Norway wants answers on Israeli seizure of boat trying to break Gaza blockade

Norway is calling on Israel to explain the seizure of a Norwegian-flagged ship on Sunday attempting to break the maritime blockade on the Gaza Strip.

“We have asked the Israeli authorities to clarify the circumstances around the seizure of the vessel and the legal basis for the intervention,” Reuters quotes a Norwegian foreign ministry spokesman saying.

The ministry says it is providing consular help to the five Norwegians who were among the 22 passengers aboard the ship.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry says it will respond to Norway’s complaints later this week.

The “Return” was the first of two ships in a “Freedom Flotilla” trying to break Israel’s maritime blockade on Gaza. Israel says the naval siege is necessary to prevent weapons and equipment from entering the Palestinian enclave that can be used in attacks.