Israel attacks an ‘aid’ flotilla bound for Gaza: a dark day for international law
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Date
2010
Authors
Bosch, S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Law, University of the Free State
Abstract
This paper examines the Israeli raid on six aid vessels bound for Gaza on 31 May 2010, in light of customary International Humanitarian Law (IHL). In exploring the international law implications of these events, the concepts of a legal maritime blockade and the use of force to impose such a blockade are unpacked. The article considers whether the use of force by the civilians on board the vessels amounted to ‘direct participation in hostilities’, and whether either side might have a legitimate claim to have acted in self-defence. Lastly, the obligations placed upon belligerents when they detain civilians are examined, in light of the fundamental guarantees of humane treatment enshrined in IHL.
Description
Keywords
Gaza, International humanitarian law, Civilians, Israel
Citation
Bosch, S. (2010). Israel attacks an ‘aid’flotilla bound for Gaza: A dark day for international law. Journal for Juridical Science, 35(2), 1-29.