Vessel Exploiting Woman Killed While Working for Extremist Movement;
Hamas Refusing to Allow Flotilla Aid into Gaza
The Israel Project
Anti-Israel activist Rachel Corrie, who died in 2003, burning an American flag
In the aftermath of a pre-meditated attack on Israeli soldiers attempting to intercept an illegal flotilla bound for Gaza from Turkey, another aid ship, the Irish-owned MV Rachel Corrie is headed for Gaza.[1] Like the ships in the flotilla, the vessel is sponsored by the Free Gaza Movement, and those aboard have said their mission is try to break Israel’s naval blockade.[2] Two members of the Free Gaza Movement are a husband-and-wife team who helped coordinate the first flotilla,[3] which included the Mavi Marmara, a ship filled with hundreds of Turks backed by a group with global jihadi ties.[4] Nine people were killed on board that ship after attacking Israel military personnel.[5]
As with the flotilla, the Israeli government has offered to escort the MV Rachel Corrie to Israel and ensure that the aid is delivered to Gaza, but those aboard have refused, saying they were concerned that some of the banned contents they’re bringing won’t be delivered to Gaza. Among those items is concrete,[6] which Hamas in the past has used to build bunkers.[7][8]
In the meantime, Iran-backed Hamas on Wednesday (June 2) was preventing Israel from delivering humanitarian aid from the flotilla to Gaza. Israel dispatched eight truckloads of the aid to the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza on June 1 after the ships were escorted to the port city of Ashdod.[9] Said a Hamas official, "We refuse to receive the humanitarian aid until all those who were detained aboard the ships are released."[10]
Huwaida Arraf – who was aboard the illegal flotilla from Turkey – and her husband Adam Shapiro are members of the Free Gaza Movement and also co-founded the International Solidarity Movement (ISM). The ISM has aligned itself with extremists and has publicly acknowledged collaboration with terrorist groups.[11] The Irish branch of the Free Gaza Movement owns the MV Rachel Corrie, a cargo ship that was originally part of the flotilla but was held up for logistical reasons and so was not seized in the May 31 raid.[12] Fifteen activists, including Irish and Malaysian nationals, are aboard the ship.[13]
The MV Rachel Corrie is named for a fellow ISM member who died in Gaza in 2003. Corrie had positioned herself in the path of an Israeli bulldozer to stop it from demolishing a house as part of an Israeli counterterrorism operation.[14] [15]
Although at least four of the nine activists who died on the Mavi Marmara May 31 are thought to be Turkish nationals, Israel has not yet released the names and nationalities of those killed in the clash.[16] The Turkish ship was backed by the Insani Yardim Vakfi - “humanitarian relief fund”), or IHH, an Islamist Turkish group.[17] The incident occurred after Israeli Navy personnel attempted to stop the ship from illegally entering Gaza and were attacked by the self-described human rights activists[18] with knives, clubs and other weapons.[19] About 400 of the 700 people participating in the six-vessel flotilla were Turks.[20]
Israeli military personnel later found night-vision goggles, bulletproof vests and gas masks aboard the ship,[21] in addition to knives, clubs and other weapons with which activists attacked them.[22] Israeli officials said about 50 of the ship’s passengers – many of whom had envelopes stuffed with thousands of dollars – may have ties to global jihadist terror groups.[23]
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech June 2 that “Israel is facing an unprecedented attack of hypocrisy, not for the first time. The purpose of the naval blockade is to stop weapons from entering Gaza. The purpose of the flotilla wasn’t to enter goods to Gaza – which we allow anyway, on a daily basis – the purpose was to break the naval blockade.
