Israel Complied With International Law in Intercepting Flotilla

Debby Schlussel researched international law as it applies to merchant ships on the high seas, and has concluded, convincingly, that Israel was in compliance with international law when it intercepted the Gaza flotilla this week.

She points to the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea, including this section:

SECTION V : NEUTRAL MERCHANT VESSELS AND CIVIL AIRCRAFT

Neutral merchant vessels

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;

Quite clearly, Section 67 (a) clearly describes the Israel/flotilla situation exactly.  Read the entire article here.