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Title: Flotilla Assault Spurs Crisis
Source:
WSJ
URL Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100 ... tml?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories
Published: Jun 1, 2010
Author: By JOSHUA MITNICK
Post Date: 2010-06-01 09:30:40 by HAPPY2BME-ONLF
Keywords: None
Views: 557
Comments: 24
TEL AVIV—At least nine pro-Palestinian activists died when Israeli commandos boarded a ship headed to the blockaded Gaza Strip early Monday, plunging Israel into a diplomatic crisis that could obstruct action on the most pressing issues in the Mideast, from U.S.-backed peace talks to sanctions against Iran. The incident drew harsh words from the Arab world and questions from foes and allies about why the operation to intercept the six-ship flotilla, for which Israel had weeks to prepare, turned deadly. The United Nations Security Council met in emergency session to consider condemning Israel's actions. A pro-Palestinian activist was evacuated to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem. Turkish women cried as they prayed for Palestinians during a protest against Israel in Ankara, Turkey, Monday. The clash brought tensions with Turkey, one of Israel's few friends in the Muslim world, to a boiling point. Thousands of Turks protested in Istanbul. And Ankara, which had publicly backed the flotilla, withdrew its ambassador to Israel. Israel defended its actions, saying soldiers being lowered from a helicopter onto the deck of one of the ships, the Mavi Marmara—a Turkish-flagged ferry carrying 600 passengers—were beset by activists armed with metal poles, knives and guns. Details of the clash remained sketchy, with information limited to briefings by the Israeli military, which cut off access to activists early Monday. Even before the incident, Israel's relations with even its most staunch ally, the U.S., were frayed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting Canada on Monday, canceled a visit slated for Tuesday to meet President Barack Obama in Washington—a meeting that Israeli and U.S. officials hoped would mend ties and give both sides an opportunity to show the strength of the alliance. An Israeli official said the prime minister "feels he has to be home to deal with this." Mr. Obama, in a phone call with Mr. Netanyahu, expressed regret at the loss of life and "expressed the importance of learning all the facts and circumstances around this morning's tragic events as soon as possible," a White House spokesman said. "We…expect that the Israeli government will conduct a full and credible investigation," said State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley. European allies were less circumspect. France and Spain quickly concluded the Israeli use of force was excessive. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he "condemns a disproportionate use of force." Spain called the Israeli actions "unacceptable." The European Union called for a full inquiry. The U.K. called for Israel to drop its blockade of Gaza. The international censure could endanger some of the key foreign-policy aims of Mr. Netanyahu's government, analysts said. Those include Israel's stated top strategic priority: keeping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Washington is pushing a fresh set of sanctions against Iran at the U.N., but the international reaction to the deaths aboard the Mavi Marmara, including the time needed to conduct a full investigation into the incident, could empower nations already resisting the effort. The U.N. Security Council's permanent members drafted proposed sanctions last month, a day after Turkey helped broker a deal with Iran intended to pre-empt sanctions. On Monday, Turkey again led the charge, at an emergency session of the Security Council to address the Mavi Marmar incident. Turkey drafted a resolution to present to the council that called Israel's actions "an act of barbarism" and "aggression in the high seas," and compared it to Somali piracy. The incident could also have repercussions for U.S.-brokered peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, a Washington priority. Any disruption to talks could put more strain on the U.S.-Israel relationship, which has been chilled in recent months by Israel's insistence on construction plans in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Former Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurai called the deaths "a new crime against humanity,'' according to a release on the Palestinian authority's official news agency, WAFA. Despite that, Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said that the indirect, U.S.-brokered talks on a peace deal with Israel would continue. "We are not going to cancel the meetings with the Americans,'' he said. But those talks involve the Palestinian Fatah faction, led by Mahmoud Abbas. Mr. Abbas had pulled out of talks in March, after Israel announced new construction in East Jerusalem, and he needed Arab backing to proceed. The broad Arab and Palestinian criticism of Monday's incident will weaken that support. Israel and Egypt began restricting the flow of goods into and out of Gaza in 2007, after Hamas seized control. Human-rights activists have long alleged Israel was keeping out crucial aid and basic materials, a claim Israel has denied. Israel and Egypt say they are preventing the smuggling of weapons and fighters. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak condemned "excessive use of force," according to Egypt's state news agency, but gave no indication Egypt would ease its Gaza blockade. Israeli officials had said they were sensitive to the possible public-relations fallout from appearing too heavy-handed in dealing with the flotilla, which was organized, in part, by a controversial Turkish charity, the Humanitarian Relief Foundation, and several other groups, including the Cyprus-based Free Gaza Movement, which has sponsored past blockade-busting missions. Last week, Israel said if the ships docked at an Israeli port first, it would allow the full shipment of humanitarian cargo to reach Gaza, after undergoing security checks. Israeli officials have for days warned that they wouldn't let the flotilla reach port in Gaza. Organizers said they would ignore the warning an try to break the blockade. The six-ship flotilla—carrying hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from various countries, as well as 10,000 tons of construction material, medical equipment and school supplies, according to organizers—started heading to Gaza on Sunday afternoon, embarking from a rendezvous point off the coast of Cyprus, after several delays over the weekend. After nightfall Sunday, three Israeli naval vessels left their base in Haifa, Israel, to intercept the ships, according to the Associated Press. The Israeli military operation to board the vessels began at 4 a.m. Monday, according to Israel Defense Force spokesman Brig. Gen. Avi Benayahu, in an interview with Israeli Army Radio. He said the boarding took place after the flotilla ignored calls to change course and head away from the Gaza coast. During the boarding, passengers on five of the ships resisted passively and peacefully, he said. But on the Mavi Marmara, with about 600 passengers, the IDF encountered "difficult violence," Gen. Benayahu said. Dozens of activists attacked Israeli soldiers with steel clubs and knives as the soldiers were being lowered onto the deck from helicopters, he said. An account by an unidentified Israeli soldier indicated the activists' response took troops by surprise. "We were in shock we were not prepared for that," he said. The army then used antiriot measures against the activists, he said. When the violence escalated, soldiers opened fire, he said. Activists used their own firearms to shoot at the Israelis, he said. It wasn't clear from his comments who Israel believed shot first. Israel's military released video footage it said backed up its version of events. The grainy footage showed Israeli soldiers descending on ropes from helicopters. The deck is filled with soldiers and passengers fighting each other. Israel highlighted what it said was footage showing passengers beating soldiers with poles and chairs and another instance where a soldier appeared to be thrown off the deck. By late Monday, Israel hadn't allowed access to passengers aboard the ships, which state-controlled Israel Radio said had been escorted by Israeli naval vessels to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Israel Radio said passengers from the flotilla were being interviewed to determine whether they should be deported or detained. Israel Radio said at least a dozen activists had been injured, as well as several Israeli military personnel. Uzi Dayan, a former general who spent 17 years in the Israeli special forces, said helicopters are used to achieve an element of surprise, and because it is the only way to take over a ship that is sailing without endangering the entire vessel, though it leaves commandos outnumbered in the first minutes of the takeover. Flotilla Assault Spurs Crisis
Israel Raids Aid Flotilla
Protests Follow Israel's Actions
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![[LionBg pic]](http://sg.wsj.net/public/resources/images/P1-AV498G_LionB_NS_20100531203201.gif)
Reuters
![[SB10001424052748704366504575278030599869218]](http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-IR353_4gaza0_D_20100531052920.jpg)
![[SB10001424052748704490204575279063478115500]](http://s.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-IR495_ISRAPR_D_20100531163446.jpg)
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#1. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#0)
The only nation the UN despises more than the Israeli's is America.
For approximately 72K, BP Oil bought Owe-bama. And as President, he let them Spill, Baby, Spill! Its documented.
Call it whatever you want to. Launching a military takeover of a boat with over 600 civilians, women and children, in open international waters is a just cause for war in ANY language. Israel bought the farm on this one. And they'll want us to pay for it.
You really need to read the background data on this before commenting further. Just a suggestion.
For approximately 72K, BP Oil bought Owe-bama. And as President, he let them Spill, Baby, Spill! Its documented.
From his summation, he did. Unspinnable, Boofer.
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
What happens next will depend on Turkey and Greece. They both are historical enemies. It will be interesting since the ship flew under Turkish colors from a Greek port.
The ships left from Cyprus I thought...no?