“... If we won’t check every boat the result would be the creation of an Iranian port in Gaza, close to Tel Aviv. That is a real threat to the security of Israel. This was not a love boat – this was a boat of hatred. Our soldiers were attacked with guns – these are not peace activists or pacifists – these are the supporters of an extreme terror groups. We are of course sorry for the lost of lives, but our soldiers were in life danger and were defending themselves from being lynched. I ask myself what other leaders of democratic countries would have done. I speak with leaders of friendly countries that are now criticizing us and ask them – what would you have done?”[24]
The IHH has provided financial support to Iran-backed Hamas and has ties to global jihadi networks and the Muslim Brotherhood – a global umbrella Islamic organization of which Hamas is a branch – as well as mujahideen groups in Afghanistan.[25] In 2006, a study conducted by the Danish Institute for International Studies showed that the IHH was involved in planning an al-Qaeda attack against Los Angeles International Airport in 1999. The IHH reportedly acquired forged documents, enlisted operatives and delivered weapons to al-Qaeda in preparation for the attack, which was ultimately foiled.[26]
The Danish study also cites a French intelligence report which stated that in the mid-1990s the IHH sent a number of operatives into war zones in Muslim countries to get combat experience. The report said that the IHH transferred money and “caches of firearms, knives and pre-fabricated explosives” to Muslim fighters in those countries.[27]
Israeli officials have expressed concern that Islamist groups that endanger Israeli national security now have considerable influence within the Free Gaza movement, the group that organized the flotilla. According to the group’s own mission statement, “We agree to adhere to the principles of nonviolence and nonviolent resistance in word and deed at all times.”[28] Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Itamar Rabinovich said the group is “a front for a radical Islamist organization, probably with links to the ruling party in Turkey."[29]
There is overlap between the Free Gaza movement and the ISM. Shapiro and Arraf also serve on the board of directors for the Free Gaza movement.[30] Caoimhe Buttlery, an Irish citizen and coordinator of the Free Gaza movement, is also a member of the ISM.[31] Arraf and Shapiro have publicly stated that Palestinians should use violence when necessary: "We accept that Palestinians have a right to resist with arms, as they are an occupied people upon who force and violence is being used,” the couple wrote in 2002 in The Palestine Chronicle. “The Geneva Conventions accept that armed resistance is legitimate for an occupied people, and there is no doubt that this right cannot be denied.”[32] An ISM spokesman in 2003 admitted to hosting a group of 15 people at his apartment including ISM participants Asif Mohammad Hanif and Omar Khan Sharif, British nationals who five days later carried out a suicide bombing in a popular pub next to the U.S. Embassy, killing three people and injuring 60 others. Hanif and Sharif entered Israel under the guise of "peace activists.”[33]
Before setting out for Gaza on the first flotilla, Arraf announced her intentions, saying, "We fully intend to go to Gaza regardless of any intimidation or threats of violence against us. They are going to have to forcefully stop us.”[34] Those aboard the ship had prepared weapons to attack Israeli forces.[35]
All of the ships in the flotilla defied warnings by the Israeli Navy not to violate Israeli law by landing in Gaza.[36] Israel ordered the vessels instead to dock in the nearby port city of Ashdod to unload the cargo for security inspections and land delivery to Gaza.[37] Despite the refusal of all six ships to detour to Ashdod, the Turkish passenger ship was the only vessel where a major confrontation took place.[38]
Turkey – a secular country with a Muslim majority – has been a major regional ally of Israel in the past, but the relationship has cooled recently, especially after Turkey lashed out against Israel’s December 2008-January 2009 defensive military operation in Gaza.[39] Israel carried out the operation to stop more than 10,000 rockets being fired at civilians by terrorist groups.[40] Additionally, Turkey has supported a more conciliatory approach to Iran, in contrast to the United States, Israel and other Western countries who want a new round of sanctions to prevent the Islamic Republic from developing nuclear weapons.[41]
Under international law, Israel has the right to enforce a maritime blockade on Gaza – in international as well as its own territorial waters – when engaged in armed conflict with Iran-backed Hamas.[42] Support for Hamas has decreased in the Gaza Strip since Israel and Egypt imposed a partial blockade on the territory. The tightened security measures were implemented following a violent coup staged by Iran-backed Hamas against the Fatah-led forces of the Palestinian Authority in 2007.[43]
