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“There’s definitely a consensus on one thing—namely that what you have here is an armed conflict. Which means that the laws governing such conflicts apply; and under these laws, sea blockades are allowed.”
“If you come out and say, in a public forum, that you’re heading to Gaza for the express purpose of breaking the blockade, this is clear evidence of a blockade breaking attempt. And when that happens, the state that has imposed the blockade doesn’t need to wait until the ship in question reaches the 20 nautical mile boundary; instead, it’s got the right to intervene beforehand. Because the state that’s imposing the blockade is not only entitled but also duty bound to maintain its blockade.”
“I presume that these humanitarian actions are also publicity stunts aimed at mobilizing public opinion.”
Israel's blockade is legally valid under international law, as it meets the following criteria:
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The blockade was publicly declared prior to its imposition, which occurred on January 3, 2009.
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The blockade has been, effective in preventing all non-humanitarian vessels from entering the blockaded area.
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The blockade has been applied impartially to all vessels.
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The blockade has not adversely affected access to neutral states.
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The blockade has permitted humanitarian assistance into the blockaded area.
Groups that seek to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza are taking irresponsible and provocative actions that risk the safety of their passengers.
Recent seizures by Israel and Egypt of advanced military systems, weapons, and ammunition bound for terrorist groups in Gaza, as well as periodic rocket and mortar attacks from Gaza against Israeli civilians, highlight the continuing problem of illicit arms smuggling to Gaza.
Statements from the International Community
We do not believe the flotilla is a necessary or useful effort to try to assist the people of Gaza.
We think that it's not helpful for there to be flotillas that try to provoke action by entering into Israeli waters and creating a situation in which the Israelis have the right to defend themselves
We have made clear through the past year that groups and individuals who seek to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza are taking irresponsible and provocative actions that entail a risk to their safety. I think I’ve talked about this specifically. We’ve raised our concerns with the Turkish Government as well, and we’ve also met and said publicly as well as privately, meeting with some of these NGOs, that – about our concerns, about the risk for attempting to break this blockade. We want to just reiterate that there are established and efficient mechanisms for getting humanitarian assistance through to Gaza, and that’s been our message consistently.
The UN Secretary-General has sent a letter to Governments of countries around the Mediterranean Sea. In these letters, the Secretary-General indicated that he was following with concern media reports of potential flotillas to Gaza. He expressed his belief that assistance and goods destined to Gaza should be channelled through legitimate crossings and established channels.
The Secretary-General called on all Governments concerned to use their influence to discourage such flotillas, which carry the potential to escalate into violent conflict.
“The Secretary-General is also following with concern media reports of potential new flotillas to Gaza that can provoke unnecessary confrontations. The Secretary-General calls on all Governments concerned to use their influence to discourage such flotillas, which carry the potential for escalation. He further calls on all to act responsibly to avoid any violent incident.”
"I do not consider a flotilla to be the right response ... "
“I strongly urge those wishing to deliver humanitarian goods to the Gaza Strip to do so through established channels. Unauthorized efforts to deliver aid are provocative and, ultimately, unhelpful to the people of Gaza.
“Canada recognizes Israel’s legitimate security concerns and its right to protect itself and its residents from attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups, including by preventing the smuggling of weapons.
“Canada recognizes that there are legitimate and constructive ways to help the people of Gaza. One way is to donate to the International Committee of the Red Cross/Red Crescent. The organization has people on the ground in Gaza to help deliver, among other things, clean water and health care.
“I would note that Canada continues to call for the immediate return of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held by Hamas for almost five years, to his family in Israel.”
Official Warnings from Countries Against Participating in the Flotilla
En outre, il est formellement déconseillé de prendre place ā bord de navires ayant pour intention de briser le blocus maritime imposé sur la Bande de Gaza, eu égard aux risques sécuritaires liés ā une telle entreprise.
In addition, the boarding of any naval vessels which are known to have the intention of breaking the naval blockade imposed on Gaza is strongly discouraged, given the security risks associated with such an undertaking.
We advise against any attempt to enter Gaza by sea, breaching the restrictions imposed by the Israeli navy. The Israeli Navy routinely patrols territorial waters and a contiguous zone. We are aware that a flotilla is planning to sail to Gaza in June. We advise against participating in flotillas or overland convoys to Gaza because of the risks involved. Our ability to provide consular assistance in Gaza is also extremely limited. We advise anyone wishing to send humanitarian assistance or other goods to Gaza to do so only through official crossings and established channels.
We advise against any attempt to enter Gaza by sea, or sailing in the waters off the coast of Gaza.
Se desaconseja encarecidamente embarcar en cualquier buque de la Iniciativa rumbo a Gaza por el grave peligro que puede entraņar para los participantes en dicha flotilla.
The boarding of any vessel bound for Gaza is strongly discouraged, due to the serious danger which may confront the participants.
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