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Ahead of Israel's latest interdiction, its UN ambassador Ron Prosor petitioned the world body by letter to do its dirty work for it. Given Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's comment in response to Israel's May 2010 murder of nine Mavi Marmara activists, it wouldn't have surprised if he obliged.
He called seizing the vessel legal. He objected only to excessive force. The ship was lawlessly seized in international waters. Israeli commandos murdered nine on board. Dozens of others were beaten, arrested, and detained. Their personal possessions were stolen.
No one was held accountable. None will for Israel's latest crime. Expect no follow-through with teeth from Ban or world leaders. Media scoundrels also support Israeli lawlessness. None explain that fundamental international laws are repeatedly violated.
Relevant International Law
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."
Usually it refers to robbery or criminal violence committed by private parties. It also applies to states committing lawless acts. UNCLOS lets them interdict at sea to prevent illegal arms and drug smuggling, the slave trade, or terrorist activities.
Blocking humanitarian missions is lawless under all conditions. Israel claiming otherwise doesn't wash. Ships to Gaza are inspected before departure. Their cargo includes food, medicines, educational, construction and other materials. Nothing on board threatens Israel.
Under UNCLOS, its commandos have no right to interdict vessels or attack activists on board. It holds anywhere at sea from point of departure to destination.
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