Israel imposed a naval blockade on Gaza after Hamas violently overthrew Fatah in 2007.[44] Said Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs legal expert Sarah Weiss Maudi, "The Hamas regime has bombarded Israeli communities in Israel, Israeli civilians in Israel, with weapons that are smuggled to Gaza by various routes, and one of these routes is the sea. Under international law a maritime blockade is a recognized and legitimate tool that can be used during an armed conflict."[45]
Iran-backed Hamas continues to smuggle weapons into Gaza and uses building supplies delivered there to construct fortified bunkers.[46]
There is significant evidence that the pro-Palestinian activists who were aboard the flotilla vessels which attempted to reach Gaza May 31 planned their violent activities well in advance and were also talking about becoming “martyrs” over the incident.[47]
IHH head Bulent Yildirimon said the night before the vessels were intercepted that the activists intended to resist the Israeli soldiers. In an interview with Turkish television, Yildirim said, “We will definitely resist and we will not allow the Israelis to enter here… If Israel wants to board this ship, it will meet strong resistance.”[48]
Also, a number of flotilla activists discussed the possibility they might die and become “martyrs” in the course of attempting to reach Gaza in their vessels before they had even set out. The organizers held a press conference in the Turkish city of Antalya before the flotilla sailed, tasking all the participants to write their wills before departing. Walid Al-Tabtabai, a Kuwaiti member of parliament, was among those who wrote a will before leaving on the flotilla.[49]
Another of the flotilla participants was Muhammad Al-Baltaji, the deputy secretary-general of the Muslim Brotherhood parliamentary bloc in Egypt. [50] On May 27, Al-Baltaji said, “The flotilla participants have two aims: to reach Gaza and break the siege, and to denounce Israel if it prevents the flotilla from entering Gaza, even at the cost of martyrdom or imprisonment.”[51]
Attorney Fathi Nassar of Jordan, who was also aboard one of the ships, said, “The Freedom Flotilla members are filled with determination to reach Gaza or die.” [52] The commander of the flotilla reportedly stated a day before the vessels were intercepted that the activists on board would use “resistance.” [53]
Dr. Abd Al-Fatah Shayyeq Naaman, a lecturer in Shari'ah law, said to the Hamas-run television channel al-Aqsa TV: “The [Gaza] flotilla commander said yesterday: ‘We will not allow the Zionists to get near us and we will use resistance against them.’”[54]
Historically, ships bound for Gaza have carried tons of weapons among their cargo, including:
* “Francop” (2009)
In November 2009 the Israeli Navy intercepted the “Francop,” a ship containing 320 tons of arms sent from Iran and destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon.[55] Weaponry and ammunition were disguised as civilian cargo in the hundreds of containers the ship was transporting.[56]
* “Abu Hasan” (2003)
On May 21, 2003 Israeli naval commandos intercepted a fishing boat, the Abu Hasan, sailing from Lebanon to Egypt carrying a Hezbollah explosives expert bound for Gaza. Also seized were CD discs with instructions on how to assemble bomb belts for suicide bombers, a radio-activation system for remote-control bombs and 25 detonators for Kassam rockets.[57]
* “Karin A” (2002) [58]
In January 2002 a ship carrying weapons intended for the Palestinian Authority was captured in the Red Sea by Israel's Navy and Air Force. The boat's cargo included 50 tons of advanced weaponry including Katyusha rockets, rifles, mortar shells, mines and a variety of anti-tank missiles. Senior figures in the Palestinian Authority were involved in the smuggling.[59]
Ashkelon and other coastal cities would have been threatened by these Katyusha rockets if they reached Gaza.[60]
* “Santorini” (2001)
On May 7, 2001 Israeli naval forces intercepted a Lebanese ship destined for Gaza, which contained anti-aircraft missiles, anti-tank missile-launchers, RPG rockets, mortar shells, mines, rifles and guns. The shipment, some of which originated in Iran, had been loaded in Lebanon by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.[61] The Santorini and another boat, the Calypso-2, made three successful smuggling operations of which the first was in November 2000.[62]
Footnotes:
[1] “Ireland asks Israel to allow ship to Gaza,” JTA, June 2, 2010, http://www.jta.org/news/article/2010/06/02/2739412/
ireland-asks-israel-to-allow-ship-to-gaza
[2] Johnson, Larry, “Aid ship Rachel Corrie still heading for Gaza,” Seattle Post Globe, June 1, 2010, http://www.seattlepostglobe.org/2010/06/01/aid-ship-rachel-corrie-still-heading-for-gaza
[3] “Free Gaza Calls for 'Open, Independent' Investigation Into Deadly Flotilla Raid,” PBS NewsHour, May 31, 2010, http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics/jan-june10/gaza2_05-31.html
