Gift of the Givers founder says Israeli navy's interception of flotilla boats expected

Gift of the Givers Chair and founder Imtiaz Sooliman said that he is not surprised that Israel intercepted boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla.

Reports from the Flotilla indicate that the Israeli navy began intercepting the Flotilla, which consists of about 50 boat,s as they approached Gaza with aid and supplies.

One of the boats intercepted includes Mandla Mandela, Nelson Mandela's grandson.

Sooliman said that the Israeli navy's interception of boats was expected.

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"Were they going to say, welcome to the port of Gaza. Bring your aid and your people because we are a very merciful people... Was that expected from the most inhumane state in the world?"

Sooliman called on the United Nations to send troops to Israel.

"To create safe havens and to make sure not a single bullet or a bomb comes from Israel again. To allow people to heal. To be safe, to eat and to be treated justly and fairly."

In response to the interception, Israel's foreign ministry said that the Flotilla was warned it was approaching an active combat zone and violating a "Lawful naval blockade".

It added that the Flotilla's organisers were asked to change course and that those captured will now be deported.