The question Israelis should be asking themselves about the attack on the aid flotilla on 31 May shouldn’t be why their navy failed to plan for a scenario of violent resistance by individuals on the vessel, says Hagai El-Ad, it should be why Israel’s naval forces were defending the blockade on Gaza in the first place. While most Israelis feel no responsibility for the fate of Gaza’s inhabitants, El-Ad writes, the siege ‘represents a blatant violation of Gazan civilians' human rights’. ‘If not...read more
The question Israelis should be asking themselves about the attack on the aid flotilla on 31 May shouldn’t be why their navy failed to plan for a scenario of violent resistance by individuals on the vessel, says Hagai El-Ad, it should be why Israel’s naval forces were defending the blockade on Gaza in the first place. While most Israelis feel no responsibility for the fate of Gaza’s inhabitants, El-Ad writes, the siege ‘represents a blatant violation of Gazan civilians' human rights’. ‘If not for the siege of Gaza's population, there would be no need for an international humanitarian mission – genuine or provocative.’
