Israeli Commandos Storm Ships Carrying Aid to Gaza Strip, at least Nine Killed

Israeli commandos stormed a number of ships carrying aid to the Gaza Strip, engaging in a shootout that has left at least nine people dead and ignited further controversy surrounding the current blockade that exists.

That blockade was put in place in 2007 after Hamas took control in Gaza, since that time Israel has refused to allow goods to be transported into the area outside of the 15,000 tons of humanitarian aid allowed in each week. The convoy of ships that were involved in the overnight attack was attempting to defy that blockade, leading Israel to dispatch the commandos.

According to Israel the soldiers had been fired upon yet these claims have been denied by those aboard the vessels, all who have said it was Israel that began the shooting.

Reports have suggested that there had been six flotillas that had departed from the coast of Cyprus on Sunday, carrying 10,000 tons of aid destined for Gaza. Israel had warned that the ships would not be allowed to complete its journey but the flotillas continued on their path.

At some point overnight the Israeli commandos boarded the lead ship and what followed remains unclear. Israeli soldiers have said they were attacked with knives, axes and guns and this is what sparked the shootings.

While the facts remain unclear as to what sparked the violence Israel has already faced a storm of condemnation from the international community with UN chief Ban Ki-moon saying he was “shocked by reports of killings and injuries.” He has called for a complete investigation into the incident.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed support for the soldiers, saying the military had his full backing on the matter. Netanyahu, currently in Canada, was scheduled to travel to Washington on Tuesday but has since cancelled that trip and will return to Israel.

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