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UN inquiry finds Israel’s flotilla raid ‘willful killing’
Published: 23 September, 2010, 22:42
Edited: 29 September, 2010, 12:03
TAGS: Conflict, UN, Middle East
Israel has rebuffed the conclusion of a United Nations probe which found Israeli soldiers committed 'willful killing and torture,’ during a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
The UN Human Rights Council described the military raid, which saw nine Turkish activists killed in May, as 'brutal and disproportionate'. Meanwhile, Israel has dismissed the conclusion as biased, but said it would review the report in greater detail.
Shane Dillon, who was arrested for being onboard another ship in the flotilla, said he hopes the conclusion could prompt nations worldwide to support humanitarian relief for Gaza.
“Hopefully, international governments and EU governments will take action and support the next flotilla that is due to leave in mid-November for Gaza with more aid,” Dillon said.
23.09.2010, 19:14
1 comment
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Sec 48 specifies that aid ships are subject to inspection if the are even expected to running a blockade of carrying weapons.
Israel had the right to attack the flotilla fter warning them and to board the vessels. They have the right to redirect them as required under SRM and to inspect their cargo.
The IHH militants among the activists became combatants as soon as they armed and attacked the IDF. IDF had ever right to defend their comrades with force until the situation was under control and they were no longer in harms way.
As far as "proportionality" and "distinction" of combatants/civilians is concerned, that is a matter for the courts to decide and not a ship of fools and martyrs.
After months of debate it is important to note that the UN has directed all aid through Israel via land. There is absolutely no question that Israel followed the SRM law of blockades and naval conflict.
Former member of tha INNs of Court London UK.
Israel's flotilla raid was an inhumane action and call for total condemnation. USA should asked themself whether they shall allow the Israel to violate all civilize laws of the world under their tacit support. If israeli's want to live in peace they should learn to treat their neigbhour with diginity and regards.
I am not surprised when I see negative comments from those who have no legal training. I am surprised when D'amato, a professor of law and the UN are totally ignorant of the law of blockades and naval conflict at sea. (San Remo Manual 1994.)
D'amato's debate with Judi Woodward should be an embarrassment to North Eastern U and the legal profession.
The UN is a useless bias organization and it's human rights council member states are some of the worst human rights offenders. Keep in mind the 3 so called experts on that fact finding panel are human rights advocates who in fact made derogatory comments about the legal inspection of the flotilla long before they started their fact finding.
Under SRM 1994 sec 67 and 98 allow for the interception of neutral vessels in Int waters headed to brewach the blockade. That is very clear. The argument that Gaza is not a state therefore the blockade and thus the interception is illegal is folly. The Gaza is a hostile territory under armed conflict with Israel. The point at which Hamas was elected to rule Gaza makes Gaza a hostile entity or territory and subject to SRM. SRM deals with state actions as opposed to private actions under Maritime law.