The Palestinians receive more aid percapita than anyone else in the world, and all they do with it is continue to attack Israel and forment nrest in Lebanon. Imagine the good all of that money could have done in Rwanda, Haiti or East Timor.

Originally Posted By Steve Tulley
Sachiko, I really wish I could take you to Palestine next time I go there, and not just for the obvious reason. It is quite a beautiful place and there is no shortage of food at all. The Israeli blockade does not prevent food entering, it is to stop weapons. The restaurants and markets of Gaza are well stocked, and the Palestinians receive more aid per capita than anyone else in the world. the Jews, who have shown admirable restraint in the face of endless provocation and attacks.

If that’s the case, then why does Israel simply blockade all ships into Gaza? Why not have orderly checking of all ships to make sure they aren’t carrying weapons? Also, the US supplies far more aid to Israel itself than the Palestinian territories, which to me seems totally absurd and unjustifiable.

The main tragedy here is that Turkey is lurching towards extremism. They are turning away from European enlightenment and heading towards Islamism. If the military tries to save Ataturk’s vision it may end in civil war.

It is disappointing to see people here that view themselves as progressive spew such hatred towards the Jews, who have shown admirable restraint in the face of endless provocation and attacks.

Originally Posted By Don
also believe that it should be noted that Maritime blockades are a legitimate and recognized measure under international law that may be implemented as part of an armed conflict at sea.

But there is no armed conflict at sea here! And even if this incident was deliberately calculated to draw attention to the blockade of Gaza, then so be it: Israel’s blockade of Gaza is illegal and terrible.

I also believe that it should be noted that Maritime blockades are a legitimate and recognized measure under international law that may be implemented as part of an armed conflict at sea. The law goes on to say that a blockade may be imposed at sea, including in international waters, so long as it does not bar access to the ports and coasts of neutral states. Finally, the naval manuals of several western countries, including the US and England recognize the maritime blockade as an effective naval measure and set forth the various criteria that make a blockade valid, including the requirement of give due notice of the existence of the blockade.

Again, just trying to be objective and fair in my view.

Whatever the situation between the Israelis and Palestinians, attacking a civilian vessel in international waters is piracy. (Notice I said civilian, thus fending off the inevitable General Belgrano rant from certain quarters)

And… “…let’s condemn Israel and let the Syrian-Iranian link redraw the map…” who mentioned anything about that?
This isn’t about Syria or Iran… it’s about the Israelis riding roughshod over international law… again and again.
Funny how the pro-Israelis keep trying to avoid discussing the matter, isn’t it?

Originally Posted By Roger Snowden
Someone in the comments said they hope Israel will wake up and settle for what they have. Good grief! They have already agreed to this. The Palestinians are the ones who will not settle for anything. They only want the complete and utter destruction of Israel.

What an outrageous statement! Who is invading the other’s land and taking it for their own settlers? Who came and took whose land in 1948? Most Palestinians would have settled for Israel retreating to its legally defined borders, but given Israel’s repeated incursions into Palestinian land (and the fact that it was all Palestinian land in 1948), is it not reasonable if they want Israel out completely?