Defiant Israel says will halt fresh bid to bring aid to Gaza

The deadly raid,which sparked global outrage,prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel a visit to Washington,where he had been due to hold talks with US President Barack Obama today.

“We will not let any ships reach Gaza and supply what has become a terrorist base threatening the heart of Israel,” deputy defence minister Matan Vilnai told public radio.

Vilnai’s remarks were made as organisers of the so-called “Freedom Flotilla” said they were preparing to send two more aid boats to Gaza,despite the tragic ending to their high-profile mission to deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza Strip.

Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza Movement said the next attempt to run the blockade would not take place for several days.

“The Rachel Corrie (cargo ship) is currently located off the coast of Italy and the other boat is still being repaired,” she said.