Excellency,

I write to you to draw your attention to a developing matter of concern in the Middle East
that could affect the peace and security of the region.

At the Security Council meeting on 21 July 2010, members of the Council and the wider
international community expressed concerns about the phenomenon of unauthorized
vessels that seek to violate the existing naval blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip. Under-
Secretary-Genera for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe stated: “Such convoys are not
helpful to resolving the basic economic problems of Gaza and needlessly carry the
potential for escalation.”

In defiance of these calls, it appears that two ships, Junia and Julia, plan to depart from
Lebanon and sail to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The stated intention of these
vessels is to violate the existing naval blockade of Gaza.

Given the ongoing armed conflict between the Hamas terrorist organization and the State
of Israel, compounded by the fact that these ships originate from Lebanon that remains in
a state of hostility with Israel, Israel reserves its right under international law to use all
necessary means to prevent these ships from violating the aforementioned naval
blockade. Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that these vessels carry weapons or
individuals with provocative and confrontational intentions.

In addition, I wish to highlight that all goods that are not weapons or materiel for war-like
purposes are now entering the Gaza Strip through appropriate mechanisms that ensure
their delivery as well as their civilian nature. The organizers of the aforementioned boats
are fully aware of these internationally recognized and unimpeded channels to deliver aid
to the Gaza Strip. However, the organizers –– similar to previous attempts by others ––
seek to incite a confrontation and raise tension in our region.

In view of these circumstances, Israel calls upon the Government of Lebanon to
demonstrate responsibility and to prevent these boats from departing to the Gaza Strip.
Such action will prevent any possible escalation. Israel further calls upon the
international community to exercise its influence in order to prevent these boats from
departing and to discourage their nationals from taking part in such action.

Finally, I wish to inform you that this identical letter has been sent to H.E. Mrs. U. Joy
Ogwu, President of the United Nations Security Council.

Allow me, Excellency, to renew to you the assurances of my highest consideration.

Yours truly,

Gabriela Shalev