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Israel says it will stop blockade-busting ships

The Associated Press Published Wednesday, May 26, 2010 6:13PM EDT

Palestinian members of the Hamas naval police ride boats during a display of their preparations for the arrival of the small flotilla carrying donated supplies that organizers say will arrive early next week, at the port in Gaza City, Wednesday, May, 26, 2010. (AP Photo / Khalil Hamra)

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JERUSALEM - Israeli military officials say their navy will stop a flotilla of boats heading for Gaza with 10,000 tons of supplies and pro-Palestinian activists.

The officials said Wednesday if the flotilla does not turn back, the boats will be hauled to an Israeli port, the activists sent back to their countries and the supplies transferred to Gaza by land. This is the first definitive Israeli pledge to stop the boats.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity according to military rules.

The flotilla is expected to approach Gaza over the weekend. Organizers are protesting a three-year Israeli blockade they say has caused serious shortages.

Israel charges the flotilla is a propaganda exercise and claims there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza.