Israeli Commandos Attacked Convoy of Ships Headed to Gaza

On 31 May 2010, Israeli commandos attacked convoy of ships headed to Gaza carrying relief materials. The attack took place in international waters 65 kilometres from the Gaza coast. It resulted into the death of 19 passengers on ships. The convoy of six ships was carrying 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid meant for Gaza residents. Almost 700 passengers were on board when the ships were attacked. Most of the passengers were pro-Palestinian activists. The ships had arrived from Britain, Ireland, Algeria, Kuwait, Greece and Turkey. A Turkish non-governmental organisation had coordinated the relief mission.

The World Community has severely condemned the attack. Retaliating, Turkey a key ally of Israel, called off its ambassador from Israel. The Arab league asked its member countries not to have any kind of dealing with Israel. Spain, Greece, Denmark and Sweden lodged their protest with Israeli embassies in their respective countries.

Israel, in its defence, said it was just carrying out a police operation but when pro-Palestinian activists on ships attacked its forces, it retaliated in self-defence. When Israeli commandos opened, fire to counter the attack from the activists casualties of 19 passengers occurred.

Israel and Egypt imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007 when post Islamist movement Hamas came to power in the region. They have continued the blockade since. As a result, Hamas -ruled Gaza’s economic interaction with the world has stopped and its residents are in dire need for life’s basic amenities like medicine, food and clothing.

 Israel allowed ships carrying relief materials to Gaza on few occasions. However, after its military offensive against Hamas in January 2009 Israel has put a complete blockade on Gaza. It had urged the convoy of ships not to breach the blockade before the convoy had set sail.

The recent incident has put Israel in a diplomatic crisis with World community showing sympathy with Gaza residents and condemning Israeli action. Russia already has criticised Israel. Besides, Israel-US talks have been put on hold following this.