It’s an act of provocation – an act that is denounced by those who truly want peace in the Middle East.

The Turkish government is moving forward with plans to send a flotilla destined for Gaza. Here’s the problem: this is not a genuine move to bring humanitarian aid to the region, as organizers claim.  In fact, Israel has produced evidence to show that last year’s flotilla included armed activists. Israel’s Navy has obtained photos of men armed with weapons on that “humanitarian” ship.

With Israel poised to take appropriate action to blockade this year’s flotilla and take whatever action is necessary against those who intend to break the blockade, there are last-minute warnings being issued to Turkey.  One from the U.S. State Department that correctly notes that there is already an effective protocol to transfer humanitarian aid into Gaza and has labeled Turkey’s planned flotilla an act of provocation.

The U.K. has condemned the moveas well. A spokesman for the British Embassy in Tel Aviv told the Jewish News: “It is reckless and irresponsible to try and approach Gaza by sea. Anyone wanting to deliver humanitarian goods to Gaza should do so through the established channels.”

This comes as Israel faces new and dangerous threats.  This week, Iranian officials fueled the anti-Israel hate when a senior Iranian cleric, who is known as President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s spiritual mentor, urged followers to continue suicide attacks against Israelis, including children.
This from the Iranian cleric:  “When protecting Islam, the Muslim people depend on martyrdom operations. It not only is allowed, but even is an obligation.”

That brings us to the so-called “unity government” – the Palestinian answer to leadership. One party is Hamas, a terrorist organization that has vowed to destroy the Jews and eliminate Israel.  The other piece of the partnership – Fatah, which has been described as the more “moderate” element in all of this.  But, consider what one senior Fatah official told reporters:  “Fatah has not recognized Israel. I challenge anyone who says that the case is otherwise, whether it’s Hamas or others. Neither Fatah nor Hamas is required to recognize Israel.”

Everyone is talking about a road to peace in the Middle East.  But, take a close look at the players.  Can there be a real peace – successful negotiations – with organizations that don’t recognize Israel and vow to wipe the nation off the face of the earth?

Absolutely not. 

That does not mean that Israel, however, does not want peace or will not continue to pursue peace. In remarks celebrating Jerusalem Day, President Shimon Peres said: “I believe in the eternity of Jerusalem. I believe that Jerusalem will know true peace soon.”

But, as Israel correctly continues to assert, that must not come at the cost of bargaining with terrorists – or dividing Jerusalem.