Diplomats seek Israeli approval for Gaza aid vessel

Jerusalem (ANTARA News/AKI) - European diplomats have been engaged in talks with senior Israeli foreign ministry officials to allow an Irish-owned humanitarian aid vessel to deliver supplies to the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli daily Haaretz.

The Rachel Corrie was to have been part of the flotilla that was stopped by Israeli naval forces early Monday but was delayed due to technical problems.

The Israeli foreign ministry for the past few days has been exchanging messages with the group operating the ship to allow it to dock, according to the report. It is expected to arrive this weekend.

Ireland has also asked Israel to allow the Irish-owned ship to break the Gaza blockade.

The Rachel Corrie, named for the American pro-Palestinian activist who was run over by an Israeli bulldozer in Gaza in 2003, left Malta on Monday with about a dozen activists aboard and 1,000 tonnes of aid.

Its cargo includes cement, medical equipment, toys and printing paper.
"We don`t want to be heroes or martyrs, but we have to keep going ahead,? activist Jenny Graham told the Irish daily, The Belfast Telegraph.

The Rachel Corrie`s trip to Gaza is sponsored by two non-governmental organisations, from Ireland and Malaysia.

On board is Irish Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire and former United Nations deputy secretary-general Denis Halliday. Also on board are a group of Malaysians sponsored by the former prime minister of Malaysia.

Nine activists were killed when Israeli naval commandos boarded six vessels in a humanitarian aid convoy on Monday.
(U.A051/S008/P003)