[4] Zacharia, Janine, “Israeli troops raid aid flotilla headed for Gaza, killing nine,” The Washington Post, June 1, 2010, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/31/AR2010053101209.html
[5] “Gaza ship raid 'completely unacceptable': PM,” AFP, June 2, 2010, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g-fxIhG134Pldd-s3mukw-BXDxFQ; Teibel, Amy, “New boats headed to Gaza to challenge blockade,” AP via The Guardian (UK), June 1, 2010, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/
9105618
[6] “Aid ship says determined to continue journey to Gaza,” Reuters via YnetNews, June 2, 2010, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3898002,00.html
[7] Ferziger, Jonathan; Ben-David, Calev, “Gaza Situation ‘Unsustainable,’ Clinton Says as Ship Approaches,” Bloomberg BusinessWeek, June 2, 2010, http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-01/gaza-situation-unsustainable-clinton
-says-as-ship-approaches.html
[8] Ravid, Barak; Kyzer, Liel, “Ireland to Israel: Let new aid ship break Gaza blockade,” Haaretz, June 2, 2010, http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/ireland-to-israel-let-new-aid-ship-break-gaza-blockade-1.293616; Varner, William; Ackerman, Gwen, “UN Human Rights Council Authorizes Gaza Investigation (Update3),” Bloomberg, June 2, 2010, http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-02/un-human-rights-council-authorizes-gaza-investigation-update3-.html
[9] Meranda, Amnon, “'Hamas blocking delivery of aid,'” YnetNews, June 2, 2010, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/
0,7340,L-3898181,00.html
[10] Toameh, Khaled Abu, “Flotilla aid refused by Hamas,” The Jerusalem Post, June 2, 2010, http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=177284
[11] Susser, Leslie, "Israel: The IDF vs. the ISM," The Jerusalem Report, June 13, 2003.
Susser, Leslie, "Israel: The IDF vs. the ISM," Jerusalem Report, (June 13, 2003);
"Senior Islamic Jihad Terrorist Arrested While Hiding in the Offices of the International Solidarity Movement in Jenin," Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, (March 27, 2003).
http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2003/Senior%20Islamic%20Jihad%20terrorist%20arrested%
20while%20hidi
[12] Walker, Peter, “Irish aid boat holds course towards Gaza despite Israel warning,” The Guardian (UK), June 1, 2010, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/01/irish-aid-boat-gaza-israel-warning
[13] “Israel to deport activists detained after flotilla raids,” IrishTimes.com, June 2, 2010, http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0601/breaking33.html; “Israel to deport all detained aid flotilla activists by end of day,” Globe and Mail (UK), June 2, 2010, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/africa-mideast/israel-to-
deport-all-flotilla-activist-by-end-of-day/article1589177/
[14] Myre, Greg, “Israeli Bulldozer Kills U.S. Protester,” The New York Times, March 16, 2003, http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/16/international/middleeast/16CND-GAZA.html?pagewanted=1
[15] “Aid ship says determined to continue journey to Gaza,” Reuters via YnetNews, June 2, 2010, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3898002,00.html
[16] “Gaza ship raid 'completely unacceptable': PM,” AFP, June 2, 2010, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g-fxIhG134Pldd-s3mukw-BXDxFQ; Teibel, Amy, “New boats headed to Gaza to challenge blockade,” AP via The Guardian (UK), June 1, 2010, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/
9105618
[17] Zacharia, Janine, “Israeli troops raid aid flotilla headed for Gaza, killing nine,” The Washington Post, June 1, 2010, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/31/AR2010053101209.html
[18] Ravid, Barak, “Netanyahu: I regret Gaza flotilla deaths, but Israeli troops had right to self-defense,” Haaretz, May 31, 2010, http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/netanyahu-i-regret-gaza-flotilla-deaths-but-israeli-troops-had-right-to-
self-defense-1.293187; “Our Mission,” Free Gaza Movement Web site, Jan. 30, 2009, http://www.freegaza.org/en/about-us/mission
[19] “IDF forces met with pre-planned violence when attempting to board flotilla,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 31, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Israel_Navy_warns_flotilla_31-May-2010.htm
[20] Teibel, Amy, “Activists send new boat to challenge Gaza blockade,” AP, June 1, 2010, http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_PALESTINIANS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2010-05-28-08-22-33
[21] Katz, Yaakov, “IDF: Global Jihad links on flotilla,” The Jerusalem Post, June 1, 2010, http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177169
[22] Teibel, Amy, “Activists send new boat to challenge Gaza blockade,” AP, June 1, 2010, http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_PALESTINIANS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2010-05-28-08-22-33; “IDF forces met with pre-planned violence when attempting to board flotilla,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 31, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Israel_Navy_warns_flotilla_31-May-2010.htm#weapons
