A LIBYAN AID ship originally bound for Gaza has been diverted to Egypt, Al Jazeera reports. The ship had been tracked overnight by the Israeli navy who planned to intercede if the ship attempted to make it to the shore. This ship was allegedly carrying 2,000 tonnes of aid materials intended for Gaza.

The “Amalthea” or “Al Amal”, funded by a charity headed by Col. Gaddafi’s son, was due to reach Gaza today. Israel warned the ship against attempting to break its blockade of Gaza. The Gaddafi Foundation had said this was a humane mission and those on board would not violently resist Israeli authorities’ efforts to stop their progress.

The cargo is expected to be unloaded at the Egyptian port of El Arish, where it can be transported via land to Gaza, although Egyptian officials said no firm arrangements have been made yet. Hamas prime minister Ismail Haniyeh called today for more “freedom flotillas” and urged the Libyan ship to continue its course to Gaza.