Israel turns away Libyan aid ship

A Libyan-chartered ship carrying aid for Palestinians set a new course for Egypt yesterday after Israel's navy warned it away from the blockaded Gaza Strip, an Israeli official said.

The Moldovan-flagged Amalthea was said to be heading to Egypt's El Arish port, trailed by warships. In Tripoli, the charity behind the mission had no comment. But the Al Jazeera satellite channel said the ship had not ruled out reaching Gaza. Israel had vowed to turn away or seize the ship – renamed "Hope" by activists – rather than let it reach Gaza.