[hennie pennie]

Say, sunkenciv -- have you compiled a set of links to all the many FR threads about the LEGALITY of Israel boarding & inspecting ships in international waters??

IF so, please ping me to it; freepers keep harping that Israel broke the law, that Israel is engaging in piracy, blah/blah, etc.

Thanks!

[CholeraJoe]

the LEGALITY of Israel boarding & inspecting ships in international waters??

How is what Israel doing any different from what the US Coast Guard does every day? If the boats do not heave to and permit inspection. The Coasties open fire.

[blasater1960]

Israel was acting within the law. I wish Dersh would have quoted these.

According to the San Remo Manual that governs international humanitarian law, it is permissible under rule 67(a) to attack neutral vessels on the high seas when the vessels “are believed on reasonable grounds to be carrying contraband or breaching a blockade, and after prior warning the... intentionally and clearly refuse to stop, or ...intentionally and clearly resist visit, search or capture.”

San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea 1994

Prepared by International Lawyers and Naval Experts. Convened by the International Institute of Humanitarian Law. Adopted in June 1994.

http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/57JMSU#4See More www.icrc.org

And per Olso...

Gaza-Jerico of 1994, Agreement annex 1, Sec 1.b paragraph 4

As part of Israel's responsibilities for safety and security within the three Maritime Activity Zones, Israel Navy vessels may sail throughout these zones, as necessary and without limitations, and may take any measures necessary against vessels ... suspected of being used for terrorist activities or for smuggling arms, ammunition, drugs, goods, or for any other illegal activity. The Palestinian Police will be notified of such actions, and the ensuing procedures will be coordinated through the Maritime Coordination and Cooperation Center.

http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Peace%20Process/Guide%20to%20the%20Peace%20Process/Gaza-Jericho%20Agremeent%20Annex%20I

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks hennie pennie. Not a fan of Dersh, apart from his legalistic and yeah-but support for Israel, which far exceeds the support given by most Jews in America. Israel was acting lawfully, Turkey was NOT.

• Q&A: Is Israel's naval blockade of Gaza legal? (Yes)
• Turkey in Clear-Cut Violation of International Law