JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's foreign minister says the country is prepared to stop a flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists from reaching the Gaza Strip “at any cost.”

Avigdor Lieberman said Friday the aid mission is a violent provocation, and he hopes the international community understands the Israeli response.

Greta Berlin, one of the organizers of the effort, said a total of seven ships carrying hundreds of volunteers are now on their way to Gaza. They are expected to reach the Israeli coast on Saturday.

Organizers are carrying tons of goods of humanitarian goods for Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade since Hamas militants took power three years ago.

Israel calls the flotilla a publicity stunt. Its Navy plans on intercepting the flotilla and escorting the boats to shore.
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