"This was not a humanitarian sail, but a violent provocation directed against us," said Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson Avi Benayahu. "We were attacked with clubs and long knives."
According to an initial military report, more than 10 activists who took part in the sail were killed and several were injured.
Arab media provided conflicting reports on the casualties, some stating that 15 people were killed and 50 were injured
The IDF reported that six Navy fighters were injured, one of them sustaining serious wounds. The injured were evacuated to Israeli hospitals by helicopters.
According to an IDF source, "The sail's participants were not innocent and used violence against the soldiers. They were waiting for the forces' arrival."
According to Benayahu, "Our forces encountered serious violence, nearly unprecedented. Throughout the night, we continued the diplomatic effort through the communication methods in the sea.
"The Navy commander took charge of the event from a command post in the sea. He ensured that the six ships received warnings to turn back and an invitation to sail to the Ashdod Port to complete the delivery of the aid through land crossings after an Israeli security check. In all these cases we were firmly turned down."
Near lynch against soldiers - Activists on Gaza sail had weapons
According to the IDF spokesperson, the army received an order to stop the boats which were carrying unknown equipment. "In the largest boat, called 'Marmara', there are 570 people. The fighters, who arrived with ladders and came down from ropes, encountered what they described as a near lynch.
"There was serious violence, cols arms, knives, we have a stabbed soldier, clubs. You can see that every soldier that came down was attacked. This is not the activity of peace activists."
Benyahu confirmed that the activists snatched one of the fighters' weapons. "He was attacked by the crowd and they opened fire. During the incident, our fighters were in real danger, both from the clubs and from the weapons. They used crowd dispersal means, and when there was no choice – live ammunition. We don't know if there were any other weapons on the ship, because the entire picture is unclear. We did not encounter peace activists on this boat."
Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon holds press briefing several hours after IDF takes over flotilla headed to Strip, accuses fleet's organizers of having ties to Hamas, al-Qaeda
"It was a provocation," Ayalon said during a press briefing. "On the deck we found weapons which were used against the forces. The organizers' intent was violent and the results were unfortunate.
"Israel regrets the loss of life. We called the organizers once and again the stop the provocations. We asked to transfer the aid in legitimate means. We promise that the aid will be transferred through the Red Cross and through our people."
The deputy foreign minister added, "After the repeated calls, which were unanswered by the people on the boats, they were told that they would not be able to break the blockade. The organizers failed to obey the army's non-violent calls.
In a first official Israeli response to the deadly Israel Defense Forces takeover of the ships, Ayalon accused the sail's organizers of having ties to the Hamas and al-Qaeda terror organizations.
Barak speaks with Turkish ministers after Gaza ship incident
Defense minister telephones Ankara officials, holds emergency meeting with IDF chief of staff. Meanwhile, Minister Ben-Eliezer says, 'It was obvious this was media provocation. We are not Shiite suicide attackers, soldiers must defend themselves'
Hours after the takeover of the Gaza aid ships, Israeli ministers are trying to subdue the flames. Defense Minister Ehud Barak spoke with the Turkish defense minister, foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu and the Turkish ambassador to Israel.
Barak, who held an emergency meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, also spoke with Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on an official visit to Canada, is receiving updates on the situation.
Turkish Protest
Violent protests in Turkey; Israeli envoy summoned / Roee Nahmias and AP
Turkish TV stations say police have blocked dozens of stone-throwing protesters who tried to storm Israeli Consulate in Istanbul over IDF attack on aid ships to Gaza. Israeli ambassador ordered to arrive at Foreign Ministry
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In addition, Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, who is currently in Qatar, told Ynet, "It was obvious to all that this was a media provocation, aimed at reaching a confrontation with Israel. Anyone who didn't realize this – did not know what they were talking about. We are not Shiite suicide attackers, and it is the soldiers' duty to defend themselves."
At least 10 activists were killed in the takeover of the aid ships, and dozen were injured. Several IDF soldiers were also injured, one in serious condition, from gunshots and stabbings.
Ben-Eliezer, who is in Doha or a series of meetings at an economic forum, added that he was being updated on the situation in the Mediterranean Sea.
"Unfortunately, it doesn't look good," he said, "According to the information I have received, they ambushed our soldiers the moment they landed on the deck, with sticks, knifes, bottles and metal objects. We are not Shiite suicide attackers. The soldiers must defend themselves."
Despite the takeover, Ben-Eliezer plans to continue his visit in Qatar. "I am going forward with my visit as scheduled. I am scheduled to appear in a number of panels at the World Economic Forum. While it may be unpleasant, I am used to such situations, there is no threat to my wellbeing," he said.
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