Majority of pro-Palestinian activists who arrived in Israel detained, but more expected to land soon. Internal Security Minister Aharonovitch satisfied with authorities´ handling of situation

Internal Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch expressed his satisfaction with the way security forces handled attempts by pro- Palestinian activists to enter Israel as part of the "flytilla" protest, and praised the police for "enabling the airport to function normally."

"There were several activists who tried to cause provocations but were swiftly detained," he said.

Thus far, 48 activists landed in Israel, the majority of which were transferred to the Givon prison. Nine activists were sent back to their countries of origin, three await departure and two are being held in a special facility.

The activists include citizens from France, Italy, Spain, Canada, Portugal and Switzerland. Nine Israeli leftist activists who protested at the Ben Gurion Airport were also detained for questioning.

Aharonovitch expressed his gratitude to the European countries and airlines that have prevented pro-Palestinian activists from boarding flights to Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented on the fly-in during a meeting with US Senator Joe Lieberman.

He reiterated a message conveyed in a letter the activists received upon their arrival in Israel and suggested that they examine the issue of human rights in such countries as Iran and Syria where thousands of innocent civilians are being slaughtered and women are being stoned, respectively.

He also noted that in Gaza, children are being used as human shields for terrorists who fire rockets at Israeli civilians.

More activists set to arrive

During a police press briefing, several Israeli activists tried to cause disruptions and were stopped by officers. Five activists were detained for questioning.

A police official noted that the main bulk of the activists will be arriving in flights which are scheduled to land between 5 pm and 7 pm. He noted that most of the activists had been identified and barred from boarding the flights to Israel. Palestinian organizers said that several activists had arrived in Bethlehem on Sunday. They accused Israel of introducing a new airport procedure which demands tourists to sign a statement declaring they will not contact or work with members of pro-Palestinian organizers. Eli Senyor contributed to this report (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 04/15/12)