Life & Times of a Support Agent

There has been a large amount of discussion lately regarding the situation with the Israeli blockade of Gaza.  Unfortunately, there seem to be a few ignorant people out there who believe that the actions taken by the IDF was incorrect or illegal.

For those people out there, I suggest reviewing your International Law regarding armed conflicts at see.  These laws can be found in the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea.  This can be found at http://www.icrc.org/web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/57JMSU.  Specifically Part IV, Section II, Paragraphs 93 - 104.

A quick summary is that any vessel found to be violating a blockade is subject to capture and if they resist capture, they may be attacked (Part IV, Section II, Paragraph 98).  The same Section also provides for the supply of Humanitarian Aid.  In regards to the legality of the blockade itself, it is borderline in violation of Part IV, Section II, Paragraph 102; however, with the actions that occurred upon one of the vessels as it was being boarded for capture and diversion, we can surmise that the vessels were not completely vessels of peace.

Now, with all this said, I believe it is time to note that another group of Rocket Scientists is headed to the same region with the same purpose and same final goal.  What boggles my mind is that these people are not smart enough to use the very law that allows the Israeli government to prosecute the blockade.

Part IV, Section II, Paragraph 103 states that "If the civilian population of the blockaded territory is inadequately provided with food and other objects essential for its survival, the blockading party must provide for free passage of such foodstuffs and other essential supplies" and dictates that the blockade force is responsible for the technical arrangements, including searches, under which the passage is granted along with condition that the distribution of the supplies is made under local supervision of a Protecting Power or an organization that guarantees their impartiality.

Would it not be far easier to have an organization like the Red Cross or other protecting power be involved in the situation?  This would ensure that the needs of the people are met and no contraband would be smuggled in with the shipment.

Instead, these "aid" organizations attempt to VIOLATE Naval Law by blockade running and attempting to turn public opinion against the force following those regulations.