Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Alexa Gitler-Talk Radio News Service

Mark Regev, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau, defended the Israeli military's recent actions, explaining that "the naval blockade on Gaza ... is a matter of life and death for Israel."

"As a country, we cannot allow unregulated naval access to the Gaza Strip," Regev said during a conference call with reporters Tuesday. Regev added that the blockade is an important component in preventing the delivery of rockets and other weapons that could then be used against Israel.

The spokesperson explained that Israel’s policy regarding supplies entering the Gaza strip is that once they are inspected by Israeli forces and are deemed acceptable, they are free to enter the area.

"On average, every week some 15,000 tons of aid reach the Gaza Strip and as far as I know there is no shortage of food, nor of medicines or any vital humanitarian supplies,” Regev said.

In regards to the incident, in which at least nine people were killed and dozens wounded after Israeli military forces boarded a humanitarian flotilla Monday, Regev repeated claims that the soldiers were provoked.

“When there finally was the intervention on the high seas, they chose the path of violence. It wasn’t our side that initiated the violence, it clearly came from those on the boats,” Regev stated.

Regev said that despite the conflict, Israel will continue the peace talks with the Palestinians.

“We seek peace and reconciliation with our Palestinian neighbors, I think containing the threat that Hamas poses can be an important element in moving forward."