Terrorism In International Waters

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed regret after at least nine people died when troops stormed ships trying to break the Gaza blockade.

But he said soldiers had been defending themselves after they were "clubbed, beaten andstabbed".

Pro-Palestinian campaigners say the soldiers opened fire unprovoked when they landed on the aid-carrying ships.

The six-ship convoy had set out to carry 10,000 tonnes of aid from Cyprus to Gaza, despite repeated Israeli warnings that it would not be allowed to reach the territory.

In a statement, Mr Netanyahu defended the Israeli operation, saying troops were attacked when they landed on the largest of the six ships in the flotilla.

"They were mobbed. They were clubbed, they were beaten, stabbed," he said.

Organisers of the convoy have strongly denied the Israeli account.

Arafat Shoukri, of the Free Gaza Movement (FGM) which helped organise the convoy, said those on board one ship had told them by telephone that Israeli helicopters had arrived.

"Then we started to hear screams, shouting, shooting everywhere," he said. "We heard some of them shouting 'We are raising the white flag, stop shooting at us'."

He said Israeli claims that activists had pistols and other weapons were "cheap propaganda".

Audrey Bomse, also of the FGM, told the BBC that the activists were "not going to pose any violent resistance".

Israel says it allows about 15,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid into Gaza every week.

But the UN says this is less than a quarter of what is needed.

Source: BBC News

Thinking for a while, I can say nothing but "This Is Terrorism!"

If we followed the story claimed by Israel we'll find out that the following is what happened;

-The 6 ships of "Freedom Convoy" headed to Gaza stripe to deliver 10,000 tonnes of aids to the people of Gaza.

- Before entering the territorial waters of Gaza stripe or these of Israel the Israeli marine and air forces stormed the ships of the convoy.

- As the Israeli commandos landed on the ships of the convoy from helicopters they were "beaten and stabbed."

- Israeli commandos "repelled" the attack by shooting randomly which caused approximately15 persons to die and wounding at least 30 of the members of the "Freedom Convoy", and wounding 10 Israeli commandos.

- Israeli marine forces escorted the 6 ships of the convoy into the port of Ashdod.

This is the story told by Israelis. If we analyzed this story, assuming that it's true, we'll find out the following;

a) The "Freedom Convoy" was delivering aids for Palestinians in Gaza, not weapons.

b) Israeli forces landed on the ships in international waters. This point is so essential. So, I'll focus on this point legally..

According to the 87th and 90th articles of the "United Nations Convention On The Law of The Sea" we can read the following:

"The high seas are open to all States, whether coastal or land-locked. .."

"Every State, whether coastal or land-locked, has the right to sail ships flying its flag on the high seas."

If we read the 89th article we'll find out a very important part..

"NO STATE MAY VALIDLY PURPORT TO SUBJECT ANY PART OF THE HIGH SEAS TO ITS SOVEREIGNTY."

According to these articles of the international convention we can easily realize that Israel has no right to question, investigate, search or stop these ships, as they were sailing in high seas. But what happened is exactly the contrary according to the narration of Israelis..

At the moment when Israeli troops landed on the ships they were out of the Israeli sovereignty. It was an illegal act, and is considered to be an apparent violation of the 89^th article of the interntaional convention. This is called in international law rules as "Piracy". When the Israeli troops attacked the ships of the convoy they were exactly like any pirate who attack a ship in the sea. Israeli soldiers started the hostility just by their landing using their helicopters on the ships when they were in high seas.

What I imply is so clear..

If we assumed that the Israeli story is true, "Israeli combat airdrop over the ships WHEN THEY WERE IN INTERNATIONAL WATER , beating and stabbing by members of the convo, then shooting and killing over 10 members by Israeli soldiers", we will understand that what Israel did was a war crime and actual terrorism, and what was done by the honorable men and women on the ships of "Freedom Convoy" was the actual self-defense.

Now, all free men and women in this world must question all claims of Israeli intentions to make peace. Is that true that Israel really need peace? They are disrespecting all international law rules. They attack ships in high seas, they rig passports of other states to commit an assassination in another safe sountry, they kill children women and children, they attack hospitals and schools, they build settlements over the occupied Palestinian lands. Should we believe their lies anymore?