Quote:
Originally Posted by vanwyck
Is this intelligent enough for you?:
I direct your attention to the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea. Specifically, paragraph 67: 67. Merchant vessels flying the flag of neutral States may not be attacked unless they:
(a) are believed on reasonable grounds to be carrying contraband or breaching a blockade, and after prior warning they intentionally and clearly refuse to stop, or intentionally and clearly resist visit, search or capture;
(b) engage in belligerent acts on behalf of the enemy;<
(c) act as auxiliaries to the enemy s armed forces;
(d) are incorporated into or assist the enemy s intelligence system;
(e) sail under convoy of enemy warships or military aircraft; or
(f) otherwise make an effective contribution to the enemy s military action, e.g., by carrying military materials, and it is not feasible for the attacking forces to first place passengers and crew in a place of safety. Unless circumstances do not permit, they are to be given a warning, so that they can re-route, off-load, or take other precautions.
I highlighted the relevant clauses. Israel has the right to inspect ships heading toward Hamas-controlled Gaza for weapons. The blockade is LEGAL.
Too intelligent for you?
This is what it's all about, isn't it?
It's not about delivering "humanitarian" cargoes. As in any of these anti-Israel threads, it's about Israel's existence. The far leftist kooks on those boats wave the signs "Free Palestine". To posters like this and those kooks that slogan has the same meaning that it has for Hamas: destroy Israel. |
You are joking, aren't you?
Now I didn't go through everything on your list but I did look at
47. The following classes of enemy vessels are exempt from attack:
(a) hospital ships;
(b) small craft used for coastal rescue operations and other medical transports;
(c) vessels granted safe conduct by agreement between the belligerent parties including:
(i) cartel vessels, e.g., vessels designated for and engaged in the transport of prisoners of war;
(ii) vessels engaged in humanitarian missions, including vessels carrying supplies indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, and vessels engaged in relief actions and rescue operations;
(d) vessels engaged in transporting cultural property under special protection;
(e) passenger vessels when engaged only in carrying civilian passengers;
(f) vessels charged with religious, non-military scientifc or philanthropic missions, vessels collecting scientific data of likely military applications are not protected;
(g) small coastal fishing vessels and small boats engaged in local coastal trade, but they are subject to the regulations of a belligerent naval commander operating in the area and to inspection;
(h) vessels designated or adapted exclusively for responding to pollution incidents in the marine environment;
(i) vessels which have surrendered;
(j) life rafts and life boats.
First off there were no enemy ships or SUBMARINES in the flotilla.
The flotilla was not hostile or at war with anyone.
But for the sake of argument it would be excluded from an attack under the following:
a)
ii)
e)
If anything the attack by hostile Israeli forces in international waters should be considered an act of PIRACY and those in the hostile attacking forces should be put on trial for Murder for any deaths.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
