Israel turns back Libyan relief ship
The Israeli navy turned back a Libyan ship planning to deliver 3,000 tons of aid to the impoverished Gaza Strip, ending the first high-profile attempt by an Arab country to break an Israeli blockade.
The navy vessel ordered the Al Marwa by radio to turn back and it complied, said Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor, adding that no force was used.
Israel views control of access to Gaza as a vital security interest and officials are concerned that shipments could include weapons, not just food and medicine.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
