fbpx

Media Summary

Flotilla departure delayed, criticism of organisers grows

[ssba]

The main item of Israel-related coverage in the UK media today is the arrest in Britain of the Israeli-Arab Islamist leader Sheikh Raed Salah. The Guardian runs a piece by Arab Israeli Knesset Member Haneen Zoabi protesting the arrest. In other news, the Guardian quotes Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal on Saudi determination to acquire a nuclear weapon if Iran reaches military nuclear capabilities. The Daily Telegraph notes a hoax video purporting to depict a gay man who was not allowed to participate in the Gaza flotilla. Reuters notes the deaths of 11 civilians in northern Syria after a tank unit fired on a demonstration.

In the Israeli media, all papers focus on the flotilla to Gaza, which has been delayed in Greece. Haaretz and Ynetnews report that Israeli officials are holding talks in Washington in an effort to avert a Palestinian approach to the UN. Haaretz notes plans by the Islamic Movement in Israel to hold a demonstration outside the British embassy in Tel Aviv today. The Jerusalem Post notes the Guardian article regarding Saudi fears of Iranian nuclear ambitions. Ynetnews reports claims by flotilla organizers that their ships have been sabotaged by Israel. Ynetnews also notes that the US Senate has passed unanimously a bill calling for suspension of aid to the Palestinian Authority if it persists in its path of reconciliation with Hamas and a unilateral declaration of statehood.