[23] Katz, Yaakov, “IDF: Global Jihad links on flotilla,” The Jerusalem Post, June 1, 2010, http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177169
[24] “Statement by PM Netanyahu,” Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, June 2, 2010, http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Communication/PMSpeaks/speechmashat020610.htm
[25] Zippori, Michal, “Convoy of ships heads to Gaza in attempt to break blockade,” CNN, March 27, 2010, http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/27/gaza.aid.convoy/index.html; “MFA legal expert Sarah Weiss Maudi on the legal aspects of Gaza aid,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 26, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/HumanitarianAid/Palestinians/Legal_aspects_Gaza_aid_26-May-2010.htm; “Portrait of IHH: additional information,” Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, May 30, 2010, http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e107.htm
[26] “IHH, which plays a central role in organizing the flotilla to the Gaza Strip, is a Turkish humanitarian relief fund with a radical Islamic anti-Western orientation,” Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, May 26, 2010, http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e105.htm
[27] “IHH, which plays a central role in organizing the flotilla to the Gaza Strip, is a Turkish humanitarian relief fund with a radical Islamic anti-Western orientation,” Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, May 26, 2010, http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/html/hamas_e105.htm
[28] “Our Mission,” Free Gaza Movement Web site, Jan. 30, 2009, http://www.freegaza.org/en/about-us/mission
[29] Wilson, Scott, “Israel says Free Gaza Movement poses threat to Jewish state,” The Washington Post, June 1, 2010, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/31/AR2010053103445.html
[30] “Interim Board of Directors & Staff,” Free Gaza Movement Web site, http://www.freegaza.org/en/about-us/who-we-are/721-staff, accessed June 2, 2010
[31] “IPSC: Freedom Flotilla of Aid expected to reach Gaza within 48 hours despite threats from Israeli Navy,” International Solidarity Movement, May 27, 2010, http://palsolidarity.org/2010/05/12524/
[32] Shapiro, Adam and Arraf, Huwaida, "Why nonviolent resistance is important for the Palestinian Intifada: A Response to Ramzy Baroud," The Palestine Chronicle," Jan. 29, 2002,
http://palestinechronicle.com/story.php?sid=20020129050221695
[33] Harnden, Toby, "Israelis are 'sickos,' say gloating bombers," The Daily Telegraph, March 9, 2004,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/03/09/wmid109.xml; Friedman, Andrew, "The 'Neutral' Partisans," The Review, July 2003.
[34] Pfeffer, Anshel Issacharoff, Avi, The Associated Press and Reuters, “At least 10 activists killed in Israel Navy clashes onboard Gaza aid flotilla,” Haaretz, May 31, 2010, http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/at-least-10-activists-
killed-in-israel-navy-clashes-onboard-gaza-aid-flotilla-1.293089
[35] “IDF forces met with pre-planned violence when attempting to board flotilla,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 31, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Israel_Navy_warns_flotilla_31-May-2010.htm
[36] “UN Security Council Discusses Israeli Raid on Aid Flotilla,” Voice of America, May 31, 2010, http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/middle-east/Israeli-PM-Cancels-White-House-Meeting-95257909.html
[37] “IDF forces met with pre-planned violence when attempting to board flotilla,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 31, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Israel_Navy_warns_flotilla_31-May-2010.htm
[38] Teibel, Amy; Goldenberg, Tia, “Israeli commandos storm aid flotilla; 9 killed,” AP, May 31, 2010, http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ioi_0jtO9RjMwPNRoXNCndRPRq3gD9G1ST400
[39] “Israeli-Turkey relations plummet after flotilla deaths,” Reuters, June 1, 2010, http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-48961020100601; Head, Jonathan, “Turkey's religious-secular divide,” BBC News, Feb. 25, 2010, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8534752.stm
[40] “Israelis living with rocket threat support Gaza military operation,” Xinhua, Jan. 2, 2009, http://www.china.org.cn/international/news/2009-01/02/content_17044074.htm
[41] Kessler, Glenn, “Analysis: Condemnation of Israeli assault complicates relations with U.S.,” The Washington Post, June 1, 2010, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/31/AR2010053102500.html?sid=
ST2010053101699
[42] “The Gaza flotilla and the maritime blockade of Gaza - Legal background,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 31, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Law/Legal+Issues+and+Rulings/Gaza_flotilla_maritime_blockade_Gaza-Legal_background_31-May-2010.htm
