IDF Spokesperson May 31st, 2010

IDF Forces Met with Pre-Planned Violence when attempting to Board Flotilla

Early this morning, IDF Naval Forces intercepted six ships attempting to
break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. This happened after numerous
warnings from Israel and the Israel Navy that were issued prior to the
action. The Israel Navy requested the ships to redirect toward Ashdod where
they would be able to unload their aid material which would then be
transferred over land after undergoing security inspections.

During the intercept of the ships, the demonstrators onboard attacked the
IDF Naval personnel with live fire and light weaponry including knives and
clubs. Additionally one of the weapons used was grabbed from an IDF soldier.
The demonstrators had clearly prepared their weapons in advance for this
specific purpose.

As a result of this life-threatening and violent activity, naval forces
employed riot dispersal means, including live fire.

According to initial reports, these events resulted in over ten deaths among
the demonstrators and numerous injured, in addition, more than four naval
personnel were injured, some from gunfire and some from various other
weapons. Two of the soldiers are moderately wounded and the remainder
sustained light injuries. All of the injured, Israelis and foreigners are
currently being evacuated by helicopter to hospitals in Israel.

Reports from IDF forces on the scene are that it seems as if part of the
participants onboard the ships were planning to lynch the forces.

The events are ongoing, and information will be updated as soon as possible.
Israeli Naval commander, Vice Admiral Eliezer Marom is overseeing the
events.

In the coming hours, the ships will be directed to the Ashdod port, while
IDF naval forces will perform security checks in order to identify the
people on board the ships and their equipment. The IDF Spokesman conveys
that this event is currently unfolding and further details will be provided
as soon as possible.

This IDF naval operation was carried out under orders from the political
leadership to halt the flotilla from reaching the Gaza Strip and breaching
the naval blockade.

The interception of the flotilla followed numerous warnings given to the
organizers of the flotilla before leaving their ports as well as while
sailing towards the Gaza Strip. In these warnings, it was made clear to the
organizers that they could dock in the Ashdod sea port and unload the
equipment they are carrying in order to deliver it to the Gaza Strip in an
orderly manner, following the appropriate security checks. Upon expressing
their unwillingness to cooperate and arrive at the port, it was decided to
board the ships and lead them to Ashdod.

IDF naval personnel encountered severe violence, including use of weaponry
prepared in advance in order to attack and to harm them. The forces operated
in adherence with operational commands and took all necessary actions in
order to avoid violence, but to no avail.