The Freedom Flotilla incident was not covered much by mainstream media. Turkey, a ally of Israel, demanded an apology , but Israel has refused and the idiot PM of Israel has said none will be forthcoming. So Turkey expelled the Israeli ambassador.
Should the Turks side with the Arabs on the next big middle eastern war, it could be over for Israel. Turkey has a formidable fighting force and a well-trained army.
Facts, Circumstances and Context of the Incident
The Panel finds:
i. The events of 31 May 2010 should never have taken place as they did and strenuous efforts should be made to prevent the occurrence of such incidentsin the future.
ii. The fundamental principle of the freedom of navigation on the high seas is
subject to only certain limited exceptions under international law. Israel faces
a real threat to its security from militant groups in Gaza. The naval blockade
was imposed as a legitimate security measure in order to prevent weapons
from entering Gaza by sea and its implementation complied with the
requirements of international law.
iii. The flotilla was a non-governmental endeavour, involving vessels and
participants from a number of countries.
iv. Although people are entitled to express their political views, the flotilla acted
recklessly in attempting to breach the naval blockade. The majority of the
flotilla participants had no violent intentions, but there exist serious questions
about the conduct, true nature and objectives of the flotilla organizers,
particularly IHH. The actions of the flotilla needlessly carried the potential
for escalation.
v. The incident and its outcomes were not intended by either Turkey or Israel.
Both States took steps in an attempt to ensure that events did not occur in a
manner that endangered individuals’ lives and international peace and
security. Turkish officials also approached the organizers of the flotilla with
the intention of persuading them to change course if necessary and avoid an
encounter with Israeli forces. But more could have been done to warn the
flotilla participants of the potential risks involved and to dissuade them from
their actions.
vi. Israel’s decision to board the vessels with such substantial force at a great
distance from the blockade zone and with no final warning immediately prior
to the boarding was excessive and unreasonable:
a. Non-violent options should have been used in the first instance. In
particular, clear prior warning that the vessels were to be boarded and a
demonstration of dissuading force should have been given to avoid the
type of confrontation that occurred;
b. The operation should have reassessed its options when the resistance to
the initial boarding attempt became apparent.
vii. Israeli Defense Forces personnel faced significant, organized and violent
resistance from a group of passengers when they boarded the Mavi Marmara
requiring them to use force for their own protection. Three soldiers were
captured, mistreated, and placed at risk by those passengers. Several others
were wounded.
viii. The loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force by Israeli forces
during the take-over of the Mavi Marmara was unacceptable. Nine
passengers were killed and many others seriously wounded by Israeli forces.
No satisfactory explanation has been provided to the Panel by Israel for any 5
of the nine deaths. Forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were
shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range has not been
adequately accounted for in the material presented by Israel.
ix. There was significant mistreatment of passengers by Israeli authorities after
the take-over of the vessels had been completed through until their
deportation. This included physical mistreatment, harassment and
intimidation, unjustified confiscation of belongings and the denial of timely
consular assistance.
source: Cryptome
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