2010 Gaza flotilla raid

2010 Israeli military operation against a humanitarian ship convoy yes October 2020 Gaza flotilla raid Mediterranean Sea the Blockade of the Gaza Strip Gaza flotilla raid map.svg Routes of the Gaza-bound flotilla (green) and the Israeli Navy (orange) Israel Gaza Freedom Flotilla 31 May 2010 10 wounded 10 civilians deadDozens wounded Shayetet 13 Six civilian ships of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla were raided by Israel on 31 May 2010 in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea. Nine of the flotilla passengers were killed during the raid, with 30 wounded (including one who later died of his wounds).Chebil Medhi Repatriated flotilla activists challenge Israeli version of deadly raid https://www.france24.com/en/20100601-repatriated-flotilla-activists-challenge-israeli-version-deadly-raid-israel-gaza France24.com June 2010 France 24 30 January 2024 30 January 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240130000324/https://www.france24.com/en/20100601-repatriated-flotilla-activists-challenge-israeli-version-deadly-raid-israel-gaza live Ten Israeli soldiers were wounded, one seriously. The exact sequence of events is contested, in part due to the IDF's confiscation of the passengers' photographic evidence.Finkelstein Norman G. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctv1xxxwn Gaza: An Inquest into Its Martyrdom 2018 University of California Press 978-0-520-29571-1 1 146 10.1525/j.ctv1xxxwn The only witnesses able to contest the official Israeli account had been impris- oned and their photographic evidence confiscated 21 January 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20240409003909/https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.1525/j.ctv1xxxwn 9 April 2024 live The flotilla, organized by the Free Gaza Movement and the Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (İHH), was carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials, intending to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Navy warned the flotilla via radio to stop approaching the naval blockade and to change course to the port of Ashdod. This request was denied and on 31 May 2010, Israeli Shayetet 13 naval commandos boarded the ships in international waters from speedboatsUN Palmer Report 2011 19 and helicopters. Aboard the Turkish ship MV Mavi Marmara, the Israeli Navy faced resistance from about 40 of the 590 passengers, including IHH activistsGaza flotilla raid: 'We heard gunfire – then our ship turned into lake of blood' Robert Booth Kate Connolly Tom Philips Helena Smith The Guardian 1 June 2010 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/02/gaza-flotilla-raid-gunfire-ship-blood 1 June 2014 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603194252/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/02/gaza-flotilla-raid-gunfire-ship-blood live who were said to be armed with iron bars and knives.UN Palmer Report 2011 54–61 During the struggle, nine activists were killed, including eight Turkish nationals and one Turkish American, and many were wounded.Robert Booth Harriet Sherwood Justin Vela Gaza flotilla attack: Autopsies reveal intensity of Israeli military force The Guardian 4 June 2010 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/04/gaza-flotilla-attack-autopsy-results 1 June 2014 On 23 May 2014, a tenth member of the flotilla died in hospital after being in a coma for four years.Turkish Man Dies of Wounds Sustained During Israel's Attack on Solidarity Ship 24 May 2014 Saed Bannoura IMEMC News http://www.imemc.org/article/67911 1 June 2014 27 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140527044800/http://www.imemc.org/article/67911 live Ten of the commandos were also wounded, one of them seriously.UN Palmer Report 2011 54–61Kershner Isabel 31 May 2010 https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/01/world/middleeast/01flotilla.html Deadly Israeli raid draws condemnation The New York Times 23 September 2011 23 May 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230523130152/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/01/world/middleeast/01flotilla.html live According to a United Nations Human Rights Council report, all activist deaths were caused by gunshots, and "the circumstances of the killing of at least six of the passengers were in a manner consistent with an extra-legal, arbitrary and summary execution."Report of the international fact-finding mission to investigate violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, resulting from the Israeli attacks on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian assistance United Nations General Assembly Human Rights Council 27 September 2010 http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/15session/A.HRC.15.21_en.pdf 1 June 2014 10 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151110073103/http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/15session/A.HRC.15.21_en.pdf live The five other ships in the flotilla employed passive resistance, which was suppressed without major incident. According to the UNHRC report, several of the passengers were injured and the leg of one was fractured. The ships were towed to Israel. Some passengers were deported immediately, while about 600 were detained after they refused to sign deportation orders; a few of them were slated for prosecution. After international criticism, all of the detained activists were also deported.Kosharek Noah DPA Ravid Barak Kyzer Liel Israel transfers hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists to airport for deportation https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-transfers-hundreds-of-gaza-flotilla-activists-to-airport-for-deportation-1.293634 Haaretz Associated Press 1 June 2010 "The decision to deport the hundreds of foreign activists was announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided late Tuesday, in the face of mounting world criticism of Monday's assault" 18 May 2015 16 August 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518123544/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-transfers-hundreds-of-gaza-flotilla-activists-to-airport-for-deportation-1.293634 deadGaza flotilla activists back in Turkey http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/gaza-flotilla-activists-back-in-turkey-1.933602 26 August 2014 CBC News 3 June 2010 ""Israel had said it will not prosecute dozens of activists detained in the raid, opting instead to deport them all immediately in an apparent effort to limit the diplomatic damage from the raid." 26 August 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140826123609/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/gaza-flotilla-activists-back-in-turkey-1.933602 live The raid drew widespread condemnation internationally, resulted in a deterioration of Israel–Turkey relations, and Israel subsequently eased its blockade on the Gaza Strip.CCR Demands Return of Property and Evidence Seized by Israel from Flotilla 17 June 2010 Center for Constitutional Rights http://www.ccrjustice.org/newsroom/press-releases/ccr-demands-return-property-and-evidence-seized-israel-flotilla 1 June 2014 20 May 2014 https://archive.today/20140520125036/http://www.ccrjustice.org/newsroom/press-releases/ccr-demands-return-property-and-evidence-seized-israel-flotilla live There were several probes into the incident. A UNHRC report in September 2010 deemed the raid illegal and stated that Israel's actions were "disproportionate" and "betrayed an unacceptable level of brutality", with evidence of "wilful killing". United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced a parallel probe in August 2010 by a four-member panel headed by Geoffrey Palmer. The Palmer report was published in September 2011 and also concluded that the raid was illegal.U.N. experts say Israel's blockade of Gaza illegal https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-gaza-rights-idUSTRE78C59R20110913 10 August 2014 Reuters 13 September 2011 15 June 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170615210724/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-gaza-rights-idUSTRE78C59R20110913 liveUN Palmer Report 2011 4 The report stated that the degree of force used against the Mavi Marmara was "excessive and unreasonable",http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8490275 The Palmer Report and the Legality of Israel's Naval Blockade of Gaza Buchan Russel International and Comparative Law Quarterly 27 May 2014 26 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140527214101/http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=8490275 live and that the way Israel treated detained crew members violated international human rights law. In response to the raid, Israel offered Turkey $20 million in compensation,Israel offers Turkey $20m in compensation over Gaza flotilla raid https://web.archive.org/web/20150616104836/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.572069 16 June 2015 Haaretz Retrieved 26 August 2013 which was discussed in March 2013, with an agreement finalized in June 2016.https://www.algemeiner.com/2016/06/29/israeli-ministers-officially-approve-reconciliation-deal-with-turkey/ Israeli Ministers Officially Approve Reconciliation Deal with Turkey Reynold Nick Algemeiner.com 2016-06-30 30 June 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160630173344/http://www.algemeiner.com/2016/06/29/israeli-ministers-officially-approve-reconciliation-deal-with-turkey/ live History The operation, code named Operation Sea Breeze or Operation Sky WindsHaaretz Rolnik Guy Behind the smoke screen 8 June 2010 https://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/taking-stock-behind-the-smoke-screen-1.294819 26 June 2010 27 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101027081906/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/business/taking-stock-behind-the-smoke-screen-1.294819 dead was an attempt to block the Free Gaza Movement's ninth attempt to break the naval blockade imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip.Foulkes Imogen 14 June 2010 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10306193 ICRC says Israel's Gaza blockade breaks law BBC News 3 October 2011 14 April 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190414145659/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10306193 live 14 August 2009 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,539363,00.html U.N. Human Rights Chief: Israel's Blockade of Gaza Strip Is Illegal Fox News Channel 3 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111020193536/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,539363,00.html 20 October 2011 dead Israel proposed inspecting the cargo at the Port of Ashdod and then delivering non-blockaded goods through land crossings, but this proposal was turned down. Israeli forces then raided and seized the Gaza-bound ships in international waters of the Mediterranean. The raid ended with nine activists killed,Heller Jeffrey 9 June 2010 https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65838V20100609 Netanyahu says ready to testify in flotilla inquiry Reuters 3 October 2011 12 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100612175634/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65838V20100609? live and dozens injured. A UNHRC fact-finding mission described six of the nine passengers' deaths as "summary execution" by the Israeli commandos.UNHRC report 2010 37 A BBC documentary concluded that Israeli forces had faced a violent premeditated attack by a group of hardcore IHH activists, who intended to orchestrate a political act to put pressure on Israel. The programme was criticised as "biased" by critics of Israel and the PSC (Palestine Solidarity Campaign) questioned why the IDF boarded the ship at night if it had peaceful intention.Paul Jonny 20 August 2010 BBC's flotilla film slammed as 'biased' https://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=185381 The Jerusalem Post 2 July 2011 29 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110429191230/http://www.jpost.com/LandedPages/PrintArticle.aspx?id=185381 live Seven Israeli commandos were injured in the skirmish. After seizing control of the ships, Israeli forces towed them to Ashdod and detained the passengers.http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/56-news/1206-54-flotilla-passengers-admitted-to-israeli-hospitals 54 Flotilla passengers admitted to Israeli Hospitals Freegaza 4 June 2010 3 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110609003444/http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/56-news/1206-54-flotilla-passengers-admitted-to-israeli-hospitals 9 June 2011 The raid prompted widespread international reactions and demonstrations around the world.31 May 2010 Riots Break Out Over Israel Flotilla http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6535491n CBS News 2 September 2011 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604112248/http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6535491n live • Roffe-Ofir Sharon 31 May 2010 Riots in Umm al-Fahm over naval raid on Gaza aid flotilla http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896946,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 24 June 2011 The United Nations Security Council condemned "those acts resulting in civilian deaths", demanded an impartial investigation of the raid, and called for the immediate release of civilians held by Israel. Israel released all passengers of the flotilla by 6 June 2010. The incident threatened the already deteriorating relations between Turkey and Israel.Aliriza Bulent Flanagan Stephen Malka Haim Center for Strategic and International Studies The Gaza Flotilla Raid and its Aftermath 3 June 2010 http://csis.org/publication/gaza-flotilla-raid-and-its-aftermath 5 June 2010 7 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100607074748/http://csis.org/publication/gaza-flotilla-raid-and-its-aftermath live Turkish president Abdullah Gül described the raid as an attack on Turkey for the first time since World War I.Akyol Taha Milliyet tr Türkiye'ye-yakışmıyor Not with Turkey 18 August 2010 http://www.milliyet.com.tr/turkiye-ye-yakismiyor/taha-akyol/siyaset/yazardetayarsiv/18.08.2010/1277863/default.htm 18 August 2010 tr Türkiye Birinci Dünya Savaşı'ndan sonra ilk defa askeri bir saldırıya uğradı ve 9 can verdi! Biz böyle görüyoruz. İsrail bunu kavramalı, Türkiye'nin dostluğunu kaybetmenin ne demek olacağını idrak etmelidir! [Turkey has been attacked for the first time since World War I and lost 9 lives. This is our view. Israel should understand this and should realize what it means to lose Turkey's friendship!] 