The Flotilla....IDF Actions Validated!

[Goober]

Care to retract your statements which imply I am a liar? Please support your allegations with a link indicating that the IDF has returned any personal property they illegally confiscated from reporters and activists on the Freedom Flotilla... BTW, reporters have a right to do their job without being harassed, beaten and having their personal property including video, video recording equipment, money and other personal "illegally confiscated". BTW, "illegally confiscated" is a just politically correct way to describe theft.

FYI: Israeli illegal confiscation of personal property including homes, bank accounts, money, furniture, clothing, family photos, beds, children's toy... is not new. Israel has a long tradition of illegally confiscating (stealing) personal property since 1948 which continues to this day. Its part of the reason why the region has millions of nationless refugees and is a war zone.

Reporters are not above the Law. And a link for reporters being beaten without cause- example resisting arrest- which Israel had the right to do- according to International Law.

Proof please. Now begin a search of the dark underbelly of the Net - And we know what resides there now don't we.

 

[earth_as_one]

Sorry its your turn to retract a statement.

I just retracted my statement that Israel still has not released 99.9% of the personal property they illegally confiscated from reporters and activists. Since I was unable to find any link that Israel returned any of the equipment they illegally confiscated, my position now is that Israel still possesses 100% of the estimated million dollars worth of personal property and money they took from reporters and activists. In response you implied I am a liar.

So now its your turn. Please post a link which supports your belief that my statement above is not the truth. Please post a link that Israel has returned any of the "illegally confiscated" (the term used by the UN to describe Israel's actions) personal property and didn't act like a common thief.

Back on topic... The UN investigation drew the following conclusions regarding Israeli actions:

169. A large number of injured passengers received wounds to critical areas of the body containing vital organs – the abdomen, thorax and head. Furthermore, a number of passengers who were clearly not engaged in any activities to resist the boarding by the Israeli forces, including a number of journalists and persons who had been sheltering from the fire, received injuries, including fatal injuries. It is apparent that no effort was made to minimize injuries at certain stages of the operation and that the use of live fire was done in an extensive and arbitrary manner. It is difficult not to conclude that, once the order to use live fire had been given, no one was safe. Under the circumstances, it seems a matter of pure chance that there were not more fatalities as a result. Principle 5 of the Basic Principles on the Use of Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials stipulates that “whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall: (a) Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and the legitimate objective to be achieved; and (b) Minimize damage and injury and respect and preserve human life”.
170. The circumstances of the killing of at least six of the passengers were in a manner consistent with an extra-legal, arbitrary and summary execution. Furkan Doğan and İbrahim Bilgen were shot at near range while the victims were lying injured on the top deck. Cevdet Kiliçlar, Cengiz Akyüz, Cengiz Songür and Çetin Topçuoğlu were shot on the bridge deck while not participating in activities that represented a threat to any Israeli soldier. In these instances and possibly other killings on the Mavi Marmara, Israeli forces carried out extra-legal, arbitrary and summary executions prohibited by international human rights law, specifically article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.80
171. It is apparent that a number of the passengers on the top deck were subjected to further mistreatment while lying injured. This included physical and verbal abuse some time after the operation to secure control of the deck had concluded. Furthermore, these passengers were not provided with medical treatment for two to three hours after the cessation of the operation. Similarly injured passengers who were inside the ship at the end of the operation of the Israeli forces were denied proper medical treatment for a similar length of time despite frequent efforts by other persons on board, including flotilla organizers, requesting such assistance to be provided. Other passengers suffering from chronic medical conditions were also denied access to their required essential medicines. The Israeli forces failed to meet the requirement to provide proper medical treatment to all those injured as rapidly as possible.81 Furthermore, the use of firearms should have been preceded by clear warnings of the intent to do so.82 While the circumstances of the initial stages on the top deck may not have been conducive to the issuance of such warnings, later stages in the Israeli operation to secure control of the ship certainly were possible and necessary.
172. The Mission is satisfied that much of the force used by the Israeli soldiers on board the Mavi Marmara and from the helicopters was unnecessary, disproportionate, excessive and inappropriate and resulted in the wholly avoidable killing and maiming of a large number of civilian passengers. On the basis of the forensic and firearm evidence, at least six of the killings can be characterized as extra-legal, arbitrary and summary executions. As such, the conduct of the Israeli forces amounted to violations of the right to life and of the right to physical integrity, as stipulated in articles 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
A/HRC/15/21 of 27 September 2010

 

[Goober]

Sorry its your turn to retract a statement.

