There are No Good Reasons for Israel's Vicious Attack on Flotilla

Attacking and Boarding Ships in International Waters is Piracy

by Peter Stern

Despite what Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu states publicly there is no honorable or just cause for the violent attack on the convoy of six ships that was bringing 10,000 tons of humanitarian goods to the people of Gaza. The numbers provided show that at least 10 flotilla all civilian participants were killed and 60 were injured, while 2 Israeli commandos were injured.

Israel is being condemned by most world nations in its latest aggression that took place in International waters, which may be considered as an act of piracy on the high seas. Many believe that the Israeli government has become little more than a military state intent on aggressive military maneuvers on its Mid-East neighbors.

One would shutter to think how the U.S. and other world nations would have responded had the attack on the 6-ship flotilla been perpetrated by Iran or North Korea.

In fact there are no reasons or excuses provided by Israel to justify its illegal assault on civilian vessels devoid of arms or aggressive intent. Israel must be held accountable for its inappropriate action via a significant World Court response and punishment. As Israel's closest ally, the United States should lead this action. Furthermore, Israel must not be given a carte blanche status regarding any future acts of military aggression and violence.

Under UNCLOS Article 101, maritime piracy includes "any illegal acts of violence or detention, or any act of depredation....against a ship, aircraft, persons or property in a place outside the jurisdiction of any State (and) any act of inciting or of intentionally facilitating (such) an act."