19 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121019140312/http://www.milliyet.com.tr/turkiye-ye-yakismiyor/taha-akyol/siyaset/yazardetayarsiv/18.08.2010/1277863/default.htm live Israel initially rejected calls from the United Nations and world governments for an international investigation into its raid on the Gaza aid flotilla,http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/world/israel-rejects-flotilla-raid-probe-14829850.html Israel rejects flotilla raid probe The Belfast Telegraph 3 June 2010 25 June 2011 10 April 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220410175224/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/world/israel-rejects-flotilla-raid-probe-14829850.html live https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10250354 Israel 'to reject international ship raid inquiry' BBC News 6 June 2010 26 June 2010 5 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140605101001/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10250354 live Barbara Philip Palmer Doug 6 June 2010 https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6551GO20100606 Israel rejects international panel to study raid: envoy Reuters 26 June 2010 10 April 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220410175224/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6551GO20100606 live Schult Christoph Steinvorth Daniel Der Spiegel Chip im Slip Rambo in panties de http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,700808,00.html 16 June 2010 16 June 2010 de Regierungen in aller Welt forderten Israel auf, den Vorfall durch internationale Ermittler klären zu lassen, doch Premier Benjamin Netanjahu wollte davon nichts wissen – und hat nun eine interne Kommission eingesetzt. [Governments all over the world have urged Israel to have international investigators examine the incident, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to consider this – and has appointed an internal commission.] 26 November 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211126002603/https://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,700808,00.html live but later agreed to cooperate with an investigation conducted by the United Nations.Corbin Jane 15 August 2010 Inside Israel's commando unit which raided Gaza flotilla https://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_8909000/8909361.stm BBC https://web.archive.org/web/20100816185801/http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_8909000/8909361.stm 16 August 2010 live 3 October 2011 Israel formed the Turkel Committee to investigate the raid. The committee, headed by retired Supreme Court of Israel judge Jacob Turkel, included two international observers.Keinon Herb 14 June 2010 PM announces raid c'tee framework https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=178328 The Jerusalem Post 1 July 2011 9 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120209044626/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=178328 live 14 June 2010 Israel sets up inquiry into deadly Gaza flotilla raid https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10305902 BBC News 3 October 2011 15 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110315062558/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10305902 live Includes an analysis section by Paul Wood In August 2010, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced that the U.N. would conduct an investigation of the incident. A separate investigation was conducted by the United Nations Human Rights Council. The findings of this committee, published on 22 September 2010, called the Israeli operation "disproportionate" and condemned its "unacceptable level of brutality".Siddique Haroon 22 September 2010 Gaza flotilla attack: UN report condemns Israeli 'brutality' https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/22/gaza-flotilla-un-condemns-israeli-brutality The Guardian London 1 July 2011 The UN Human Rights Council had also condemned the raid in June, before its investigation. Another resolution backing the report was passed despite American opposition and EU abstention. Israel accused the UNHRC of a biased, politicized and extremist approach. Benjamin Netanyahu described the actions of the soldiers as a clear case of self-defense.1 June 2010 http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Communication/Spokesman/2010/06/spokehatshara010610.htm Statement by PM Netanyahu Regarding Flotilla to Gaza Prime Minister's Office, Israel https://web.archive.org/web/20100605042336/http://www.pmo.gov.il/PMOEng/Communication/Spokesman/2010/06/spokehatshara010610.htm 5 June 2010 3 October 2011 The Israeli Supreme Court, which rejected several local legal suits against the flotilla raid, wrote in its verdict, "the soldiers were forced to respond in order to defend their lives."Glickman Aviad 3 June 2010 High Court rejects flotilla suits: Soldiers defended their lives http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3898429,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 24 June 2011 6 October 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221006061836/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3898429,00.html live Five shipments had been allowed through prior to the 2008–09 Gaza War, but all shipments following the war were blocked by Israel.Demirjian Karoun 28 May 2010 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2011964191_apmlisraelshipstogaza.html Israeli commandos to block Gaza activists The Seattle Times Associated Press 3 October 2011 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603171524/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2011964191_apmlisraelshipstogaza.html live This flotilla was the largest to date. An Islamic aid group from Turkey, the İHH (İnsani Yardım Vakfı) (Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief) sponsored a large passenger ship and two cargo ships. On 22 March 2013 Netanyahu apologised for the incident in a 30-minute telephone call with Erdoğan, stating that the results were unintended; the Turkish prime minister accepted the apology and agreed to enter into discussions to resolve the compensation issue. Following the telephone apology, Israel's Channel 10 television channel reported that compensation talks had commenced; however, a disparity became immediately apparent, as Turkey sought $1 million for each of the flotilla deaths, while Israel's response was $100,000. 2013 03 27, an agreement was made between the two nations in regard to three points: Compensation will only be paid to the family members of the people killed aboard the Mavi Marmara; Confirmation of a signed commitment from Turkey, whereby Turkey will be unable to sue Israel over the incident; The Turkish government will return the monetary compensation to Israel in the event that civilian lawsuits are ever filed by Turkish citizens. A meeting was also planned for the discussion of future relations between Turkey and Israel.Compensation Agreement with Turkey 'Close' http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/166607 29 March 2013 Arutz Sheva 27 March 2013 Gil RonenTurkish Price Tag: $1 Million Per Mavi Marmara Death http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/166604 29 March 2013 Arutz Sheva 27 March 2013 Chana Ya'ar One of the participants of the Gaza flotilla, Sinan Albayrak, told the Turkish newspaper Akşam in response to the Israeli apology, "[w]hat is the importance of the apology? 'We killed nine people and are sorry' – of course it sounds ridiculous. I say this is what the state should have done. If [Turkey] only had prevented this at the start. But we asked for it. We went there ourselves."http://www.aksam.com.tr/magazin/sinan-albayrak-biz-kasindik-gazzeye-biz-gittik/haber-182306 We did it to our seles Aksam 31 March 2013 aksam.com.tr 8 November 2014 8 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141108224341/http://www.aksam.com.tr/magazin/sinan-albayrak-biz-kasindik-gazzeye-biz-gittik/haber-182306 livehttp://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/islamists-in-disarray-after-israeli-apology-.aspx?pageID=449&nID=44654&NewsCatID=416 Islamists in disarray after Israeli apology 10 April 2013 8 November 2014 8 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141108201220/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/islamists-in-disarray-after-israeli-apology-.aspx?pageID=449&nID=44654&NewsCatID=416 live According to Hürriyet Daily News Semih Idiz, some Turkish citizens are even suggesting that those involved with the Mavi Marmara incident should also bring charges against the Turkish state for playing a prominent role in supporting the Mavi Marmara's mission and for failing to prevent the death of nine Turks on the ship. The flotilla 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla thumb|alt=Photo of white cruiser yacht, adorned with banners of Turkey and Palestine|The MV Mavi Marmara The Gaza Freedom Flotilla, organized by the Free Gaza Movement and the Turkish Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (İHH), was carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials, with the intention of breaking the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip.Buck Tobias Dombey Daniel Strauss Delphine Financial Times Israel condemned after flotilla attack 31 May 2010 https://www.ft.com/content/b09c57f6-6c80-11df-91c8-00144feab49a 24 June 2010 19 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170819225014/https://www.ft.com/content/b09c57f6-6c80-11df-91c8-00144feab49a liveIan Black 31 May 2010 Haroon Siddique https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/31/q-a-gaza-freedom-flotilla Q&A: The Gaza Freedom flotilla The Guardian London 2 June 2010 23 June 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230623124324/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/31/q-a-gaza-freedom-flotilla live Three of the flotilla ships carried only passengers and their personal belongings. Whereas in previous voyages, Free Gaza vessels carried 140 passengers in total, in this flotilla, over 600 activists were on board the Mavi Marmara alone. Three other ships carried cargo: 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid, with an estimated value of $20 million.Seven Years On: Remembering the Mavi Marmara - Palestine Chronicle https://www.palestinechronicle.com/seven-years-on-remembering-the-mv-mavi-marmara/ Palestine Chronicle 5 October 2025 31 May 2017 22 January 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250122170259/https://www.palestinechronicle.com/seven-years-on-remembering-the-mv-mavi-marmara/ live October 2025 For the initial leg of the voyage, six of the eight ships set out on 30 May 2010 from international waters off the coast of Cyprus; the remaining two were delayed by mechanical problems.http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=110502 4 Turks dead on aid ship Business Day South Africa 1 June 2010 3 June 2010 6 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120306040019/http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=110502 live The ship was not allowed to sail in Cypriot government controlled territorial waters and in the end departed from the illegal Port of Famagusta, in occupied Northern Cyprus.Caucaso Osservatorio Balcani e Cyprus' Plan for a Maritime Humanitarian Aid Corridor to Gaza https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Cyprus/Cyprus-Plan-for-a-Maritime-Humanitarian-Aid-Corridor-to-Gaza-228444 2024-04-08 OBC Transeuropa it Haritos describes how the then President of the Republic of Cyprus, Dimitris Christofias, whose AKEL communist party’s stance toward the Arab-Israeli conflict was and continues to be openly pro-Palestinian, decided not to allow the Mavi Marmara flotilla to enter Cypriot territorial waters at the moment when the Turkish ship was about to enter the port of Famagusta (a port which is under the de facto control of ‘TRNC’, yet considered a ‘closed port’ for the Republic of Cyprus, therefore illegal). 3 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240403113703/https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/Areas/Cyprus/Cyprus-Plan-for-a-Maritime-Humanitarian-Aid-Corridor-to-Gaza-228444 live 2010-05-29 Gaza-bound aid ships are 'tampered with' https://www.france24.com/en/20100529-israel-palestinian-conflict-aid-flotilla-sail-break-gaza-blockade 2024-04-08 France 24 en 8 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240408144934/https://www.france24.com/en/20100529-israel-palestinian-conflict-aid-flotilla-sail-break-gaza-blockade live 2023-11-06 Humanitarian diplomacy and its risks eKathimerini.com https://www.ekathimerini.com/opinion/1224079/humanitarian-diplomacy-and-its-risks/ 2024-04-08 www.ekathimerini.com English The then AKEL government and its president Demetris Christofias, despite its pro-Palestinian ideological origins, prohibited the passage of the Turkish flotilla through Cypriot national waters. The reason, although never officially explained, was simple: The Mavi Marmara’s route, carefully planned by Ankara, indicated that the flotilla’s last stop before reaching Gaza would be the Turkish-occupied port of Famagusta. In Turkey’s diplomatic view, the symbolism was obvious: “Just as the Greek Cypriots enforce the international isolation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), that is exactly how the Israelis isolate the Palestinians of Gaza.” The departure of the flotilla from the blockaded port of Famagusta to the blockaded port of Gaza would demonstrate the solidarity of the tested “Turkish-Cypriot people” to the correspondingly tested Palestinians. 8 April 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240408144935/https://www.ekathimerini.com/opinion/1224079/humanitarian-diplomacy-and-its-risks/ live Pre-raid sabotage rumors The IDF or the Mossad may have sabotaged three of the ships before the raid. According to the National Post, Israeli deputy defense minister Matan Vilnai hinted that Israel had exhausted covert means of stalling the vessels. He said: "Everything was considered. I don't want to elaborate beyond that, because the fact is there were not up to 10, or however many ships were [originally] planned."Williams Dan 1 June 2010 Israel admits mistakes in boarding ship https://nationalpost.com/news/world/Israel+admits+mistakes+boarding+ship/3100603/story.html dead https://archive.today/web/20100606055157/http://www.nationalpost.com/news/world/Israel+admits+mistakes+boarding+ship/3100603/story.html 6 June 2010 4 October 2011 National Post Reuters A senior IDF officer hinted to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that some of the vessels had been tampered with to halt them far from the Gaza or Israeli coast.Macintyre Donald Green Toby 5 June 2010 Israel warns Gaza-bound 'Rachel Corrie' to stop https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-warns-gazabound-rachel-corrie-to-stop-1992079.html The Independent London 28 June 2010 7 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100607083328/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-warns-gazabound-rachel-corrie-to-stop-1992079.html live Lis Jonathan 1 June 2010 Mossad chief: Israel gradually becoming burden on U.S. https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/mossad-chief-israel-gradually-becoming-burden-on-u-s-1.293540 Haaretz 28 June 2010 20 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100620133507/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/mossad-chief-israel-gradually-becoming-burden-on-u-s-1.293540 dead According to UPI press coverage, the officer alluded to "grey operations" against the flotilla and said that no such action had been taken against the Mavi Marmara out of fear that the vessel might be stranded in the middle of the sea, endangering the people on board. Israel was accused of sabotaging activist ships in the past but no evidence has been found to back up these claims. Three ships – the