I just retracted my statement that Israel still has not released 99.9% of the personal property they illegally confiscated from reporters and activists. Since I was unable to find any link that Israel returned any of the equipment they illegally confiscated, my position now is that Israel still possesses 100% of the estimated million dollars worth of personal property and money they took from reporters and activists. In response you implied I am a liar.

So now its your turn. Please post a link which supports your belief that my statement above is not the truth. Please post a link that Israel has returned any of the "illegally confiscated" (the term used by the UN to describe Israel's actions) personal property and didn't act like a common thief

What - That you and the truth are poles apart? Is that the one.

 

[earth_as_one]

Yes that would be the statement. I have never claimed that the IDF executed people. I have only claimed that some activists claim they witnessed the IDF executing people and that some of the fatal injuries were consistent with execution style killings.

As far as searching the underbelly of the internet is concerned... I didn't have to look to far to uncover this secret. Its all in the UN report.

My point has always been that our leaders and MSM only communicate the Israeli narrative. This thread highlights yet another example. The activist's version of events was never reported and our leaders never reacted to the official UN conclusions. I have no doubt the if the UN had written a similar report about a government our leaders and MSM don't unshakably support, it'd have made the news, with gory images and our leaders would have had no trouble condemning those responsible. If anyone had any doubts that what Canadians know is deliberately manipulated and spun in complete alignment with the Israeli viewpoint, I suggest they review this thread.

For the record, I have nothing against Jews, Israelis or even the IDF. My position has always been that individuals should be held accountable for their actions. I support people knowing all the facts and then drawing conclusions.

I consider my posts on this subject a public service. The above report should be widely known. Yet it may as well be a state secret as far as Canadians are concerned.

 

[Goober]

Yes that would be the statement. I have never claimed that the IDF executed people. I have only claimed that some activists claim they witnessed the IDF executing people and that some of the fatal injuries were consistent with execution style killings.

As far as searching the underbelly of the internet is concerned... I didn't have to look to far to uncover this secret. Its all in the UN report.

My point has always been that our leaders and MSM only communicate the Israeli narrative. This thread highlights yet another example. The activist's version of events was never reported and our leaders never reacted to the official UN conclusions. I have no doubt the if the UN had written a similar report about a government our leaders and MSM don't unshakably support, it'd have made the news, with gory images and our leaders would have had no trouble condemning those responsible. If anyone had any doubts that what Canadians know is deliberately manipulated and spun in complete alignment with the Israeli viewpoint, I suggest they review this thread.

For the record, I have nothing against Jews, Israelis or even the IDF. My position has always been that individuals should be held accountable for their actions. I support people knowing all the facts and then drawing conclusions.

I consider my posts on this subject a public service. The above report should be widely known. Yet it may as well be a state secret as far as Canadians are concerned.

This post- "You and the truth are poles apart" is my opinion- how can I retract an opinion that I believe to be accurate - You made claims that were not correct- thus they were retracted when brought to your attention.

 

[earth_as_one]

Sure I retracted my statement that "Israel still retains 99.9% of the personal property they illegally confiscated"... by admitting that upon further investigation, Israel still retains 100% of the personal property they illegally confiscated. Not just video and video recording equipment, but also their money. My previous opinion was only 0.1% different from my current opinion, not "poles apart".

Back on topic, according to the UN report, the IDF illegally confiscated personal property including money at gun point. Perhaps someone can clarify for me the difference between illegally confiscating personal property including money at gun point and armed robbery?

Regarding the opening post's claims the UN validated the IDF's actions. That's misleading considering that the above UN report not only describes the IDF's actions illegal, but also as "...violations of the right to life and of the right to physical integrity, as stipulated in articles 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

A big clue that Colpy's OP in this thread might have referenced a pro-Israel OPed, might be the OPed's author:

Michael Ross is a former 13-year veteran of the Israel Secret Intelligence Service
Michael Ross: UN rules that Israeli blockade is legal in blow to failing flotilla | Full Comment | National Post

If you revisit the OP's referenced OPed, note that the author substitute's the UN's conclusions with his own opinions. For example:

Michael Ross: "nobody disputes that when faced with attackers wielding iron bars, knives or axes, there is every justification for ditching the paintball gun for a real weapon in self-defence."

That's called a misdirection.

While the UN report does state that Israel has a legal right to block arms from entering Gaza, it also states the "circumstances of the killing of at least six of the passengers were in a manner consistent with an extra-legal, arbitrary and summary execution".

IMO, execution style slayings of subdued activists can not be remotely described "self-defense".

 

[Goober]

Sure I retracted my statement that "Israel still retains 99.9% of the personal property they illegally confiscated"... by admitting that upon further investigation, Israel still retains 100% of the personal property they illegally confiscated. Not just video and video recording equipment, but also their money. My previous opinion was only 0.1% different from my current opinion, not "poles apart".

Back on topic, according to the UN report, the IDF illegally confiscated personal property including money at gun point. Perhaps someone can clarify for me the difference between illegally confiscating personal property including money at gun point and armed robbery?

Regarding the opening post's claims the UN validated the IDF's actions. That's misleading considering that the above UN report not only describes the IDF's actions illegal, but also as "...violations of the right to life and of the right to physical integrity, as stipulated in articles 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

A big clue that Colpy's OP in this thread might have referenced a pro-Israel OPed, might be the OPed's author:

Michael Ross is a former 13-year veteran of the Israel Secret Intelligence Service
Michael Ross: UN rules that Israeli blockade is legal in blow to failing flotilla | Full Comment | National Post

If you revisit the OP's referenced OPed, note that the author substitute's the UN's conclusions with his own opinions. For example:

Michael Ross: "nobody disputes that when faced with attackers wielding iron bars, knives or axes, there is every justification for ditching the paintball gun for a real weapon in self-defence."

That's called a misdirection.

While the UN report does state that Israel has a legal right to block arms from entering Gaza, it also states the "circumstances of the killing of at least six of the passengers were in a manner consistent with an extra-legal, arbitrary and summary execution".

IMO, execution style slayings of subdued activists can not be remotely described "self-defense".

Then why did you retract when you could have made it clear. Israel had the right, legally to confiscate. As to moneys confiscated- Do you have a reputable link?

 

[earth_as_one]

Here you go:

...on behalf of the main organizers of the six-vessel Gaza flotilla carrying approximately 700 human rights activists, journalists, members of parliament and other civilians and crew, the Freedom Flotilla coalition calls on all governments to comply with their duties under article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and take the following action due to Israel’s theft of the property of those participating in the flotilla. We call on all governments to join us in urgently demanding that Israel:

• immediately relinquish control of all the property seized on May 31, 2010 during its illegal boarding of our ships;
• release the property that constitutes evidence and send all those items of property seized on the six boats on May 31, 2010 to the UN by June 30, 2010, including all cameras, mobile phones, laptops and recording devices which recorded the events aboard the six ships;
• release the remainder of the property (including clothes, credit cards and hard currency) to its rightful owners; and
• account for every stolen credit card or mobile or satellite telephone usage, which, if true, appears to have turned acts of illegal appropriation of property into straightforward pillage.
CCR Demands Return of Property and Evidence Seized by Israel from Flotilla | Center for Constitutional Rights

About the source:
The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organization committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change.

 

[Goober]

Here you go:

...on behalf of the main organizers of the six-vessel Gaza flotilla carrying approximately 700 human rights activists, journalists, members of parliament and other civilians and crew, the Freedom Flotilla coalition calls on all governments to comply with their duties under article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and take the following action due to Israel’s theft of the property of those participating in the flotilla. We call on all governments to join us in urgently demanding that Israel:

• immediately relinquish control of all the property seized on May 31, 2010 during its illegal boarding of our ships;
• release the property that constitutes evidence and send all those items of property seized on the six boats on May 31, 2010 to the UN by June 30, 2010, including all cameras, mobile phones, laptops and recording devices which recorded the events aboard the six ships;
• release the remainder of the property (including clothes, credit cards and hard currency) to its rightful owners; and
• account for every stolen credit card or mobile or satellite telephone usage, which, if true, appears to have turned acts of illegal appropriation of property into straightforward pillage.
CCR Demands Return of Property and Evidence Seized by Israel from Flotilla | Center for Constitutional Rights

About the source:
The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organization committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change.

More info on you link- Not reputable- some excerps you missed. Please note the biased statements. In particular that Israelis actions were illegal - That is not the case- Israel acted within the Law.

Israel's May 31, 2010 attack on the civilians on the Freedom Flotilla had terrible consequences, resulting in the death of (at least) nine civilians and the wounding of over 40. It was unprovoked, unwarranted, and illegal.

The early testimonies of those participating in the flotilla and the video evidence that activists managed to prevent being seized by the Israeli military, provides prima facie evidence of the commission of grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention (i.e. war crimes) by Israeli military personnel involved in the attack on the flotilla and in the detention of its passengers. That evidence suggests that the following crimes were – and/or continue to be – committed:

• willful killing
• inhuman treatment
• willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health
• unlawful deportation or transfer
• unlawful confinement
• taking of hostages
• extensive appropriation of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly
• theft by use of credit cards of some of the passengers by Israeli military personnel

 

[earth_as_one]

Then why did you retract when you could have made it clear. Israel had the right, legally to confiscate. As to moneys confiscated- Do you have a reputable link?

I don't understand the difference between illegally confiscating personal property including credit cards and hard currency at gun point and armed robbery. Can anyone explain the difference?

Also, I fail to see how relieving people of their purses, wallets, cash and credit cards can be described as an act of self defense.

 

[Goober]

I don't understand the difference between illegally confiscating personal property including credit cards and hard currency at gun point and armed robbery. Can anyone explain the difference?

Also, I fail to see how relieving people of their purses, wallets, cash and credit cards can be described as an act of self defense.

Show me where under Israeli Law the IDF- Israel- committed an offence- It is Israeli law that they fall under.

 

[taxslave]

Here you go:

...on behalf of the main organizers of the six-vessel Gaza flotilla carrying approximately 700 human rights activists, journalists, members of parliament and other civilians and crew, the Freedom Flotilla coalition calls on all governments to comply with their duties under article 1 of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and take the following action due to Israel’s theft of the property of those participating in the flotilla. We call on all governments to join us in urgently demanding that Israel:

• immediately relinquish control of all the property seized on May 31, 2010 during its illegal boarding of our ships;
• release the property that constitutes evidence and send all those items of property seized on the six boats on May 31, 2010 to the UN by June 30, 2010, including all cameras, mobile phones, laptops and recording devices which recorded the events aboard the six ships;
• release the remainder of the property (including clothes, credit cards and hard currency) to its rightful owners; and
• account for every stolen credit card or mobile or satellite telephone usage, which, if true, appears to have turned acts of illegal appropriation of property into straightforward pillage.
CCR Demands Return of Property and Evidence Seized by Israel from Flotilla | Center for Constitutional Rights

About the source:
The Center for Constitutional Rights is dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Founded in 1966 by attorneys who represented civil rights movements in the South, CCR is a non-profit legal and educational organization committed to the creative use of law as a positive force for social change.

This stuff was seized legally. The blockade was legal, it was the terrorist flotilla that was illegal. Therefore there is no reason to release anything. Except in the minds of the terrorist supporters.

 

[earth_as_one]

More info on you link- Not reputable- some excerps you missed. Please note the biased statements. In particular that Israelis actions were illegal - That is not the case- Israel acted within the Law.

Israel's May 31, 2010 attack on the civilians on the Freedom Flotilla had terrible consequences, resulting in the death of (at least) nine civilians and the wounding of over 40. It was unprovoked, unwarranted, and illegal.

The early testimonies of those participating in the flotilla and the video evidence that activists managed to prevent being seized by the Israeli military, provides prima facie evidence of the commission of grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention (i.e. war crimes) by Israeli military personnel involved in the attack on the flotilla and in the detention of its passengers. That evidence suggests that the following crimes were – and/or continue to be – committed:

• willful killing
• inhuman treatment
• willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health
• unlawful deportation or transfer
• unlawful confinement
• taking of hostages
• extensive appropriation of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly
• theft by use of credit cards of some of the passengers by Israeli military personnel

Having a hard time reconciling your belief that members of IDF should be nominated for sainthood while the evidence shows that they behaved like common thieves?

How about the UN Report which makes these statements:

143. Many personal belongings were taken from the passengers by the Israeli
authorities and not returned.465 The Israeli report states that “magnetic media” (such as
laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, memory sticks and DVDs) were confiscated466 and
retained for further investigation.467 However, attempts to properly record and itemize
confiscated items were not sufficient and failed to ensure that they were returned to their
owners.468 We regard this as significant not least given the potential monetary and
evidentiary value of many of the items involved. The seizure of some of the belongings,
such as cash, jewellery and clothing, served no military purpose and took place without
any legitimate grounds. ....

http://www.un.org/News/dh/infocus/middle_east/Gaza_Flotilla_Panel_Report.pdf

Now that its clearly established that members of the IDF illegally confiscated money, credit cards and jewelry at gun point, perhaps you can explain the difference.

What is the difference between illegally confiscating money, credit cards and jewelry at gun point and armed robbery?

This stuff was seized legally. The blockade was legal, it was the terrorist flotilla that was illegal. Therefore there is no reason to release anything. Except in the minds of the terrorist supporters.

Israel's arms blockade is legal... but the IDF has no right to illegally confiscate money, credit cards and jewelry. Taking these personal items at gunpoint is armed robbery IMO. I would also describe beating people and possibly executing them after they've been subdued as assault and possibly murder.

 

[taxslave]

Having a hard time reconciling your belief that members of IDF should be nominated for sainthood while the evidence shows that they behaved like common thieves?

How about the UN Report which makes these statements:

143. Many personal belongings were taken from the passengers by the Israeli
authorities and not returned.465 The Israeli report states that “magnetic media” (such as
laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, memory sticks and DVDs) were confiscated466 and
retained for further investigation.467 However, attempts to properly record and itemize
confiscated items were not sufficient and failed to ensure that they were returned to their
owners.468 We regard this as significant not least given the potential monetary and
evidentiary value of many of the items involved. The seizure of some of the belongings,
such as cash, jewellery and clothing, served no military purpose and took place without
any legitimate grounds. ....

http://www.un.org/News/dh/infocus/middle_east/Gaza_Flotilla_Panel_Report.pdf

Now that its clearly established that members of the IDF illegally confiscated money, credit cards and jewelry at gun point, perhaps you can explain the difference.

What is the difference between illegally confiscating money, credit cards and jewelry at gun point and armed robbery?

You should consult a doctor about your complete detachment from reality.

 

[earth_as_one]

Show me where under Israeli Law the IDF- Israel- committed an offence- It is Israeli law that they fall under.

The IDF's actions took place in international waters, where international law applies. Also, I doubt armed robbery is legal anywhere, even in Israel.

You should consult a doctor about your complete detachment from reality.

Sure taxslave... please ground me in reality. Please explain how pointing a gun in someone's face and taking their wallet/purse, money, credit cards and jewelry isn't armed robbery.

Also to cut off the old fall back of Israeli apologists I have nothing against Israel or the IDF. I support universal freedom and justice. While Palestinians have neither, this area will remain a war zone. Eventually cruelty, injustice and oppression will lead to Israel's ruin.

 

[Goober]

Having a hard time reconciling your belief that members of IDF should be nominated for sainthood while the evidence shows that they behaved like common thieves?

How about the UN Report which makes these statements:

143. Many personal belongings were taken from the passengers by the Israeli
authorities and not returned.465 The Israeli report states that “magnetic media” (such as
laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, memory sticks and DVDs) were confiscated466 and
retained for further investigation.467 However, attempts to properly record and itemize
confiscated items were not sufficient and failed to ensure that they were returned to their
owners.468 We regard this as significant not least given the potential monetary and
evidentiary value of many of the items involved. The seizure of some of the belongings,
such as cash, jewellery and clothing, served no military purpose and took place without
any legitimate grounds. ....

http://www.un.org/News/dh/infocus/middle_east/Gaza_Flotilla_Panel_Report.pdf

Now that its clearly established that members of the IDF illegally confiscated money, credit cards and jewelry at gun point, perhaps you can explain the difference.

What is the difference between illegally confiscating money, credit cards and jewelry at gun point and armed robbery?



Israel's arms blockade is legal... but the IDF has no right to illegally confiscate money, credit cards and jewelry. Taking these personal items at gunpoint is armed robbery IMO. I would also describe beating people and possibly executing them after they've been subdued as assault and possibly murder.

Show me where they did that and what laws were broken- I take it that you agree Israeli law applies. Does the UN report state what laws were broken-

 

[earth_as_one]

As a matter of fact the UN report states that most of the IDF actions that day were illegal. The only legal acts were related Israel's enforcement of their legal arms blockade... which in the case of the Freedom Flotilla, didn't apply, as they weren't moving any arms to Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla's cargo was 100% humanitarian aid in the form of food and medical supplies. Not a single gun, rocket or arm of any kind.

The fact is that in international waters, international law applies. I agree with the UN. Israel has a legal right to block arms from entering Gaza. I agree that Israel has a legal right to search any ships with a Gaza destination for arms. I disagree with you that money, jewelry and credit cards are contraband.

I'm no expert, but I'm fairly certain that boarding a ship in international waters and forcing passengers to hand over their money, credit cards and jewelry at gun point qualifies as piracy. Frankly I'm surprised that even an Israeli apologist would defend piracy.

But tell you what... Please argue your case that forcing people to hand over their money, credit cards and jewelry at gun point is connected Israel's legitimate defense and not piracy.

According to this video (which provides supporting evidence in the form of bank statements) show that after the IDF soldier killed the activists, some of them celebrated the massacre by using stolen credit cards to buy beer:
ISRAELI PIRATES STEAL $3 MILLION FROM GAZA FLOTILLA AND USED CREDIT CARDS TO BUY ALCOHOL - YouTube

The video also says that a few laptops and cell phones were returned. So I retract my former retractions. The IDF kept 99.9% of the personal property they illegally confiscated, not 100%.

 

[taxslave]

The IDF's actions took place in international waters, where international law applies. Also, I doubt armed robbery is legal anywhere, even in Israel.


Sure taxslave... please ground me in reality. Please explain how pointing a gun in someone's face and taking their wallet/purse, money, credit cards and jewelry isn't armed robbery.

Also to cut off the old fall back of Israeli apologists I have nothing against Israel or the IDF. I support universal freedom and justice. While Palestinians have neither, this area will remain a war zone. Eventually cruelty, injustice and oppression will lead to Israel's ruin.

As has been pointed out to you the blockade was perfectly legal. No different than a cop pointing a gun at you when he pulls you over for excessive speed. Confiscation is perfectly legal. You do have the right to try to convince a judge to get your stuff back.

You just hope that the injustice and oppression by your terrorist buddies will ruin Israel.

 

[Goober]

As a matter of fact the UN report states that most of the IDF actions that day were illegal. The only legal acts were related Israel's enforcement of their legal arms blockade... which in the case of the Freedom Flotilla, didn't apply, as they weren't moving any arms to Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla's cargo was 100% humanitarian aid in the form of food and medical supplies. Not a single gun, rocket or arm of any kind.

The fact is that in international waters, international law applies. I agree with the UN. Israel has a legal right to block arms from entering Gaza. I agree that Israel has a legal right to search any ships with a Gaza destination for arms. I disagree with you that money, jewelry and credit cards are contraband.

I'm no expert, but I'm fairly certain that boarding a ship in international waters and forcing passengers to hand over their money, credit cards and jewelry at gun point qualifies as piracy. Frankly I'm surprised that even an Israeli apologist would defend piracy.

Correct- You are not an expert- You make claims and innuendo. And I am now an apologist- What category would you fall into.

Ships can be boarded in International waters if they are under sanctions from the UN- Or undertaking to break a legal Blockade. And force can be used when required. Again the Law.

Again you should update yourself on the Law.

These civilians have recourse under Israeli Law- The only one that applies for the return of their property.

Please read the below - Inform yourself. Also ask the question - Why did these criminals not pursue thru the Israeli Courts for the return of their possessions- I can hazard a guess- Pure and single hatred for Israel. Recall what the IHH is and has been accused of by different Govt's.
The Israeli Supreme Court is one of the only judiciaries in the world that allows non-citizens to petition against acts of the state and the military. For example, in 2004 the court ruled in favor of Palestinian claimants who argued that a security barrier around North Jerusalem would disrupt the*"fabric of life"for residents of the West Bank.


German court affirms Turkish IHH ban bec... JPost - International

Leipzig’s Federal Administrative Court finds that Frankfurt-based Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief donated money to terror group.
BERLIN – A federal court in Germany upheld the Interior Ministry’s ban on the Frankfurt-based Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH) because the Turkish NGO contributed funds to Hamas.

Hamas is recognized by the European Union, Israel and the United States as a “terrorist organization” and Leipzig’s Federal Administrative Court found that the IHH donated money to the group.

The NGO challenged the decision of Germany’s former interior minister Thomas de Maizieres, who outlawed the IHH in July 2010. He said at the time that the IHH “fights against Israel’s right to exist.”

 

[earth_as_one]

As has been pointed out to you the blockade was perfectly legal. No different than a cop pointing a gun at you when he pulls you over for excessive speed. Confiscation is perfectly legal. You do have the right to try to convince a judge to get your stuff back.

You just hope that the injustice and oppression by your terrorist buddies will ruin Israel.

As I have pointed out, Israel can only legal block arms from entering Gaza. They can stop ships destined for Gaza and search for contraband. Israel's legal arms blockade doesn't extend to looting people's credit cards and then using them to buy beer.

BTW, when was the last time you heard the police stopped someone and took their money, credit cards and jewelry and then used their credit card to buy beer? But I suppose if the IDF can legally do this, then so should the police and anyone else with a gun.