Quote:
Originally Posted by MaDalton
unfortunately with this attitude you only have to be the strongest kid on the block to make the rules. but the world has developed beyond this, we have international laws. and one of them is that it is not allowed to capture ships in international waters and shoot people.
people have rights, countries need to obey laws. every country - even Israel.
|
Sort of.
First, Israel is the strongest kid on the block. Mostly because of what happened to the Jewish race at the hands of Nazis. They will never forget, and because of this, they will always be able (and willing) to defend themselves.
Once again, "international law" is being tossed around. I saw the representative from Turkey used it at the United Nations this morning. What exact international law applies here? A blockade was in place, and this fleet was warned before they left not to attempt to run the blockade. Once at sea, they were told to turn back.
I'm gonna say this once. A fleet of ships approached the coast of Israel, was ordered to stand down by the Israeli Navy, and refused. Thus, in accordance with international law, they were boarded, by force, by the Israeli Navy.
It's not much different than any ship approaching the US. If they refuse to submit to inspection, they can be and most likely will be boarded, in accordance with international law. This pretty much happens at sea a hundred times a day.
Now, you can argue that the ships weren't going to Israel, they were going to Gaza. But there is a blockade around Gaza - to prevent anyone in Gaza from having weapons which in turn is being used to attack Israel. Egypt also takes part in this blockade.
I'm not a ship captain and don't plan to be in the near future. Someone needs to find out what international laws apply here. I'm pretty sure that according to international law, countries have the right to stop and inspect ships - The US does it up and down the Gulf Coast and in the Pacific, as well as off the Florida keys, looking mostly for drugs. I know about the three mile territory limit, but I'm pretty sure legally according to international law countries can patrol and have rights far outside of that area.