Israeli navy intercepts boat trying to break Gaza blockadeOctober 20, 2012 - 21:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Israeli navy has intercepted a boat of pro-Palestinian activists trying to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip, BBC News reported. The Finnish-flagged Estelle left Naples on October 7 with some 20 people of eight different nationalities aboard. Israel tightened the blockade after the Islamist group Hamas came to power in the coastal sliver in 2007. An IDF spokesperson confirmed the navy had boarded the ship and that no-one had been injured, but provided few further details. The boat was boarded 30 nautical miles off the coast of Gaza, activists said, and was then being taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The Estelle, which is reportedly carrying a cargo including cement and medical supplies, is the latest vessel to try and break the Gaza blockade. It comes two years after nine Turkish activists were killed in an Israeli navy raid on the Mavi Marmara, one of a flotilla of ships attempting to break the blockade. Palestinians say Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip amounts to collective punishment to residents of the densely populated strip of land along the Mediterranean coast. Israel says the blockade aims to stop the supply of arms or other items for military use, and to put pressure on the Hamas administration. International pressure following the deadly 2010 interception led Israel to ease its blockade, allowing more food products into the strip. The movement of people and construction materials - such as cement and steel cables - is still heavily restricted. The importing of all weapons and military materials is banned, along with dual-use materials such as fertilizers and certain chemicals. Fishermen may only operate in a strip of water up to three nautical miles from the shore. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |