IDF Spokesperson June 30th, 2009

Cargo Boat Attempting Illegal Entry to Gazan Coastal Waters Intercepted

In the last hour, an Israeli Navy force intercepted, boarded, and took
control of the cargo boat 'Arion,' which was bearing the flag of Greece and
was illegally attempting to enter the Gaza Strip.

The boat departed from Cyprus yesterday. Yesterday evening, the Israeli Navy
contacted the boat while at sea, clarifying that it would not be permitted
to enter Gazan coastal waters because of security risks in the area and the
existing naval blockade.

Disregarding all warnings made, the cargo boat entered Gazan coastal waters.
As a result of the actions taken by the boat crew, an Israeli Navy force
intercepted, boarded, and took control of the boat, directing it towards
Ashdod, Israel.

No shots were fired during the boarding of the boat. The boat crew will be
handed over to the appropriate authorities.

Humanitarian goods found on board the boat will be transferred to the Gaza
Strip, subject to authorization.

The IDF Spokesperson Unit would like to emphasize that any organization or
country that wishes to transfer humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, can
legally do so via the established crossings between Israel and the Gaza
Strip with prior coordination.