Ashkenazi: We Will Deal with Lebanese-Launched Flotilla

Local Editor

The "Israeli" enemy chief of staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, promised to prevent the Lebanese and Iranian aid ships from entering the Gaza coastal area, which the enemy would not allow turning it into an Iranian port, according to media sources.

Zionist Yadioth Ahronoth website quoted on Tuesday Ashkenazi saying: "We have the right to inspect and prevent the flow of arms into Gaza", adding that he can't let Gaza become an Iranian port.

Ashkenazi's remarks came while he spoke at a Jewish seminary northern the occupied territories.

ISNA news agency reported earlier on Tuesday, that an Iranian Red Crescent officials said an Iranian aid ship will be leaving the Gulf port of Bandar Abbas on a 14-day journey to Gaza by the end of this week.

Lebanese activists and civilians are planning as well to send two ships, via Cyprus, to the besieged Gaza Strip.

"If a flotilla comes from Lebanon we will deal with it. If they are peaceful we will deal with it peacefully, if not we will deal with it as we need to," Ashkenazi said.

On May 31, the "Israeli" navy commando raided the Turkish-led Freedom Flotilla humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza, which left nine Turkish activists dead, and 60 others injured.

This violation caused the sparkle of international outrage, which the Iranian and Lebanese new flotillas to Gaza came as a result.