re: #134 Silvergirl

As I mentioned upstream, Israel lost this propaganda battle the instant the ships left harbor.

Example:

Martin concern over convoy clashes

In a statement this morning, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Michel Martin said he was “gravely concerned” over reports emerging of the storming of a Turkish ship. He said the department was seeking to confirm the safety of the eight Irish nationals who sailed with the Turkish-led flotilla.

“The reports of up to 15 people killed and 50 injured, if confirmed, would constitute a totally unacceptable response by the Israeli military to what was a humanitarian mission attempting to deliver much needed supplies to the people of Gaza.”

When Western foreign ministers start using the term “totally unacceptable” then the goals of the flotilla activists have been realized.

BTW, one of the Irishmen quoted in that article claims

“It looks as though this cold and calculated attack took place in international waters, in breach of all international maritime laws. There must be action from the international community.”

I do not believe the boldfaced claim is accurate. Nations usually reserve the right to board ships on the open seas if there is reason to suspect contraband is being shipped. However, I’m not sure that is what the IDF is claiming, or frankly if anyone cares.