Gaza aid boat stopped by Israel

The Israeli navy seizes a Gaza-bound ship from Lebanon.

This Lebanese boat carrying aid was on its way to Gaza when it was intercepted by Israeli forces.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak.

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL (FEBRUARY 5, 2009) (REUTERS - ACCESS ALL)

(SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI DEFENCE MINISTER EHUD BARAK SAYING:

"The navy encountered a small ship that set sail from Tripoli with media staff and all kinds of equipment, to Gaza, in violation of the naval embargo we declared. Initially it announced it understood it will not be allowed in and was turning to El-Arish but, then in Egyptian territorial waters it tried to turn back.''

It's cargo was destined for those made homeless by Israel's 22 day bombardment of the coastal enclave.

The shipment had been organised by a number of Arab charities.

Those on board the boat said troops pointed their weapons at them, and kicked them. Al-Jazeera television - who had a correspondent on the vessel - said the Israelis had fired shots before boarding.

Israel continues to restrict aid entering the region, even though it said it would ease the blockade.

This incident follows on from the European Union's complaints to Israel that it was obstructing the entry of important supplies getting to Gaza.

Israel said it's allowing food and medicine to pass, but says building materials and cash could help Hamas rearm.

Basmah Fahim, Reuters.