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http://www.ynetnews.com Report: Israel holding talks with Gaddafi's son Israel is holding indirect talks with the Gaddafi foundation behind the Libyan aid ship en route to Gaza, London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat reported on Wednesday. Meanwhile, AFP reported the ship's captain said its main engine was out of order and that the crew was working to repair it. According to the report, Israel is in contact with the organization, headed by Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, via Arab and western sources, in an attempt to bring the incident to a peaceful end. It was also reported that Israel has expressed its willingness to deliver the aid to the Gaza Strip without having to take over the ship. A Libyan official said talks were being held through third party elements. The Navy said on Tuesday that it made contact with the ship's captain, who announced he would divert to El-Arish Port in Egypt. But members of Gaddafi's organization on board the al-Amal ship denied the Navy's report and said it would not change course, and would proceed to Gaza. Youssef Sawani, one of the organization's members on board the ship, also noted problems with the ship's communication devices. US State Department Spokesman Philip Crowley addressed the issue on Tuesday and urged all parties involved to act responsibly and avoid confrontation. "We have urged the Libyan government to avoid unnecessary confrontations. We call on all parties to act responsibly in meeting the needs of the people of Gaza," he said He reiterated the American stance on the delivery of aid to Gaza, saying, "We, along with our partners in the in the Quartet, urge all those wishing to deliver goods to do so through established channels so that cargo can be inspected by the government of Israel, and transferred via land crossings into Gaza." Earlier, the Egyptians confirmed the Israeli report that the ship's captain announced he would proceed to El-Arish, and said the al-Amal received permission to dock in the Sinai port. The Israel Defense Forces continue to shadow the ship.
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