[43] “Hamas Coup in Gaza, ” The International Institute for Strategic Studies Web site, June 2007, http://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-comments/past-issues/volume-13---2007/volume-13--issue-5--june-2007/hamas-coup-in-gaza; “Hamas takes full control of Gaza,” BBC, June 15, 2007, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/
6755299.stm
[44] Zippori, Michal, “Convoy of ships heads to Gaza in attempt to break blockade,” CNN, March 27, 2010,http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/27/gaza.aid.convoy/index.html
[45] “MFA legal expert Sarah Weiss Maudi on the legal aspects of Gaza aid,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 26, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/HumanitarianAid/Palestinians/Legal_aspects_Gaza_aid_26-May-2010.htm
[46] Communication with the IDF Spokespersons Office and The Israel Project, May 31, 2010; “IDF forces met with pre-planned violence when attempting to board flotilla,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 30, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2010/Israel_Navy_warns_flotilla_31-May-2010.htm; “MFA Spokesman on Gaza flotilla,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 24, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/HumanitarianAid/Palestinians/MFA_Spokesman_Gaza_flotilla_24-May-2010.htm
[47] “Arab Media Reports on Flotilla Participants: Writing Wills, Preparing for Martyrdom, Determined to Reach Gaza or Die,” The Middle East Media Research Institute, June 1, 2010, http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/4265.htm
[48] “Behind the Headlines: The seizure of the Gaza flotilla,” May 31, 2010, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Behind+the+Headlines/Seizure_Gaza_flotilla_31-May-2010.htm#
premeditated
[49] “Arab Media Reports on Flotilla Participants: Writing Wills, Preparing for Martyrdom, Determined to Reach Gaza or Die,” The Middle East Media Research Institute, June 1, 2010, http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/4265.htm
[50] “Arab Media Reports on Flotilla Participants: Writing Wills, Preparing for Martyrdom, Determined to Reach Gaza or Die,” The Middle East Media Research Institute, June 1, 2010, http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/4265.htm
[51] “Arab Media Reports on Flotilla Participants: Writing Wills, Preparing for Martyrdom, Determined to Reach Gaza or Die,” The Middle East Media Research Institute, June 1, 2010, http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/4265.htm
[52] “Arab Media Reports on Flotilla Participants: Writing Wills, Preparing for Martyrdom, Determined to Reach Gaza or Die,” The Middle East Media Research Institute, June 1, 2010, http://www.memri.org/report/en/0/0/0/0/0/0/4265.htm
[53] “More documentation of flotilla planning violence against Israel,” Palestinian Media Watch, June 1, 2010, http://www.palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=2339
[54] “More documentation of flotilla planning violence against Israel,” Palestinian Media Watch, June 1, 2010, http://www.palwatch.org/main.aspx?fi=157&doc_id=2339
[55] “Documented proof of Iranian complicity in arms smuggling to terrorists,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, November 10, 2009, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/The+Iranian+Threat/Support+of+terror/Proof_Iranian_arms_smuggling_to_terrorists_
Nov+2009.htm
[56] “500 Tons of Weapons for Hezbollah Intercepted by Israeli Navy,” IDF Spokesperson Web Site, November 4, 2009, http://idfspokesperson.com/2009/11/04/500-tons-of-weapons-for-hezbollah-intercepted-by-israeli-navy-4-nov-2009/
[57] “The Seizing of the Abu Hasan,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 22, 2003, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2003/5/The%20Seizing%20of%20the%20Abu%20Hasan%20-%20May%2022-%202003
[58] “Seizing of the Palestinian weapons ship Karine A: Photos,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, January 4, 2002, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2002/1/Seizing+of+the+Palestinian+weapons+ship+Karine+A-.htm
[59] “IDF Seizes PA Weapons Ship: The Karine A Affair,” Jewish Virtual Library, January 3, 2002, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/paship.html
[60] “Seizing of the Palestinian weapons ship Karine A,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, January 4, 2002, http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2002/Seizing%20of%20the%20Palestinian%20weapons%20ship%20Karine%20A%20-
[61] “IDF Seizes PA Weapons Ship: The Karine A Affair,” Jewish Virtual Library, January 3, 2002, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Peace/paship.html
[62] Lorenz, Akiva J. “The Threat of Maritime Terrorism to Israel,” IDC Herzliya International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, September 24, 2007, http://www.ict.org.il/Articles/tabid/66/Articlsid/251/currentpage/6/Default.aspx
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