Flotilla Facts

Flotilla Facts... Interesting and no doubt to be ignored by the BBC. Here's an extract about legality, something that the BBC should bring up whenever a 'peace activist' claims that the blockade is illegal and that Israel is guilty of piracy:

'Is the blockade lawful?

The usual nonsense about International Law is being posted all over the internet in relation to Israel’s enforcement of the naval blockade of Gaza.

Here are a few points of Law to give you some background (it’s all taken from “The Commander’s Handbook on the Law Of Naval Operations” (US Department of Defense, 1 Jul 2007).

BLOCKADES ARE LEGAL

“The belligerent right of blockade is intended to prevent vessels and aircraft, regardless of their cargo, from crossing an established and publicized cordon separating the enemy from international waters and/or airspace.” (Section 7.7.1.)

ISRAEL CAN ENFORCE THE BLOCKADE IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS

“Attempted breach of blockade occurs from the time a vessel or aircraft leaves a port or airfield with the intention of evading the blockade, and for vessels exiting the blockaded area, continues until the voyage is completed.” (Section 7.7.4.)

IT DOESN’T MATTER THAT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE “HUMANITARIAN AID”

“Neutral vessels and aircraft engaged in the carriage of qualifying relief supplies for the civilian population and the sick and wounded should be authorized to pass through the blockade cordon, subject to the right of the blockading force to prescribe the technical arrangements, including search, under which passage is permitted.” (Section 7.7.3.)

ISRAEL HAS EVERY RIGHT TO BOARD AND EVEN CAPTURE THE BLOCKADE RUNNERS

“Neutral merchant vessels and civil aircraft are liable to capture by belligerent warships and military aircraft if engaged in any of the following activities:

- Resisting visit and search

- Carrying contraband

- Breaching or attempting to breach blockade

- Violating regulations established by a belligerent within the immediate area of naval operations…

Neutral vessels or aircraft attempting to resist proper capture lay themselves open to forcible measures by belligerent warships and military aircraft and assume all risk of resulting damage.” (Section 7.10)

(courtesy David Olesker)'