JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli naval forces intercepted a ship en route to Gaza, carrying international activists, including Greta Thunberg, during a predawn operation on Monday. This action has triggered claims of a violation of international law due to the operation occurring in high seas.
The activists aimed to protest Israel’s war in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis resulting from it. They were transporting aid, including baby formula and food, for those in Gaza. Following the interception, the activists, including Thunberg, were taken and likely face deportation to Israel.
Background of Maritime Interventions
This is not the first instance of Israel stopping aid-bound ships for Palestinians. A 2010 raid resulted in violence, with nine activists killed. Most other interventions have concluded without violent confrontations, resulting in the diversion of ships and detainment of activists.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition has reported that the ship, named Madleen, was intercepted approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) off the Gaza coast, a claim that remains unverified. Israeli officials have not revealed the precise location of the event.
Legal Discussion Surrounding the Interception
Robbie Sabel, an expert in international law, pointed out that according to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, a state’s jurisdiction extends only up to 12 nautical miles (19 kilometers) from its shore. He noted that while generally, states cannot seize vessels in international waters, exceptions exist in armed conflict. Israel may cite its ongoing conflict with Hamas to justify the interception of ships suspected of breaching its blockade.
Debate Over Israel’s Justification
Legal perspectives diverge regarding Israel’s right to act in this context. Yuval Shany, an international law specialist, asserted that as long as the blockade is deemed militarily necessary, Israel has grounds to intercept ships that threaten it. However, Suhad Bishara from Adalah challenged this notion, insisting that Israel should not act against ships in international waters without legitimate military threats.
International Obligations and Humanitarian Concerns
Human rights organizations assert that Israel has obligations as the occupying power to ensure access to humanitarian supplies for Palestinians, particularly in light of Gaza’s status as occupied territory. Amnesty International condemned the seizure of the Madleen as a breach of these obligations, describing it as part of Israel’s strategy to restrict aid access, calling for the immediate release of the detained activists.
