-busting flotilla in 2010 left nine activists dead and sparked international condemnation.

Not really, but you know. 

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