Rachel Corrie, the Challenger I and the Challenger II – suffered damage or malfunction. While the Challenger I was able to continue, the Challenger II had to turn back halfway through the journey and Rachel Corrie docked for repairs in Malta. Greta Berlin of the Free Gaza Movement said that electric wires may have been tampered with.2 June 2010 Israel releases last of activists seized on aid ships http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article444828.ece The Hindu Chennai, India Deutsche Presse-Agentur 5 October 2011 24 July 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220724014122/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article444828.ece dead Ships The ships of the Gaza flotilla raid comprised three passenger ships and three cargo ships: Challenger 1 (small yacht), United States, Free Gaza Movement MS Eleftheri Mesogios (Free Mediterranean) or Sofia (cargo boat), GreeceUNHRC report 2010 20 Greek Ship to Gaza Sfendoni (small passenger boat), Greece Greek Ship to Gaza and European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza MV Mavi Marmara (passenger ship), Comoros, İHH Gazze, Turkey, İHH Defne Y, Kiribati, İHH Two other Free Gaza Movement ships had mechanical problems: Challenger 2 (USA flagged) had to turn back halfway through the voyage and MV Rachel Corrie (Cambodia flagged) docked in Malta for repairs and continued separately. Raid thumb|The INS Hanit at Haifa naval base being readied for the operation thumb|The INS Nitzachon at Haifa naval base being readied for the operation A few minutes after 9 pm, the Sa'ar 5-class corvettes INS Lahav and INS Hanit, and the Sa'ar 4-class missile boat INS Nitzachon left Haifa naval base to intercept the flotilla. The three warships had speedboats, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, and 71 Shayetet 13 commandos on board. The Israeli Navy made initial contact with the flotilla at 11 p.m. (2000 UTC) on 30 May, about 120 mi km northwest of Gaza, 80 mi km off the coast of southern Lebanon, in international waters, ordering the ships to follow them to port or otherwise be boarded.https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=176955 Gaza flotilla changes course The Jerusalem Post 31 May 2010 31 May 2010 Yaakov Katz 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603192844/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=176955 live Israel tows Gaza aid ships to Ashdod after 10 activists killed in clashes with navy https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-tows-gaza-aid-ships-to-ashdod-after-10-activists-killed-in-clashes-with-navy-1.293089 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603030216/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-navy-commandos-gaza-flotilla-activists-tried-to-lynch-us-1.293089 dead 3 June 2010 31 May 2010 Haaretz The Shayetet 13 commandos who participated in the operation underwent a month of training prior to the operation, including dummy takeovers of a ship at sea with 50 soldiers performing the role of activists. Ron Ben-Yishai, a veteran Israeli correspondent aboard the Israeli missile boat INS Nitzachon, reported that the assessment was that the passengers would show "light resistance and possibly minor violence". The soldiers were armed with paintball guns, stun grenades, tasers, and pistols as sidearms, which were attached to their backs.Amichai Rami 30 May 2010 Israeli commandos describe Gaza raid https://nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=3092125 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100605090753/http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=3092125 5 June 2010 National Post Reuters 4 October 2018 According to Israel, the soldiers had orders to confront protesters and peacefully convince them to give up, and if not successful, to use non-lethal force to commandeer the ship. They were instructed to use their sidearms only in an emergency when their lives were at risk.Meir Amit report 2010 14 The Israeli Navy radioed Tural Mahmut, the captain of the Mavi Marmara, sending him this message: "Mavi Marmara, you are approaching an area of hostilities, which is under a naval blockade. The Gaza coastal area and Gaza Harbour are closed to all maritime traffic. The Israeli government supports delivery of humanitarian supplies to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and invites you to enter Ashdod port. Delivery of supplies will be in accordance with the authorities' regulations and through the formal land crossing to Gaza and under your observation, after which you can return to your home ports aboard the vessels on which you arrived." The reply was: "Negative, negative. Our destination is Gaza." Shortly after, three Israeli warships began shadowing the flotilla. Two warships flanked the flotilla on either side, but at a distance. An Israeli aircraft also flew overhead. Five days after the raid, IDF released an audio recording purporting to be of a radio exchange between the Israeli Navy and the flotilla. After Israeli warnings that the ships were approaching a blockade, voices responded "Go back to Auschwitz!" and "Don't forget 9/11". Denis Healey, the captain of Challenger I, and activist Huwaida Arraf who was on the bridge of the ship, disputed the authenticity of the recording. Israel conceded that it was impossible to trace who made the comments, or from which ship because they were made on an open channel.Yaakov Lappin 5 June 2010 Gaza flotilla: Go back to Auschwitz https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/gaza-flotilla-go-back-to-auschwitz The Jerusalem Post 11 October 2025 2 October 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251011225407/https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/gaza-flotilla-go-back-to-auschwitz live Free Gaza press release: IDF Admits It Doctored the Audio Tapes https://web.archive.org/web/20100608063952/http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/press-releases/1217-idf-admits-it-doctored-the-audio-tapes 8 June 2010 An Israeli journalist who was on board an IDF ship corborated the IDF account.Breiner Joshua http://news.walla.co.il/?w=/2689/1681175 מיוחד – כתב וואלה! עם כוחות השייטת בלב ים Special: Walla! Reporter With Navy Forces on the High Seas Walla! he 1 June 2010 10 June 2011 he על התדר הפתוח, יכלו כל ספינות המשט לשמוע את האזהרות. והן גם דאגו להחזיר. 'תחזרו לאושוויץ', ענתה ספינה אחת, אחרת השיבה ב'ג'יהאד, ג'יהאד, ג'יהאד'. המפגש האלים היה בלתי נמנע. [On the open channel, all the flotilla ships could hear the warnings. They also took care to reply. 'Go back to Auschwitz', answered one ship, and another responded, 'Jihad, jihad, jihad'. The violent clash was inevitable.] 10 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110610125402/http://news.walla.co.il/?w=/2689/1681175 live Hours before the raid, the head of the İHH, Fehmi Bülent Yıldırım, declared, "We're going to defeat the Israeli commandos – we're declaring it now. If you bring your soldiers here, we will throw you off the ship and you'll be humiliated in front of the whole world." Later, according to the crew, a group of about 40 İHH activists took over the ship. The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC), an Israeli non-governmental organization that, according to Haaretz, is "widely seen as an unofficial branch of Israel's intelligence community", said that, based on laptop files and passenger testimony, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had prior knowledge that the activists on the flotilla would use violence. In addition, the ITIC said a group of 40 "militant" activists boarded before the rest of the passengers, were not searched as they boarded, and that İHH President Fehmi Bülent Yıldırım had briefed this group with a mission of keeping Israelis from taking control of the ship.Pfeffer Anshel https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/probe-erdogan-knew-gaza-flotilla-would-be-violent-1.295144 Probe: Erdogan knew Gaza flotilla would be violent Haaretz Israel 31 May 2010 26 June 2010 13 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100613020529/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/probe-erdogan-knew-gaza-flotilla-would-be-violent-1.295144? dead Abraham Rabinovich, Jerusalem https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/world/israel-points-finger-at-turkish-pm/news-story/79dd497fee4fa2357b07e0f7c8ac7b5c Israel points finger at Turkish PM The Australian 11 June 2010 26 June 2010 25 April 2013 subscription https://web.archive.org/web/20130425121809/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/israel-points-finger-at-turkish-pm/story-e6frg6so-1225878143687 live The IDF identified a group of some 50 men who were responsible for attacking IDF soldiers. The members of this group were not carrying identity cards or passports, but each carried an envelope with some $10,000 in cash. The Israeli defense establishment suspected that the funding may have come from elements in the Turkish government. One member of the group, who was identified as its ringleader, travelled to Bursa to recruit members. The members were stationed in groups throughout the ship, mostly on the upper deck, and communicated with each other via walkie-talkies. The members were well-trained and equipped with gas masks and bulletproof vests.Efune Dovid https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177452 IDF: Mercenaries to blame for violence The Jerusalem Post 2 March 2012 17 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120117130140/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177452 live The current source is insufficiently reliable for claims made in the preceding paragraph (WP:RSP). June 2025 The Mavi Marmara activists were divided into two groups, "peace activists" and a "hardcore group".UN Palmer Report 2011 30 Video footage shows the "hardcore group" activists prepared before the raid, praying together while wearing uniforms, taking their gas masks and makeshift weapons, and getting into position.April 2023 Activists dressed in protective clothing from construction materials.April 2023 Mavi Marmara boarding thumb|Mavi Marmara passengers hit IDF soldiers with metal rods. The boarding of the Mavi Marmara started in the early morning at 4:30 IST. The operation began with an attempt to board the ship from speedboats. As the boats approached, activists fired water hoses at them and pelted them with a variety of objects. The Israelis replied with paintballs and stun grenades. One stun grenade was picked up and tossed back into a boat. When the commandos tried boarding the ship, activists cut the ladders with electric disc saws. The boats then turned slightly away from the ship, but remained close. The IDF then sent in a Black Hawk helicopter with a 15-man assault team on board.Israeli PM 'regrets' deaths as troops storm aid ships https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10199480 BBC 31 May 2010 2 July 2025 15 September 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250702085529/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10199480 live According to the IDF, the commandos fired warning shots and dropped stun grenades prior to abseiling onto the ship.Katz Yaakov 4 June 2010 We had no choice https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177445 The Jerusalem Post 1 July 2011 14 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110614231413/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177445 live The UNHRC report on the incident concluded that the Israeli soldiers were firing live rounds from the helicopter before they landed anyone on the ship.UNHRC report 2010 26 According to flotilla organizer Greta Berlin, who was not aboard the ship, the Israeli soldiers did not start firing until an activist seized a gun from one of them.Philpot Robert Free Gaza spox admits activist initiated fatal 2010 violence aboard Mavi Marmara The Times of Israel 2018-03-13 https://www.timesofisrael.com/free-gaza-spox-admits-activist-initiated-fatal-2010-violence-aboard-mavi-marmara/ 2018-03-14 21 October 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211021103817/https://www.timesofisrael.com/free-gaza-spox-admits-activist-initiated-fatal-2010-violence-aboard-mavi-marmara/ live Passengers reported gunfire, blue flares and deafening noise from the first helicopter at this time.Friedman Matti 2 June 2010 Details emerge of bloodshed aboard Gaza-bound ship http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20100602/ml-israel-raid-reconstruction/ HuffPost Associated Press 9 May 2014 12 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140512220309/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/huff-wires/20100602/ml-israel-raid-reconstruction/ live https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10208027 BBC News Witnesses cast doubt on Israel's convoy raid account 1 June 2010 4 September 2018 20 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180904020700/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10208027 live Al Jazeera journalist Jamal Elshayyal stated that he saw one man shot in the head and others wounded. Robert Mackey of The New York Times suggested that the passengers on the ship may have mistaken flash grenades and paintball guns for deadly weapons, which enraged them.Mackey Robert The New York Times Israelis Explain, and Mock, Flotilla Clash 4 June 2010 http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/04/israelis-explain-and-mock-flotilla-clash/ 8 June 2010 8 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100608042012/http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/04/israelis-explain-and-mock-flotilla-clash/ live Activists and crew members used gas masks.Yağcı Cahide Hayrunnisa 1 June 2010 http://www.timeturk.com/israil-yaralilara-mudaheleye-izin-vermedi_127607-haberi.html İsrail yaralılara müdaheleye izin vermedi! tr Israel did not allow attention to the wounded! Timeturk 4 June 2010 tr O sırada gaz maskelerimizi ve şişme yeleklerimizi takmamızı ilan ettiler. [At that moment they announced that we should put on our gas masks and the life jackets.] 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604003635/http://timeturk.com/israil-yaralilara-mudaheleye-izin-vermedi_127607-haberi.html live A rope was dropped from the helicopter onto the ship, but three activists seized it and tied it to the deck.April 2023 A second rope was dropped and the soldiers abseiled onto the deck. Each soldier was met with a team of resisting activists, throwing them off balance and assaulting them with makeshift weapons.3 June 2010 Activists' eyewitness accounts detail Israeli raid on Gaza aid ship http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=activists-eyewitness-accounts-detail-israeli-raid-on-gaza-aid-ship-2010-06-03 Hürriyet Daily News 3 June 2010 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603111648/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=activists-eyewitness-accounts-detail-israeli-raid-on-gaza-aid-ship-2010-06-03 live • 4 June 2010 İHH chief tells of violence, chaos on international aid ship http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-212070-ihh-chief-tells-of-violence-chaos-on-international-aid-ship.