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Did the flotilla just sail to and then form south of Cypress, or did some of them launch from there also?
I don't know. I've heard Cyprus mentioned but always in vague context.
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
There are many details to be sorted out. The bottom line is the fact that Israel was not authorized to interdict these ships on open international waters without first declaring war on the vessel's nations. Did Israel declare on Turkey? Didn't think so.
Yes, it will be interesting.
For approximately 72K, BP Oil bought Owe-bama. And as President, he let them Spill, Baby, Spill! Its documented.
IDF and its apologists are going to be scrambling. Finally saw the video on the news here of what the IDF claims is them being attacked. It is so obviously highly edited it's not to be taken seriously...
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Thats simply not true.
For approximately 72K, BP Oil bought Owe-bama. And as President, he let them Spill, Baby, Spill! Its documented.
Thats simply not true. ====================================== 1. Has Israel declared war on Turkey? 2. What gives Israel the authority to commandeer civilian ships on open, international waters?
Watch the spin turn those commandoes into an "inspection team"...
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
========================================================== 'them being attacked ..' Think about that for a second .. THEY deploy armed SPECOPS onto a civilian ship in open, international waters and THEY are attacked? What is wrong with this picture?
It's why I keep telling Boofer and the other apologists that this one is unspinnable...
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Don't bet on it. These bastards were quite crafty at pulling off the 'holo-hoax' scam, indeed!
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
Look it up.
For approximately 72K, BP Oil bought Owe-bama. And as President, he let them Spill, Baby, Spill! Its documented.
What is wrong with this picture? The part where you don't mention the paintball guns.
For approximately 72K, BP Oil bought Owe-bama. And as President, he let them Spill, Baby, Spill! Its documented.
Its unspinable. The video tapes are very clear, and show who 'attacked' who. As for anti groupie trying to tell me, or many others....(chuckle) his ego just can't accept he's on filter.
For approximately 72K, BP Oil bought Owe-bama. And as President, he let them Spill, Baby, Spill! Its documented.
Riiight....the "paintball" guns...they were carrying those and the real identity of the Lindberg Baby kidnapper... /dumbfuck
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Too many nations and groups involved for them to do so. I saw I went to 6 over the weekend, Boof...it's what you do when I nail you in even more brutal fashion than normal...you'll have me off soon...
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
Riiight...AMAZINGLY clear for a raid done under the cover of darkness... /dumbfuck
#67. To: war (#48) Keep hiding behind the bozo, bozo. (laughing) You've always been a world class pussy. Badeye posted on 2010-01-14 16:12:48 ET Reply Trace
What is wrong with this picture? You have to give the IDF credit, they are consistent in their continued ambushing of unarmed civilian populations.
Making the world safe for United Fruit.
#2. To: Badeye (#1)
#3. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#2)
#4. To: Boofer (#3)
You really need to read the background data on this before commenting further.
#5. To: Badeye, war (#3)
#6. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#5)
#7. To: war (#6)
#8. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#7)
#9. To: war (#8)
#10. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#5)
#11. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#9)
#12. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#9)
The bottom line is the fact that Israel was not authorized to interdict these ships on open international waters without first declaring war on the vessel's nations.
#13. To: Badeye (#12)
The bottom line is the fact that Israel was not authorized to interdict these ships on open international waters without first declaring war on the vessel's nations.
#14. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#13)
#15. To: war (#11)
Finally saw the video on the news here of what the IDF claims is them being attacked. It is so obviously highly edited it's not to be taken seriously...
#16. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#15)
What is wrong with this picture?
#17. To: war (#16)
It's why I keep telling Boofer and the other apologists that this one is unspinnable...
#18. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#13)
2. What gives Israel the authority to commandeer civilian ships on open, international waters?
#19. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#15)
THEY deploy armed SPECOPS onto a civilian ship in open, international waters and THEY are attacked?
#20. To: Brian S (#17)
#21. To: Badeye (#19)
(Edited)
The part where you don't mention the paintball guns.
#22. To: Brian S (#17)
(Edited)
#23. To: Badeye (#20)
(Edited)
The video tapes are very clear
#24. To: HAPPY2BME-ONLF (#15)
THEY deploy armed SPECOPS onto a civilian ship in open, international waters and THEY are attacked?
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