A Moldovan-flagged, Libyan-chartered ship loaded with 2,000 tons of food aid drew closer to Gaza on July 13, while Israel stated that the ship would not be allowed to breach its naval blockade on the Palestinian territory. The ship, named the Amalthea, is sponsored by a charity run by the son and heir of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, Saif al-Islam. The Israeli navy has sent a vessel to shadow the aid ship, according to statements from the charity, and the Israelis have reportedly begun preparations to stop the ship. The ship has been given until midnight local time to divert or risk being boarded. Previous Libyan attempts to break Israel's blockade have been peacefully diverted. However, in the wake of the violent Israeli encounter with the Mavi Marmara flotilla on May 31, tensions are high.
