Original sentence: IDF officers who were involved in the raid have said they were prepared for passive and light resistance  they were confronted by a number of activists at Mavi Marmara wielding sticks, metal bars and knives
Edited sentence: Although the flotilla leaders were seasoned peace activists trained in nonviolent resistance methods, and IDF officers who were involved in the raid have said they were prepared for passive and light resistance  they were confronted by a number of activists at Mavi Marmara wielding sticks, metal bars and knives