(INN).Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told the 'Septet' of leading ministers Thursday evening that the Gaza-bound Irish ship "Rachel Corrie," and all other vessels, will not break Israel's blockade of Gaza, "not now and not in the future."
He said that the Rachel Corrie boat, now in Libyan waters about 400 miles from Israel and headed for Gaza, will be re-directed to the Ashdod port, where any humanitarian aid on board will be transferred overland to Gaza.
Several news outlets said that Netanyahu would suggest “creative ideas” for inspecting ships claiming to carry aid for Gaza. These ideas would reportedly involve the participation of United Nations crews in the inspection process. Inspections would take place in Ashdod harbor.
Earlier Thursday, PM Netanyahu met with Quarter Envoy Tony Blair and told him he's willing to examine "creative ways" to bring aid into Gaza, after the goods are examined.
Blair told the PM he noticed that in the latter's speech Wednesday he made a distinction between Israel's legitimate right to prevent arms smuggling and the transfer of civilian goods, which should be allowed to come in.
The prime minister confirmed, stressing that every ship that may be smuggling missiles and rockets must be inspected
He said that the Rachel Corrie boat, now in Libyan waters about 400 miles from Israel and headed for Gaza, will be re-directed to the Ashdod port, where any humanitarian aid on board will be transferred overland to Gaza.
Several news outlets said that Netanyahu would suggest “creative ideas” for inspecting ships claiming to carry aid for Gaza. These ideas would reportedly involve the participation of United Nations crews in the inspection process. Inspections would take place in Ashdod harbor.
Earlier Thursday, PM Netanyahu met with Quarter Envoy Tony Blair and told him he's willing to examine "creative ways" to bring aid into Gaza, after the goods are examined.
Blair told the PM he noticed that in the latter's speech Wednesday he made a distinction between Israel's legitimate right to prevent arms smuggling and the transfer of civilian goods, which should be allowed to come in.
The prime minister confirmed, stressing that every ship that may be smuggling missiles and rockets must be inspected