Israeli Soldiers Were Provoked and Acted in Self Defense: Shimon Peres

Israeli President Shimon Peres said Monday that the "violent conduct of the 'Marmara' ship passengers towards the IDF forced the soldiers to defend themselves," and placed responsibility for the death of activists on the sail's organizers.

Shimon Peres referred to the incident in the Mediterranean Sea when a flotilla was trying to bring humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip and were stopped by the Israeli navy.

He stressed that the "sail's entire purpose was to create provocation and not to provide humanitarian aid."

Peres further added that "Israel as a democratic nation is obligated to protect its residents and cannot allow the arrival of unchecked goods and vessels to Gaza, adding that “this violent and provocative sail was meant to support Hamas which effectively endorses the path of terror."