Comments on: Summary of the Events on the Free Gaza Flotilla

By: Meryl Yourish

Meryl Yourish — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 04:16:43 +0000

In reply to Willard. Not true, Willard. International law has been quoted in various comments and blogs, but one of my commenters here (Miguel, I believe) posted the relevant sections of the law. If Israel knew the ships were running a blockade, they were within their rights. I was wrong to call it a boneheaded act. Have to update that post, come to think of it.

By: gil

gil — Mon, 31 May 2010 20:04:40 +0000

impressive analysis and a very persuasive narrative. thanks.

By: Willard

Willard — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:47:16 +0000

If this occurred in international waters, which I think it did, the IDF is on very shaky ground. It is a very rational legal argument to say that the people on these boats could use any and all means at their disposal to defend themselves against aggressors on the high seas. Boarding a vessel on the high seas is a high risk action. After boarding a vessel in such a manner and then saying you are justified in killing people because there was no other way to de-escalate the situation isn’t going to be accepted by anyone.

If this had happened in Israel’s waters it may be different from a legal perspective.