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100605035922/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-212070-ihh-chief-tells-of-violence-chaos-on-international-aid-ship.html 5 June 2010 17 August 2010 Today's Zaman • 3 June 2010 Eyewitness Kevin Ovenden from the Freedom Flotilla: 'I saw people shot' http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=21438 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100607215824/http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=21438 7 June 2010 4 June 2010 Socialist Worker • Kevin Ovenden 7 June 2010 An act of state terrorism http://www.socialistworker.org/2010/06/07/an-act-of-state-terrorism 3 April 2011 SocialistWorker.org • Siegel Judy 1 June 2010 Red Cross visits wounded activists https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177156 4 June 2010 The Jerusalem Post 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605110352/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177156 live The IDF also reported that a firebomb was thrown at soldiers. Meanwhile, the Israeli commandos responded with their less-lethal weaponry and attempted to physically fight off activists.June 2025 thumb|Footage taken from the Mavi Marmara security cameras shows the activists preparing to attack IDF soldiers. Three Israeli commandos were captured. The first captured soldier, the commanding officer of the assault team, was abseiling from the helicopter when he was attacked by 10 men before his feet hit the deck. He was beaten across his body and head, then picked up and thrown to the lower deck, where he was attacked by a dozen activists. They beat and choked him, removed his bulletproof vest and sidearm and smashed his helmet, and shoved him into a passenger hall below deck. The second soldier was surrounded by a team of 15 to 20 activists in two groups. One group attacked him when he landed on the ship's roof. He fired one shot at an activist holding a knife before being subdued. The activists seized his gun and beat him as he attempted to fight them off with his back to the hull. He was picked up by his arms and legs, and thrown over the hull. He attempted to hang onto the hull with both hands but was forced to let go when activists beat his hands and pulled him down by his legs. He was then surrounded by another group of activists, stabbed in the stomach and dragged into a lounge while being beaten. A third soldier who was lowered onto the deck saw an activist waiting to attack him with an iron crowbar. After shoving him away, he was attacked by four more activists, one of whom wrapped a chain around his neck and choked him until he lost consciousness. He was then thrown onto the bridge deck, where he was attacked by about 20 activists, who beat him, cut away his equipment, and dragged him into the lounge.Meir Amit report 2010 21 The three soldiers were severely wounded and bleeding heavily. Two of the soldiers had their hands tied, and a third was unconscious and went into convulsions. During their captivity, they were subjected to physical and verbal abuse and photographed and filmed. One of the soldiers said that he was beaten after he began moving and yelling that one of the soldiers needed a doctor, and another said that he was placed onto a couch, beaten, and threatened that he would be beaten every time he moved.Meir Amit report 2010 20 Although the activists attempted to harm them further, other passengers intervened and protected the soldiers.Meir Amit report 2010 3, 7 (see footnote), 20 Two were given water and one with a severe stomach wound was given a gauze pad. Hasan Huseyin Uysal, a Turkish doctor, cleaned the blood off their faces and tended to facial cuts. thumb|Activists throw back a stun grenade into an IDF speedboat, which was earlier thrown on to the Mavi Marmara Israel and the flotilla activists disagreed over whether guns seized from the captive soldiers were used by the activists.https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/appeals/esc_bulletins/2011/death_in_med.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20110629062522/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/appeals/esc_bulletins/2011/death_in_med.pdf dead 29 June 2011 Finding of the Editorial Standards Committee of the BBC Trust – Panorama:Death in the Med 48. Ken O'Keefe, one of the activists, said "What I do know for sure is that I had one of their guns.... And if I wanted to use that gun I could easily have used it.... But I didn't do that and I did not see anybody from IHH use a weapon. If we wanted to we could have used weapons and killed some of their soldiers. That is a fact." Commandos reported that at least two of the captive soldiers had their sidearms wrested away, and that there was live fire against them at a later stage.Israeli military gives version of flotilla incident http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/gaza.flotilla.israeli.raid/ CNN 31 May 2010 3 June 2010 31 May 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603211033/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/gaza.flotilla.israeli.raid/ liveYnet 31 May 2010 IDF chief: No connection between Gaza sail and peace efforts http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896684,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 3 June 2010 23 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121023054038/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896684,00.html live http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/0601/1224271581953.html Israelis saw flotilla as political provocation that had to be stopped The Irish Times 1 June 2010 3 April 2011 24 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101024011453/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/0601/1224271581953.html dead According to the IDF, activists also used firearms that they brought along with them, as investigators found bullet casings not matching IDF-issued guns. The IDF reported that the second soldier to descend from the first helicopter was shot in the stomach,Meir Amit report 2010 8 and another soldier was shot in the knee. IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said that activists also seized three stun grenades from soldiers.Williams Dan Reuters Israelis Fired 308 Bullets Aboard Gaza Ship 24 October 2010 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-flotilla-general-idUSTRE69N0Q320101024 13 June 2011 31 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160131045515/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-israel-flotilla-general-idUSTRE69N0Q320101024 live After the third soldier was thrown from the roof, the commandos requested and received permission to use live fire. The soldiers then opened fire with pistols, and activists dispersed to the front and back of the roof after taking casualties. An IDF medical officer on board located a secure spot and oversaw the treatment of injured soldiers. A second helicopter carrying 12 soldiers arrived over the ship. As the helicopter approached, activists attacked the IDF commandos, who repulsed them with gunshots aimed at their legs. At the same time, the speedboats trailing the ship approached again. They were met with a barrage of objects, including iron balls from slingshots, and allegedly with a burst of gunfire, forcing the boats to pull back again.Meir Amit report 2010 5 Soldiers from the second helicopter successfully slid down and moved to gain control of the front of the roof and secure the lower decks. Passengers attacked them and were dispersed with shots fired towards their legs. The first attempt to secure the lower decks was met with violent resistance, allegedly including live fire. Shortly afterward, a third helicopter arrived, carrying 14 soldiers. They successfully abseiled onto the ship, and the commander from the third helicopter met up with the commander from the second helicopter, after which the forces began moving towards the ship's bridge. They were attacked twice by activists and responded with gunfire. The commandos reached the bridge after 30 minutes and took command. Upon orders from the soldiers, the captain instructed all activists to enter their cabins. At this stage, most of the activists assembled on the sides of the ship retreated into the hull. The speedboats approached for the third time, and most of the remaining activists again hurled objects at the boats. Soldiers inside the boats then opened fire, taking careful aim to hit the resisting passengers and forcing the activists to disperse, enabling the soldiers to board from ladders. The soldiers were met with resistance and responded with live fire. They managed to fight their way to the roof, where they met up with the rest of the force. An assessment was made, and three soldiers were found to be missing. A force was prepared to rush the passenger halls and locate the soldiers. According to the IDF, soldiers spotted activists escorting the three captive soldiers onto the deck. One of the captive soldiers said that the activist guarding him waved to one of the IDF naval vessels to show that they were holding Israeli soldiers. At that point, he elbowed the activist in the ribs and jumped into the water, although the guard tried to hold him back. A second soldier also jumped into the water, while the third remained unconscious on the deck. IDF soldiers dispersed the activists with non-lethal weapons, and rescued the unconscious soldier, while the two soldiers in the water were picked up by the speedboats.Meir Amit report 2010 16 According to some accounts by activists and journalists, the captive soldiers were released after negotiations mediated by Haneen Zoabi, in which the IDF agreed to airlift the wounded in exchange for their release.Nahmias Roee 9 June 2010 Egyptian lawmaker slammed for speaking of beaten troops http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3902389,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv https://www.webcitation.org/5saXLRgBL?url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3902389,00.html 8 September 2010 live 24 June 2011 • 7 June 2010 Ynet and agencies Soldiers thought we would kill them http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3900842,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 24 June 2011 10 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100610221206/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3900842,00.html live • Yara Bayoumy 3 June 2010 Israeli marines were held during ship raid-witness: Soldiers freed after Israel agreed to airlift wounded https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE6521UG Reuters 5 June 2010 8 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100608010545/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE6521UG live • https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/gaza-flotilla-captain-activists-prepared-attack-against-idf-raid-1.295591 Gaza flotilla captain: Activists prepared attack against IDF raid. Haaretz 11 June 2010 29 August 2010 https://www.webcitation.org/5sLdoSPRh?url=https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-navy-commandos-gaza-flotilla-activists-tried-to-lynch-us-1.293089 dead The passengers were taken one-by-one from their cabins and searched on deck. Some were handcuffed and forced to kneel for hours. Women, elderly men, and western nationals were temporarily handcuffed or uncuffed shortly afterward and allowed to sit on benches. During the course of the journey to Ashdod port, passengers were brought inside and allowed to sit down. According to the UNHRC fact-finding mission, passengers were subject to various forms of abuse.UNHRC report 2010 27, 31, 37 thumb|Bulletproof vests found on the deck of the Mavi Marmara IDF Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi testified to Israel's Turkel Commission that the IDF had fired 308 live rounds and about 350 bean bag rounds and paintballs. An aide to the general said that 70 of these shots were aimed to cause injury, while the others would have been warning shots. IDF Major-General Giora Eiland said that the IDF had found evidence of four instances of soldiers coming under fire from activists and that in at least one case, the fire came from weapons that were not stolen from commandos. Sfendoni boarding The operation to take the Sfendoni took place at the same time as the boarding of the Mavi Marmara. The Sfendoni attempted to evade Israeli naval vessels. According to one soldier, the ship attempted to run down his vessel and chased it after it evaded, but the IDF vessel made a sharp turn and positioned itself behind it.Meir Amit report 2010 11–12 Speedboats approached the ship, and soldiers climbed onto the ship from ladders after firing plastic bullets, paintballs, and stun grenades. Some soldiers shoved down a ladder onto the lower deck, where a group of passengers scuffled with soldiers, and an attempt was made to take a soldiers' weapon.Meir Amit report 2010 11–12 Once on board, the soldiers advanced towards the bridge. A number of activists formed a human chain to block them, and the Israelis responded with electric shocks.UNHRC report 2010 33 Retired diplomat Edward Peck, who was on board the Sfendoni, said that the commandos were well-trained, and behaved reasonably well. When two soldiers entered the bridge, an activist grabbed the wheel tightly and protested that the boat was in international waters. A scuffle then ensued between soldiers and a few activists. The soldiers used physical force, electric shocks, and stun grenades to gain control, but there were no major injuries.UNHRC report 2010 33http://tvxs.gr/node/59618 Αποκλειστικά στο tvxs ντοκουμέντο από την επίθεση στη Σφενδόνη (Video document of the raid at Sfendoni ship) tvxs.gr 6 June 2010 Direct link to the video. (Greek) Paul Larudee, a 64-year-old former linguistics professor from El Cerrito, California, on board the Sfendoni, was beaten and tased according to his family, who said that Israeli consular officials informed them that Larudee, a pacifist, was beaten after refusing to follow the orders of troops. Parks Richard El Cerrito Man Beaten, Jailed in Israel, Wife Says The Bay Citizen 2 June 2010 2 June 2010 http://www.baycitizen.org/international/story/el-cerrito-man-beaten-jailed-israel-wife/ https://web.archive.org/web/20100603205731/http://www.baycitizen.org/international/story/el-cerrito-man-beaten-jailed-israel-wife/ dead 3 June 2010 Berton Justin 4 local pro-Palestine activists reported safe San Francisco Chronicle 2 June 2010 2 June 2010 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/02/MNBU1DO3AA.DTL 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603190228/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/06/02/MNBU1DO3AA.DTL dead When the boat was under Israeli control, activists were made to sit down and restrained with plastic ties. One man who complained that the plastic ties were too tight had them removed, then ran and jumped overboard, and was picked up by another boat. Passengers were searched one by one and then taken to the main salon. They were allowed to prepare food, but refused to eat until an IDF cameraman ceased filming them.UNHRC report 2010 33 Free Mediterranean boarding Swedish author Henning Mankell reported that the capture of the Free Mediterranean took place about an hour after the raid on the Mavi Marmara. Israeli soldiers boarded the ship from three speedboats, and managed to bypass barbed wire that had been placed