Hebrew media sources have revealed that the Israeli authorities have contacted Pope Benedict XVI to ask for his assistance in preventing the departure of the Lebanese ship, Mary, bound for the Gaza Strip carrying medical and humanitarian aid. The ship’s crew, which will be predominantly women, will also include a number of Catholic nuns.
According to Ha’aretz newspaper [20/06/2010], the Israeli authorities have demanded that Vatican State instructs the dozens of nuns intending to participate in this humanitarian mission to withdraw their involvement.
Similarly, the newspaper highlighted large-scale international diplomatic efforts on the part of the Israeli Government in an endeavor to put pressure on their Lebanese counterparts and prevent Mary from setting-off from Lebanese shores.