By Hiyam Noir

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The Israelis say that foreign journalists which are accompanying the Gaza-bound 15 vessel flotilla, due to set sail to Gaza seaport this week, will be banned from entering Israel for 10 years.

In a statement, the Israel’s government press office warned international members of the press that it had ordered the Israeli army to stop the maritime convoy of human rights activists which include  media representatives, in reaching Gaza. Those who defy the ban traveling with the flotilla, would have their equipment confiscated, and face a 10-year travel ban.

The Foreign Press Association condemned the decision, saying journalists covering a legitimate news event should be allowed to do their jobs without threats and intimidation. The association is saying the move “sends a chilling message to the international media and raises serious questions about Israel’s commitment to freedom of the press .“

The FPA issued a statement of protest today against what it calls the "unprecede­nted" Israeli ban on print and photo reporters going into the Gaza Strip." Never before have journalist­s been prevented from doing their work in this way," the FPA said in the statement. "We believe that it is vital that journalist­s be allowed to find out for themselves what is going on in Gaza."

Of course international press also must be able to document anticipated attacks against the passengers on the 15 vessel Flotilla, as the Israeli officials now openly are threatening that the flotilla can expect to be intercepted and boarded by it's terror commandos. What horrific crimes to they want to hide this time ?

The flotilla will be carrying a cargo of humanitarian aid, and some 1500 human rights activists.The flotilla  is due to set sail from Greece tomorrow night and Thursday morning hoping to enter the waters off Gaza in the next week. But the Greece authorities under political diplomatic pressure, have refused permission for a number of vessels  to set sail towards Gaza, the refusal include the American ship, " Audacity of Hope ".

Nine Turkish activists aboard the flagship of a previous international aid flotilla, Mavi Marmara, were killed by Israelis in an completely unjustified violence in May 10 last year, when Israeli heavy armed terror commandos stormed the Gaza-bound vessel.

Today, prepared for another violent commando operation on International waters, Israeli state terrorists  have undergone months of detailed training, strategic planning how to stop the next flotilla.

The participants of this Humanitarian aid flotilla boldly, have refused with derision, the appeal of  the UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon , who have stated that - “such flotillas” should be discouraged, and blocked by member states, as they may only provide a focus for violence".

Hamas supervised drill simulating Israeli next terror attack against an aid flotilla to Gaza

As part of preparations towards the arrival of a Turkish flotilla next coming month, disciplined, repetitious, maneuvers has been held in Gaza sea port. Dozens of Gaza residents took part in the drill, including professional divers and medical personnel, who prepared for a number of  expected violent scenarios.

For example, the participants of the maneuver, simulated an Israeli terror attack on one ship, and several members  of Hamas special commandos  simulated the role of Israeli  terror commandos. In another scenario, members of Hamas forces simulated a rescue operation involving a person that was thrown overboard.