around the ship. The passengers formed a human ring on the bridge to block the soldiers, and Israeli troops responded by using physical force, electric shocks, plastic and rubber bullets, paintballs, and tear gas.UNHRC report 2010 34 A reporter for the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung wrote that Israeli soldiers approached passengers with guns drawn and tasered a 65-year-old person from a distance of 10 centimeters.Damolin Mario Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Wer nicht weicht, wird aus dem Weg geräumt Anyone who does not move out of the way is thrust aside 5 June 2010 de https://www.faz.net/s/RubB30ABD11B91F41C0BF2722C308D40318/Doc~E349C269DDDB94D7DAC9636A93B191E31~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html 6 June 2010 de Mit gezogenen Waffen gehen sie auf unbewaffnete Zivilisten zu. Wer nicht weicht, wie etwa der große, gemütliche Michalis, ein 65 Jahre alter Kleinunternehmer, wird auf kürzeste Distanz aus dem Weg geräumt. Michalis fällt wie vom Blitz getroffen neben mir um, als ihn Soldat Nr. 14 – alle haben Nummern – aus zehn Zentimetern Entfernung mit der Elektroschock-Pistole anschießt. [With their weapons drawn they approach unarmed civilians. Anyone who does not move out of the way, like big, jovial Michalis, a 65-year-old small-time entrepreneur, is thrust aside at close quarters. Michalis drops to the ground as if struck by lightning as soldier no. 14 – all of them bear numbers – tasers him from a distance of 10 cm in 0.] All of the passengers were handcuffed and subjected to body searches and had their passports confiscated. Those who refused to cooperate were reportedly met with physical force.UNHRC report 2010 34 Challenger 1 boarding The Challenger 1 accelerated its course in an attempt to allow journalists on board to broadcast their photos of the ongoing raid. The ship was intercepted by two Israeli speedboats and a helicopter, and carried out evasion tactics, forcing the Israelis to pursue it for a considerable distance.Meir Amit report 2010 12 According to passengers, at least one stun grenade was launched at the Challenger 1 before it was boarded. Passengers on the decks formed a human chain to block the path of the troops. Soldiers opened fire with paintball guns and rubber and plastic bullets as they boarded the vessel, lightly injuring two female demonstrators.UNHRC report 2010 32 Once on board, the Israelis moved towards the fly bridge. The soldiers encountered verbal abuse, and attempts were made to shove soldiers. Some activists barricaded themselves in cabins.Meir Amit report 2010 12 Activist Huwaida Arraf reported that Israeli soldiers attacked those who tried to block them with kicks, tasers, and concussion grenades, and that some people were beaten so severely that they had to be hospitalized.http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=51753 'We'll be Back – With Bigger Flotillas' Ipsnews.net 8 June 2010 3 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110611105812/http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=51753 11 June 2011 Arraf said that the Israelis smashed her face against the ground and stepped on it, and that they later handcuffed her and put a bag over her head. Another woman similarly had a bag placed over her head.UNHRC report 2010 33 First mate Shane Dillon reported that Israeli troops broke the nose of a Belgian woman and beat another passenger. Australian photojournalist Kate Geraghty was tasered while attempting to photograph the raid. Upon entering the bridge, the troops were met with no resistance.UNHRC report 2010 32 Passengers were handcuffed with plastic ties.UNHRC report 2010 32 Activist Huwaida Arraf reported that Israeli troops confiscated communication equipment, cameras and memory cards. Aussie photographer Kate Geraghty 'Tasered during flotilla raid' Herald Sun Australia 2 June 2010 2 June 2010 http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/aussie-photographer-kate-geraghty-tasered-during-flotilla-raid/story-e6frf7jx-1225874687012 Upon entering Ashdod port, several passengers joined hands and refused to disembark, protesting that they had been brought to Israel against their will from international waters. Two female passengers were handcuffed and forcibly removed, while a male passenger was threatened with a taser.UNHRC report 2010 33 Gazze 1 boarding The Gazze 1 was boarded by soldiers from speedboats. Passengers and crew on board offered no resistance, and the ship was commandeered without incident. Passengers were ordered onto the deck while dogs searched the ship, and were later taken to the dining hall and body-searched. They were not handcuffed, and provided with food during the journey to Ashdod.UNHRC report 2010 34 Defne Y boarding Israeli commandos abseiled from a helicopter onto the Defne Y. The ship's crane had been positioned in such a way as to make it hard or impossible to abseil onto the deck, forcing troops to descend directly to the roof.Meir Amit report 2010 12 Soldiers met no physical resistance as they secured the ship, but reportedly encountered verbal abuse. Passengers cooperated with the soldiers, were not handcuffed, and were kept in their cabins during the trip to Ashdod. An İHH cameraman on board the Defne Y claimed to have been beaten and interrogated for five hours over a hidden videotape.UNHRC report 2010 34 Casualties Flotilla participants Deaths thumb|Cevdet Kılıçlar, killed during the raid on the Mavi Marmara. Source: Iara Lee, Caipirinha Foundation The raid resulted in the deaths of 10 activists. Nine were killed during the raid: Cengiz Akyüz (42), Ali Haydar Bengi (39), İbrahim Bilgen (61), Furkan Doğan (18), Cevdet Kılıçlar (38), Cengiz Songür (47), Çetin Topçuoğlu (54), Fahri Yaldız (43), and Necdet Yıldırım (32).http://www.ihh.org.tr/sehit-ve-yaralilarda-son-durum/ https://web.archive.org/web/20100607023017/http://www.ihh.org.tr/sehit-ve-yaralilarda-son-durum dead 7 June 2010 Şehit Ve Yaralilarimizin Tam Listesi Ihh.org.tr 8 June 2010 http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/201064962648284.html Israel to release Turkish activists – Middle East Al Jazeera 5 June 2010 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605092954/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/201064962648284.html live The tenth to die, Ugur Süleyman Söylemez, (51), died 23 May 2014, in hospital, after having been in a coma for four years.https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.592489 https://web.archive.org/web/20140524174512/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.592489 dead 24 May 2014 Turk injured in Gaza flotilla dies after four-year coma 24 May 2014 Haaretz 8 November 2014 All of the dead were members of, or volunteers for the İHH.https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/04/AR2010060404806.html Turkey's Erdogan bears responsibility in flotilla fiasco The Washington Post 5 June 2010 26 June 2010 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605110205/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/04/AR2010060404806.html live According to Israeli Home Front Defense Minister Matan Vilnai, all of the dead were "involved in the fighting". Vilnai told a Knesset hearing, "there were no innocents among the dead". The bodies of the nine activists killed during the raid were taken to Israel aboard a naval vessel,April 2023 and held in the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute, where an external examination was carried out. The dead were flown to Turkey on 2 June.Activists, bodies from Gaza flotilla land in Istanbul http://tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2010/jun/02/activists-bodies-gaza-flotilla-land-istanbul-ar-38413/ 2019-12-22 The Tampa Tribune Associated Press 2 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20121008192925/http://tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2010/jun/02/activists-bodies-gaza-flotilla-land-istanbul-ar-38413/ 2012-10-08 dead Autopsies performed in Turkey showed that eight of the nine killed had died of 9mm gunshot wounds, with one death from an unnamed atypical round. Five had gunshot wounds to the head and at least four were shot from both back and front. According to the UNHRC report, six of the people on the flotilla showed signs of "summary execution", including two shot after they were severely injured.27 September 2010 Some of Gaza flotilla victims were summarily executed: fact finding mission http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/detail/102712.html United Nations Radio 2 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120118104828/http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/detail/102712.html 18 January 2012 The İHH reported that the bodies had been washed before their return to Turkey. This removed gunpowder residue and made it hard to determine the shooting distance. According to the organization, the dead had been shot from up above and it was possible to determine which weapons were used.http://www.ihh.org.tr/sehitlerin-otopsi-raporlari-aciklandi/en/ Forensic reports on flotilla martyrs 4 July 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100704101946/http://www.ihh.org.tr/sehitlerin-otopsi-raporlari-aciklandi/en/ İHH dead The nine were shot 30 times in total. Dr. Haluk Ince, the director of Istanbul's Medical Examination Institute, said, "from the analysis of the bullet distance on one of the bodies, the gun was fired between 2 and 14 centimetres' distance from the victim's head." Doğan was shot five times from less than 45 cm, in the face, in the back of the head, twice in the leg and once in the back. A funeral service for eight of the dead was held at Fatih Mosque in Istanbul on 3 June.BBC Türkçe BBC 3 June 2010 Gazze eylemcilerine İstanbul'da cenaze töreni Activists at Gaza funeral ceremony in Istanbul tr https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2010/06/100603_gazaturkey_update 2 July 2011 26 July 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180726062833/https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2010/06/100603_gazaturkey_update live The dead were taken to their hometowns, where they were buried in individual funerals. The last memorial service was held at Beyazıt Mosque in Istanbul on 4 June, and the man was later buried in Istanbul.http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/id/25102979/ Beyazıt'ta İsrail'e büyük öfke – Genel Bakış ntvmsnbc.com 4 June 2010 26 June 2010 11 July 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100711124543/http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/id/25102979 live Injuries The raid also left dozens of activists wounded.Hacaoglu Selcan http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/06/02/2232397/turkey-demands-intl-panel-probe.html Huge welcome home for Turkish activists from Gaza Star-Telegram 2 June 2010 4 June 2010July 2010 Dr. Hazem Farouq, a dentist and Egyptian MP from the Muslim Brotherhood, said passengers could not find first aid and did not have material to treat wounds. After the takeover of the ship, injured activists were taken to the roof and treated by IDF medical personnel.Meir Amit report 2010 10 According to an IDF doctor, no wounded activists died after they began receiving treatment. Triage was performed in accordance with objective medical criteria, with the result that some activists were treated before soldiers.Meir Amit report 2010 10 Israeli Air Force helicopters airlifted 31 of the wounded to Israel for emergency treatment. Another 24 injured passengers were diagnosed at Ashdod port and sent to hospitals. A total of 55 activists were admitted to the Israeli hospitals of Hadassah, Sheba, Rambam, Rabin, and Barzilai. Nine of the activists were in severe condition, and some underwent surgery at Rambam and Sheba hospitals. Several patients were transferred from Rabin Medical Center to Israel Prison Service medical facilities.http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/56-news/1206-54-flotilla-passengers-admitted-to-israeli- 54 Flotilla passengers admitted to Israeli Hospitals Freegaza 4 June 2010 3 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101225205636/http://www.freegaza.org/en/home/56-news/1206-54-flotilla-passengers-admitted-to-israeli- 25 December 2010 The Turkish government sent Turkish Red Crescent personnel to Israel to treat the injured. In the following days, most patients were airlifted to Turkey by Turkish Airlines after their conditions stabilized.Turkey holds activists' funerals Al Jazeera and agencies Video and text Al Jazeera 5 June 2010 3 June 2010 http://english.aljazeera.net/news/europe/2010/06/2010639114160373.html 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603111639/http://english.aljazeera.net//news/europe/2010/06/2010639114160373.html live Two seriously injured activists remained in an Israeli hospital, as their condition was judged too severe to fly them home. Both men were flown to Turkey on 4 June, still in life-threatening condition, and were taken to Atatürk Hospital.2 June 2010 Gaza flotilla: Israel frees foreign flotilla activists https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10210949 22 January 2026 BBC News 27 February 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190227182518/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10210949 live Turkish survivors recount terror on Gaza aid ship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfIN0-ccM28 https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/mfIN0-ccM28 2021-12-15 live Al Jazeera English YouTube Channel 4 June 2010 15 August 2011 On 6 June, a wounded Indonesian cameraman was transferred from a hospital in Israel for medical treatment in Amman before being taken back to Indonesia.http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/06/06/indonesian-injured-journalist-evacuated-amman.html Indonesian injured journalist evacuated to Amman The Jakarta Post 6 June 2010 3 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110607192346/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/06/06/indonesian-injured-journalist-evacuated-amman.html 7 June 2011 In addition to activists aboard the Mavi Marmara, some of the passengers on the five other ships were injured from beatings and less-lethal weaponry, and were hospitalized in Israel.González E. Carbajosa A. 1 June 2010 Israel asalta la legalidad internacional Israel raided international law http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Israel/asalta/legalidad/internacional/elpepuopi/20100601elpepiint_1/Tes 15 June 2011 El País es es Al menos una parte de la versión del Ministerio de Defensa israelí resulta poco creíble: en las otras naves, donde supuestamente nadie opuso resistencia, también hubo heridos, como pudo comprobar este periódico hablando brevemente con algunos de ellos mientras eran ingresados en camilla en un hospital de Ashkelon. [At least one piece of the account from the Israeli Ministry of Defence is scarcely believable: in the other ships, where nobody apparently offered any physical resistance, there were also some wounded people, as this newspaper was able to verify by briefly talking to some of the passengers when they were being admitted on stretchers to a hospital in Ashkelon.] According to testimonies of IDF personnel, several wounded activists refused treatment, stating that they would prefer to die as shaheeds. An IDF doctor testified that in a number of cases wounded activists tried to hamper treatment by removing and tearing off medical equipment. A high-ranking naval officer testified that some of the wounded were unwilling to leave the lounge where they were laying and that the ship's doctor had told him that there were many wounded individuals who refused to be evacuated, some of them severely injured. Some activists tried to physically block troops from reaching the wounded. IDF soldiers eventually evacuated the activists against their will in order to save their lives.Meir Amit report 2010 3, 10–11 According to some accounts by passengers, IDF soldiers denied medical treatment to several wounded activists who died shortly thereafter.Turkish NCI final report 2011 28See the following: Booth Robert 3 June 2010 British survivor of Gaza flotilla raid: 'Israelis ignored SOS calls' London The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/03/british-survivor-gaza-flotilla 4 June 2010 live https://web.archive.org/web/20130915013254/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/03/british-survivor-gaza-flotilla 15 September 2013 none Yağcı 2010. McGeough Paul 4 June 2010 Suddenly, sound bombs and tear gas exploded Melbourne, Australia The Age http://www.theage.com.au/world/suddenly-sound-bombs-and-tear-gas-exploded-20100603-x6wf.html?autostart=1 4 June 2010 live https://web.archive.org/web/20100605014615/http://www.theage.com.au/world/suddenly-sound-bombs-and-tear-gas-exploded-20100603-x6wf.html 5 June 2010 none Israeli military Israel reported that seven soldiers were injured in the clash. Four soldiers were moderately wounded, of which two were initially in critical condition, and an additional three soldiers were lightly wounded. Two of the injured soldiers sustained gunshot wounds. One was shot in the knee, in addition to three fractures and a crack in the hand, a deep cut in the left ear, a stab wound to the chest, internal bleeding, and cuts. The other one was shot in the abdomen. The remaining soldiers sustained varying injuries from beatings and stabbing. One soldier was unconscious for 45 minutes due to head and neck injuries.Meir Amit report 2010 8–9See the following: IDF 31 May 2010 'Peace activists' stabbing IDF soldier From Israel's Channel 2 -YouTube he Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buzOWKxN2co&feature=player_embedded https://web.archive.org/web/20100602064013/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buzOWKxN2co 2010-06-02 dead 4 June 2010 none The Dead and the Wounded of the Mavi Marmara 31 August 2010 Daily Kos http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/08/31/897697/-The-Dead-and-the-Wounded-of-the-Mavi-Marmara 3 April 2011 live https://web.archive.org/web/20110806214706/http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/08/31/897697/-The-Dead-and-the-Wounded-of-the-Mavi-Marmara 6 August 2011 Two of the injured soldiers who were rescued after jumping overboard were taken to Israel by sea, while the rest were treated by IDF medical personnel aboard the Mavi Marmara and airlifted to Israel by helicopter. The injured soldiers were taken to Rambam Hospital in Haifa, where some underwent surgery. The most badly injured soldier needed to be put on a respirator and underwent an operation to treat a skull fracture. A soldier who was shot in the stomach had to undergo two operations and physiotherapy rehabilitation.2011-01-23 Commandoes: Armed mob lynched us https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4017899,00.html 2021-05-20 Ynetnews en Somfalvi Attila 24 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201124145005/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4017899,00.html live While in hospital, the soldiers were visited by hundreds of people, including military officials and politicians.Rambam is treating the commando soldiers injured in the flotilla incident https://web.archive.org/web/20110706113158/http://www.rambam.org.il/ 6 July 2011  – Rambam Hospital On 25 December 2011, it was reported that three commandos who sustained moderate and serious injuries had still not been recognized as disabled veterans and granted state benefits. The Ministry of Defense demanded that additional proof of injury be produced, though its rehabilitation wing had already made a preliminary decision to grant them disability status. The commandos filed a lawsuit against the Defense Ministry and hired private attorneys. A source close to the proceedings told Ynet that the soldiers were supposed to have received their benefits three or four months after the proceedings began, especially with the photographs and video footage that documented the incident.Zitun Yoav 25 December 2011 Soldiers hurt in flotilla raid yet to get benefits http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4166524,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 1 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150501220301/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4166524,00.html live Conclusion of raid Investigation for onboard weapons thumb|An assortment of the knives, wrenches, and wooden clubs found on the deck of the Marmara, according to the Israeli military The Israeli military said that in addition to medical aid and construction materials, they found knives, clubs, slingshots, bulletproof vests, gas masks, and night vision goggles aboard the Mavi Marmara. A statement released by Foreign Affairs Minister Avigdor Lieberman stated that violence against the soldiers was pre-planned, and that "light weaponry" was found on the ships, including pistols that had been seized from IDF commandos. Israel stated that the naval forces "found weapons prepared in advance and used against our forces."Medzini Ronen 31 May 2010 he:ישראל: בידי הפעילים במשט לעזה היה נשק Israel: the activists on flotilla to Gaza had weapons at hand he http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3896543,00.html Ynet Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603212516/http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3896543,00.html live IDF photos displayed daggers, kitchen and pocket knives, metal and wooden poles, flares, wrenches and slingshots with marble projectiles said to have been used against the soldiers.Rößler Hans-Christian Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Holzstöcke zu Eisenstangen Wooden staves to iron bars 5 June 2010 https://www.faz.net/s/RubB30ABD11B91F41C0BF2722C308D40318/Doc~E9DBECE78EBE94D5D8F5D8796FA48B544~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html de 5 June 2010 de Als Anschauungsmaterial für die Gewaltbereitschaft der Aktivisten verbreitete die Armee später Bilder von Holz- und Eisenstangen, Steinschleudern, Murmeln, aber auch Schraubenschlüsseln und einer Reihe von Messern, wie sie in jedem größeren Haushalt zu finden sind. [As support for the claim that the activists were ready for violence, the army later published images of wooden staves and iron bars, slingshots, marbles, but also screwdrivers and a set of knives such as can be found in any larger household.] 7 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100607023613/http://www.faz.net/s/RubB30ABD11B91F41C0BF2722C308D40318/Doc~E9DBECE78EBE94D5D8F5D8796FA48B544~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html live http://idfspokesperson.com/2010/06/01/photos-of-the-mavi-marmaras-equipment-and-weapons-1-jun-2010/ Photos of the Mavi Marmara's Equipment and Weapons Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson 1 June 2010 5 June 2010 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603194356/http://idfspokesperson.com/2010/06/01/photos-of-the-mavi-marmaras-equipment-and-weapons-1-jun-2010/ dead The IDF said that the activists had lobbed stun grenades at IDF soldiers, releasing a video as proof.https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177261 'Activists threw stun grenades': New IDF footage shows attacks before soldiers boarded 'Mavi Marmara' The Jerusalem Post 2 June 2010 2 March 2013 17 August 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20130302131926/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177261 live An activist said that it would have been impossible to have firearms on board because "all the boats were carefully inspected by the government before they left the port of departure."https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10196585 LIVE: Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla 31 May 2010 BBC 31 May 2010 7 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110207081305/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10196585 live Turkish officials supported the activists' account, stating that every passenger that had left Turkey had been searched with X-ray machines and metal detectors before boarding. Senior officials in the Customs Undersecretariat called the Israeli statements tantamount to "complete nonsense". On 4 June Walla! reported that a senior IDF officer interviewed by Kol Israel radio said that activists threw weapons and firearms into the sea, and that bullet casings that do not match IDF firearms were found on the ship.http://news.walla.co.il/?w=/1/1682824 Report: Soldiers were kidnapped and released at the battle over Marmara he Walla! 4 June 2010 10 June 2011 he קצין בחיל אמר הבוקר ל'קול ישראל', כי ישנן עדויות לכך, שנוסעי הספינה 'מרמרה' השליכו כלי נשק לים וכי על הספינה נמצאו כוונת של רובה ותרמילי כדורים, שאינם תואמים כלי נשק של צה'ל. [This morning, an army officer told Israel Radio that there is evidence that the Marmara passengers dumped firearms into the sea and, because bullet casings were found on the ship, that they were not compatible with Israeli Army weapons.] 10 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110610151048/http://news.walla.co.il/?w=/1/1682824 live Harel 2010. "[Senior IDF navy officers said:] ... The soldiers reported that the activists had fired on them during the confrontation.... After the incident, 9 mm bullet casings were found of a kind not used by the naval commandos." Fehmi Bülent Yıldırım said activists had rushed some of the soldiers and snatched their weapons, but had thrown them overboard without using them.The Irish Times Activists 'threw Israeli guns into sea' 3 June 2010 http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0603/breaking24.html 6 June 2010 7 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120307172804/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0603/breaking24.html dead Release of footage The IDF released nearly 20 videos of the incident. Both sides were described as lacking context and confusing the issue of who initiated hostilitiesStelter Brian https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/world/middleeast/02media.html After Raid, Videos Carry on the Fight The New York Times 1 June 2010 2 June 2010 9 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041727/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/world/middleeast/02media.html live The videos were taken from Israeli naval vessels and helicopters using night-vision technology. The videos appeared to show activists hitting soldiers with metal pipes and a chair. A video also showed a soldier being pushed off deck by activists and thrown onto a lower deck headfirst.Madhani Aamer Turkey maintains push for Israel sanctions https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-06-01-gaza-flotilla_N.htm 4 June 2010 USA Today 2 June 2010 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605015556/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-06-01-gaza-flotilla_N.htm live A video shot on board by documentary maker Iara Lee showed the captain of the boat announcing over the public address system, "Stop your resistancehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/may/31/israeli-attacks-gaza-flotilla-activists The Guardian London 31 May 2010 Israeli attack on Gaza flotilla sparks international outrage 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603125947/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/31/israeli-attacks-gaza-flotilla-activists Robert Booth dead According to certain sources, "Show no resistance". ... They are using live ammunition ... Be calm, be very calm." Gunshots are heard. At the end a woman shouts, "We have no guns here, we are civilians taking care of injured people. Don't use violence, we need help." One of the activists shows the camera a waterproofed booklet allegedly taken from the Israeli commandos listing the names, with photos, of several key people among the passengers. Lee says the video was smuggled off the ship in her underwear due to the Israeli confiscation of all photographic and film material.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/11/gaza-flotilla-attack-new-video Gaza flotilla attack: activist releases new footage 11 June 2010 The Guardian London 17 June 2010 Haroon SiddiqueCultures of Resistance http://vimeo.com/12429821?hd=1 Israeli Attack on the Mavi Marmara Vimeo 31 May 2010 26 June 2010 18 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100618142728/http://vimeo.com/12429821?hd=1 live Detention of activists Following the boardings, Israeli naval forces towed the flotilla's vessels to Ashdod, from where the activists were taken into custody by authorities, pending deportation. Some 629 activists were detained by the Israel Prison Service, after they refused to sign deportation orders. A Turkish mother who had brought her one-year-old child with her agreed to extradition after she was advised that prison conditions were "too harsh" for her baby. Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin described the arrests as "kidnapping" and questioned the logic of bringing the detainees to Israel only to deport them there, instead of giving them "unconditional release".https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30459870.html Martin: Irish citizens 'kidnapped' in international waters Irish Examiner 31 May 2010 31 May 2010 9 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201109001635/https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30459870.html live Israel planned to prosecute two dozen activists, charging they had assaulted its troops. Israeli authorities planned to keep them detained while the Israel Police looked into possible charges.http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100603/world/israel-drops-plans-to-prosecute-flotilla-activists.310374 Israel drops plans to prosecute flotilla activists The Times Malta 2 March 2012 Four-hundred-eighty activists were detained and 48 were deported immediately.1 June 2010 https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100601/wl_afp/israelconflictgazaactivists AFP – Israel holds 480 activists, expelling 48 Yahoo! News 1 June 2010 28 June 2011 http://web.archive.bibalex.org/web/20110628133153/http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100601/wl_afp/israelconflictgazaactivists dead Reacting to intensifying international criticism of the raid, Israeli officials announced that all activists held would be released, including those who Israel had earlier threatened to prosecute. Israel began releasing activists on 1 June.Spencer Richard 1 June 2010 Gaza aid flotilla: Israel releases activists amid international condemnation https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/7792166/Gaza-aid-flotilla-Israel-releases-activists-amid-international-condemnation.html The Daily Telegraph London 23 June 2011 On 2 June 124 activists were deported to Jordan and another 200 were taken to Ben Gurion International Airport and flown out of the country.Weaver Matthew 2 June 2010 Gaza flotilla activists deported to Jordan claim Israeli mistreatment https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/02/gaza-flotilla-activists-deported-jordan The Guardian London 23 June 2011 The Israeli military said there were a total of 718 passengers on flotilla; the last one was released by 6 June 2010. A group of 13 female activists attacked Immigration Authority personnel accompanying them to the airport for deportation. The activists began to yell and curse while in the police bus taking them to the airport, cursing officers and Israel. When they arrived at the airport, two attacked an officer, trying to push, slap and scratch him while shouting "free Palestine" and "Israel is a terror state". The two were eventually restrained by several officers.Branovsky Yael 2 June 2010 Flotilla passengers attack immigration officers http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3898233,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 23 June 2011 According to flotilla activist Fintan Lan Ken, an Irish-American passenger was beaten by security officials at the airport before boarding and had to be hospitalized.3 June 2010 Activists claim Israeli officials beat them http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0603/breaking16.html 22 January 2026 The Irish Times 12 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100812065024/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0603/breaking16.html live Arab Knesset Member Haneen Zoabi was released on 1 June. She attempted to address the Knesset, but was interrupted by other lawmakers, who told her to "go to Gaza, traitor." She received multiple death threats by phone and mail, and was placed under armed protection after nearly 500 people signed up to a Facebook page calling for her execution. As a punitive measure for her involvement in the flotilla raid, the Knesset stripped her of five parliamentary privileges: the right to carry a diplomatic passport, the right to financial assistance for legal expenses, the right to visit countries with which Israel does not have diplomatic relations, the right to participate in Knesset discussions, and the right to vote in parliamentary committees. A Knesset committee recommended that her parliamentary immunity be revoked, but Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin blocked the recommendation from being voted on. Four other Israeli Arabs who participated in the flotilla were detained and later released on bail. On 3 June, the Ashkelon Magistrates' Court accepted an appeal for their release with bail, under the conditions that they remain under house arrest until 8 June, and do not leave the country for 45 days.3 June 2010 Magistrates' Court Orders Release of Detained Delegation of Arab Leaders from the Gaza Freedom Flotilla with Restrictive Conditions http://www.adalah.org/eng/pressreleases/pr.php?file=03_06_10 live https://web.archive.org/web/20100902221606/http://www.adalah.org/eng/pressreleases/pr.php?file=03_06_10 2010-09-02 2026-01-21 www.adalah.org The Israeli nationals who were on board were investigated on suspicion of attempting to enter the Gaza Strip unlawfully. None of them were suspected of assaulting Israeli soldiers. In September 2011, Attorney-General Yehuda Weinstein ended the investigation. The Israeli Justice Ministry stated, "after examining the overall evidence in the case and the legal issues pertaining to the matter, the attorney general has decided to close the case as a result of significant evidentiary and legal difficulties."http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4165649,00.html Flotilla case closed: Zoabi won't be charged Ynetnews 31 May 2010 2 March 2012 Some the activists said that they were beaten during interrogations. Mattias Gardell also said there was sleep deprivation and that he was beaten several times.http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article7237799.ab Gardell: Jag blev slagen flera gånger Gardell: I was beaten several times Aftonbladet sv 3 June 2010 4 June 2010 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605003839/http://www.aftonbladet.se/nyheter/article7237799.ab live They also said that treatment depended on their skin colour, ethnicity and if they had a Muslim-sounding name.Dalén Karl 3 June 2010 https://www.dn.se/nyheter/sverige/dror-feiler-duger-ihh-at-fn-duger-det-at-oss/ Dror Feiler: Duger IHH åt FN duger det åt oss Dror Feiler: If the IHH are good enough for the UN, they are good enough for us sv Dagens Nyheter 4 June 2010 live https://web.archive.org/web/20100606171304/http://www.dn.se/nyheter/sverige/dror-feiler-duger-ihh-at-fn-duger-det-at-oss-1.1116698 6 June 2010 One activist said they were not allowed to contact lawyers and were videotaped throughout. According to Henning Mankell, Israeli authorities confiscated their money, credit cards, mobile phones, laptops, cameras, and personal belongings including clothes. They were only allowed to keep papers.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/wallander-author-tells-of-ordeal-on-gaza-convoy-1991109.html 'Wallander' author tells of ordeal on Gaza convoy The Independent 4 June 2010 London Tony Paterson 5 June 2010 22 August 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605095225/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/wallander-author-tells-of-ordeal-on-gaza-convoy-1991109.html live Several passengers had charges made to their confiscated debit cards and cell phones. Israel pledged to investigate the issue.The Guardian London Gaza convoy activists claim Israeli soldiers using debit cards stolen in raid 18 June 2010 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/18/gaza-convoy-activists-debit-card-fraud 28 June 2010 Haroon Siddique An IDF officer and three soldiers were arrested by Israeli military police and charged with stealing laptops and mobile phones from passengers.The Irish Times Israeli troops charged with stealing laptops off aid ships 20 August 2010 http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0820/1224277229064.html 20 August 2010 Dublin 28 October 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101028125606/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0820/1224277229064.html live Turkish journalist Adem Özköse, who was aboard the Marmara, said Israel's prison was like a 5-star hotel compared to Syria's jails.Kais Roi Israeli prison 5-star hotel compared to Syria jail http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4229643,00.html 28 May 2012 Ynetnews 15 May 2012 18 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120518001437/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4229643,00.html live Delivery of cargo thumb|right|Toys from the flotilla being unloaded at the Port of Ashdod A BBC investigation found that the aid consignment consisted of "thousands of tons" of aid, including large quantities of much needed building supplies.https://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/appeals/esc_bulletins/2011/death_in_med.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20110629062522/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/assets/files/pdf/appeals/esc_bulletins/2011/death_in_med.pdf dead 29 June 2011 Findings of the Editorial Standards Committee of the BBC Trust (Death in the Med) 109–110 Bbc.co.uk 14 February 2022 Israel said humanitarian aid confiscated from the ships would be transferred to Gaza, but that it would not transfer banned items such as cement. At the same briefing, they said that they found construction equipment, including concrete and metal rods, that were not allowed into Gaza. The IDF said that all of the equipment on board was examined and none of it was in shortage in Gaza.Friedman Ron https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177165 Equipment not in shortage in Gaza The Jerusalem Post 2 June 2010 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603215653/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177165 live According to Israeli and Palestinian sources, Hamas refused to allow the humanitarian aid into Gaza until Israeli authorities released all flotilla detainees and allowed building materials, which are thought to make up 8,000 of the 10,000 tons of the goods, to reach them.Meranda Amnon 2 June 2010 Hamas blocking delivery of aid http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3898181,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 2 June 2011 2 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110702124309/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3898181,00.html live http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/02/israel.palestinians.aid/ IDF: Hamas stops flotilla aid delivered by Israel CNN 2 June 2010 3 June 2010 Ra'ed Fatooh, in charge of the crossings, and Jamal Khudari, head of a committee against the Gaza blockade, said Israel must release all flotilla detainees and that [the aid] will be accepted in the territory only by the Free Gaza Movement people who organized the flotilla. 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605090045/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/02/israel.palestinians.aid/ live Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said, "We are not seeking to fill our (bellies), we are looking to break the Israeli siege on Gaza."Hider James 5 June 2010 Israel ready to board Gaza bound ship http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/middle_east/article7144619.ece London The Times 2 September 2011September 2024 medicmedic thumb|Flotilla's humanitarian aid en route to the Kerem Shalom Crossing. The aid was unloaded at the Gaza border crossing but was refused by Hamas. Israeli newspapers commented that the situation must not be all that bad if Palestinians refused the aid. Hamas spokesman Ismail Radwan responded: "We will not take any blood stained aid", and "If we accept the delivery of aid then we are legitimizing Israel's violent actions." Yet allowing: "If the Turks ask us to let the aid shipments in, we would do it."Putz Ulrike The Problem with Aid http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,698766,00.html 9 June 2011 Der Spiegel 4 June 2010 3 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110603234707/http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,698766,00.html live On 17 June 2010, Palestinian authorities accepted the delivery of the cargo under UN supervision and coordination.http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/VVOS-86HJN4?OpenDocument ISRAEL-OPT: Flotilla aid to enter Gaza under UN supervision Reliefweb.int 17 June 2010 3 April 2011 However, Israel stated it "will not transfer to Gaza the weapons and military equipment it had found aboard the Mavi Marmara". Return of ships At midday on 31 May 2010 Israeli Navy tugboats towed ships of the aid convoy to the Israeli port of Ashdod,7 June 2010 Israel apologises for spoof video mocking Gaza flotilla https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10253357 BBC News 2 September 2011 6 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110906221513/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10253357 live where the ships were impounded by Israeli authorities. NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen requested "the immediate release of the detained civilians and ships held by Israel".http://www.nationalinterest.org/Article.aspx?id=23468 The National Interest The National Interest 26 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100606115507/http://www.nationalinterest.org/Article.aspx?id=23468 6 June 2010 dead Of the seven ships detained in Israel, three of the Turkish-owned ships were unconditionally returned. The Israeli Defense Ministry reported that two of the remaining four ships were claimed, but proof of ownership was not provided. Nobody claimed ownership of the remaining two ships, and Israel tried to locate the owners.Israel eyes impound of ships breaking Gaza blockade Dan Williams Saul Jonathan Reuters 8 September 2010 10 September 2010 https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE6871IG20100908?sp=true https://web.archive.org/web/20120607083457/http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE6871IG20100908?sp=true dead 7 June 2012 Stolen possessions An Israeli soldier who stole electronic goods from the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara was prosecuted and sentenced to seven months imprisonment.Court rejects appeal of soldier who stole from Mavi Marmara The Times of Israel https://www.timesofisrael.com/court-rejects-appeal-of-soldier-who-stole-from-mavi-marmara/ 27 May 2014 26 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140527221452/https://www.timesofisrael.com/court-rejects-appeal-of-soldier-who-stole-from-mavi-marmara/ live Aftermath The UN On 31 May 2010, Prime Minister Netanyahu asked President Obama to veto any UN Security Council condemnations of Israel, but the president refused to comply.Benn Aluf Mozgovaya Natasha https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/under-u-s-pressure-netanyahu-may-ease-gaza-siege-1.294038 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605031500/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/under-u-s-pressure-netanyahu-may-ease-gaza-blockade-1.294038 dead 5 June 2010 Under U.S. pressure, Netanyahu may ease Gaza blockade 3 June 2010 Haaretz 4 June 2010 At the UN Security Council, the US subsequently blocked demands for an international inquiry into the raid and the criticism of Israel for allegedly violating international law, as proposed by Turkey, Palestine and Arab nations.McGreal Chris 1 June 2010 Israel should lead investigation into attack on Gaza flotilla, says US https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/01/israel-investigation-attack-gaza-flotilla-us The Guardian UK 1 July 2011 12 June 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240612062848/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/01/israel-investigation-attack-gaza-flotilla-us live The establishment of a formal UN Panel of Inquiry was announced in August 2010. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon completed a two-month consultation with Turkey and Israel to convene the panel that was led by former Prime Minister of New Zealand Geoffrey Palmer (Chair) and the outgoing President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe (Vice-Chair).Secretary-General Announces Launch of Panel of Inquiry on 31 May Flotilla Incident after Intensive Consultation with Leaders of Israel, Turkey https://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/C1A79FDC099C8AC1852577730050D3A0 Department of Public Information (DPI) UNISPAL 29 March 2013 2 August 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140602200935/http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/C1A79FDC099C8AC1852577730050D3A0 2 June 2014 The launch of the panel was then followed by Ban Ki-moon's announcement of the Turkish and Israeli representatives who had been appointed by the respective leaders of the two countries: Joseph Ciechanover was appointed by Netanyahu to be the Israeli representative was and Turkey's panel member was Özdem Sanberk. In regard to Ciechanover and Sanberk, the Secretary-General publicly stated, "Both men have distinguished records of public service."Ban announces Israeli, Turkish members of inquiry panel into flotilla incident https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35561&Cr=gaza&Cr1= UN News Centre United Nations 29 March 2013 7 August 2010 9 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100809185020/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35561&Cr=gaza&Cr1= liveNew York, 7 August 2010 – Statement by the Secretary-General on the naming of the Israeli and Turkish members of the Panel of Inquiry on the flotilla incident of 31 May 2010 https://www.un.org/sg/statements/?nid=4715 United Nations – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon United Nations 29 March 2013 7 August 2010 31 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160131045514/http://www.un.org/sg/statements/?nid=4715 live In September 2011, the UN investigative committee said (§UN Palmer Report) that the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza was legal,UN Palmer Report 2011 45 but that Israel used excessive force and should have waited to enforce the blockade closer to the shoreline. It also concluded that Turkey should have taken action to try to prevent the flotilla from taking place.UN Palmer Report 2011 481 September 2011 Gaza ship raid excessive but blockade legal, says UN https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14757623 BBC 1 September 2011 2 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110902012138/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14757623 live Israel On 2 June, Israel released over 600 of the detained activists. On 4 June, the Israeli Supreme Court upheld a decision of attorney-general Yehuda Weinstein to halt the police investigation of the incident. On 5 June, the Israeli government's press division apologized for circulating a link to the satiric "We Con the World" video that mocked activists on board, satirizing their purportedly peaceful intentions. On 13 June, Defense Minister Ehud Barak canceled a trip to France amid threats of charges against Barak and other Israeli officials under the principle of universal jurisdiction.Associated Press 13 June 2010 Barak cancels Paris trip over flotilla The Jerusalem Post https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=178276 1 July 2011 17 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100617031955/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=178276 live On 16 June, Israel added İHH to its terror watch list.Ravid Barak https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-adds-turkish-organizers-of-gaza-flotilla-to-terror-watch-list-1.296590 Israel adds Turkish organizers of Gaza flotilla to terror watch list Haaretz Israel 3 April 2011 19 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100619060624/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-adds-turkish-organizers-of-gaza-flotilla-to-terror-watch-list-1.296590 dead Palestinian territories thumb|A memorial commemorating those killed in the raid was built at the Port of Gaza.2013-03-22 Ban welcomes return of normal relations between Israel and Turkey UN News https://news.un.org/en/story/2013/03/435292-ban-welcomes-return-normal-relations-between-israel-and-turkey 2025-02-19 news.un.org en 23 March 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250323111228/https://news.un.org/en/story/2013/03/435292-ban-welcomes-return-normal-relations-between-israel-and-turkey live It was demolished by the IDF in November 2023 during the invasion of the Gaza Strip.זיתון יואב 2023-11-16 שייטת 13 השתלטה על מעגן הקומנדו הימי בעזה, והחריבה את אנדרטת המרמרה תיעוד Shayetet 13 took over the naval commando anchorage in Gaza, destroying the Mavi Marmara monument https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bkm00fl7vt 2025-02-19 Ynet he 6 March 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250306121751/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/bkm00fl7vt live Palestinian Authority president, and Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) since 11 November 2004, Mahmoud Abbas said, "Israel has committed a massacre,"https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/abbas-israel-has-committed-a-massacre-on-the-gaza-flotilla-1.293186?localLinksEnabled=false https://web.archive.org/web/20121103122626/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/turkey-recalls-envoy-over-gaza-flotilla-deaths-accuses-israel-of-state-terrorism-1.293186?localLinksEnabled=false dead 3 November 2012 Abbas: Israel has committed a massacre on the Gaza flotilla 31 May 2010 Haaretz 8 November 2014 and declared a three-day state of mourning. Palestinian government official Mustafa Barghouti stated that Israel's actions would lead to the international boycott growing in strength.http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896805,00.html Fatah official: Israel world's most despicable country – Israel News, Ynetnews Ynetnews 31 May 2010 31 May 2010 7 December 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231207031951/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896805,00.html live Salam Fayyad said "Israel went beyond all that could be expected. / This [attack] is a transgression against all international covenants and norms and it must be confronted by all international forums."http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/20105316216182630.html Outrage over Israeli attack – Middle East Al Jazeera 2 June 2010 6 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110906082520/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/20105316216182630.html live In July 2010, The Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas officials cited the raid on a flotilla as evidence that there is "more to gain" from the international condemnation produced by Israel's use of force than by attacking Israel. Aziz Dweik, "a leading Hamas lawmaker in the West Bank", said "When we use violence, we help Israel win international support. The Gaza flotilla has done more for Gaza than 10,000 rockets."Levinson Charles 2 July 2010 Israel's Foes Embrace New Resistance Tactics https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704638504575318390063707222 The Wall Street Journal 21 September 2011 18 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102133/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704638504575318390063707222 live A memorial called the Marmara Memorial was constructed in Gaza for those killed in the flotilla raid. The memorial was demolished by the IDF in November 2023 following the outbreak of the Gaza war.Calik Elif Selin 2023-11-23 Destruction of the 'Mavi Marmara' monument draws international attention to Israel war crimes https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231123-destruction-of-the-mavi-marmara-monument-draws-international-attention-to-israel-war-crimes/ 2025-02-19 Middle East Monitor 6 March 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250306144207/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20231123-destruction-of-the-mavi-marmara-monument-draws-international-attention-to-israel-war-crimes/ live Egypt Egypt opened its Rafah Border Crossing with the Gaza Strip to allow humanitarian and medical aid to enter following international criticism of the raid and a call for the border to be opened by Hamas's leader Khaled Meshaal. It is not clear how long it will remain open. According to an Egyptian security source, construction materials such as concrete and steel are still required to be transported via Israel's border crossings. Turkey On 4 June 2010, a Turkish state-run news agency reported a possible trial against Israel in which a Turkish autopsy report would be used as evidence. On 29 June the İHH said that the attack on the flotilla was planned.IHH Summary Report 2010 38 Lawyers representing the IHH wrote to Luis Moreno Ocampo, prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) asking to prosecute the Israelis involved. Although Israel is not a member of the ICC, the lawyer said the Mavi Marmara was sailing under flag of the Comoros and many Turks were on board, and both these countries were signatories.Hirsch Afua 8 October 2010 Gaza flotilla attack: calls for international criminal court to step in https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/08/israel-aid-flotilla-raid-calls The Guardian UK 1 July 2011 . Turkish victims ask international criminal court to pursue Israeli gunmen over raid on ship Prior to a Gaza visit, scheduled for April 2013, Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan explained to Turkish newspaper Hürriyet that the fulfilment of three conditions by Israel was necessary for friendly relations to resume between Turkey and Israel: an apology for the raid (Prime Minister Netanyahu had delivered an apology to Erdogan by telephone on 22 March 2013), the awarding of compensation to the families affected by the raid, and the lifting of the Gaza blockade by Israel. The Turkish prime minister also explained in the Hürriyet interview, in relation to the April 2013 Gaza visit, "We will monitor the situation to see if the promises are kept or not."Israel 'agrees' to Gaza easing https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/world/israel-agrees-to-gaza-easing/news-story/96510fb6486abcbcde12607f4ec19f4a 28 March 2013 The Australian 28 March 2013 John Lyons 27 March 2013 subscription https://web.archive.org/web/20130327194224/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/israel-agrees-to-gaza-easing/story-e6frg6so-1226607972165 live At the same time, Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would only consider exploring the removal of the Gaza blockade if peace ("quiet") is achieved in the area.Israel flotilla apology 'did not include promise to lift Gaza siege' https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9950999/Israel-flotilla-apology-did-not-include-promise-to-lift-Gaza-siege.html 28 March 2013 The Telegraph 24 March 2013 Robert Tait London 11 January 2022 https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/9950999/Israel-flotilla-apology-did-not-include-promise-to-lift-Gaza-siege.html live On 26 May 2014, the criminal court in Turkey issued arrest warrants for the four Israeli military officers who oversaw the attack, turning over the warrants to Interpol.Turkey court issues arrest warrants to Israeli ex-generals over Gaza flotilla raid Barak Ravid 26 May 2014 Haaretz https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.592911 1 June 2014 31 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140531154832/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/1.592911 dead 8 August 2011 Turkey issues arrest warrants for seven top officers BBC News https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14448769 1 June 2014 6 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140606162455/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14448769 live Court issues arrest warrant for Israeli commanders over Mavi Marmara 26 May 2014 CIHAN http://en.cihan.com.tr/news/Court-issues-arrest-warrant-for-Israeli-commanders-over-Mavi-Marmara_8531-CHMTQzODUzMS8xMDA1 1 June 2014 dead https://archive.today/20140527183700/http://en.cihan.com.tr/news/Court-issues-arrest-warrant-for-Israeli-commanders-over-Mavi-Marmara_8531-CHMTQzODUzMS8xMDA1 27 May 2014 In December 2016, Turkish courts finally dismissed the cases brought before them, under extraordinary security measures due to the "angry and disappointed Islamists" involved.18 December 2016 How does Erdogan win with a losing hand? http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/12/turkey-how-erdogan-wins-with-losing-hand.html 22 January 2026 Al-Minitor Reactions Reactions to the Gaza flotilla raid Domestic reactions September 2011 thumb|Tel Aviv university students support Israel against Gaza Flotilla. In Israel, the Israel Police and Israel Prison Service were placed on high alert throughout the country, residents of communities close to the border with the Gaza Strip were ordered to prepare their bomb shelters, and a number of checkpoints were set up along the Israel–Gaza Strip border. The IDF placed units along the northern and southern borders on alert, and called up reservists. Roads towards the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and other controversial areas were blocked by police.http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-05/31/c_13325533.htm Israel on high alert following Gaza flotilla showdown Xinhua News Agency 3 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100603212745/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-05/31/c_13325533.htm 3 June 2010 thumb|Tel Aviv university students support IDF and Israel against Gaza Flotilla. Israeli groups have suggested 'reverse flotillas' to sail to Turkey, which would bring attention to Turkey's history of oppression in Kurdistan and their attempts to suppress recognition of the Armenian genocide.Selig Abe 6 August 2010 Ideas for 'reverse flotillas' gain steam https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177789 The Jerusalem Post 8 August 2012 International reactions thumb|Protesters pray before the demonstration against Gaza flotilla raid, Istanbul, 31 May 2010. thumb|Demonstration in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 31 May 2010 The United Nations Security Council condemned "those acts which resulted in the loss of lives" and called for a prompt investigation conforming to international standards.https://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/world/middleeast/02nations.html U.N. Security Council Condemns 'Acts' in Israeli Raid The New York Times 1 June 2010 Neil MacFarquhar Alan Cowell 1 June 2010 2 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100602103336/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/world/middleeast/02nations.html live https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-06-01-un-israel-censure_N.htm U.N. condemns Israeli flotilla raid; calls for investigation USA Today 1 June 2010 1 June 2010 2 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100602081210/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-06-01-un-israel-censure_N.htm live https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/01/un-condemns-israel-assault-gaza-flotilla UN calls for inquiry into Israel flotilla attack The Guardian London 1 June 2010 1 June 2010 Harriet Sherwood Matthew Weaver The UN Human Rights Council called the attack outrageous and dispatched a fact-finding mission to investigate violations of international law.https://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/64C49CB9EFCA5BAB852577360055ADE6 Human rights council decides to dispatch independent fact finding mission to investigate Israeli attack on humanitarian boat convoy United Nations 2 June 2010 3 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100608012454/http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/64C49CB9EFCA5BAB852577360055ADE6 8 June 2010https://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=177297 The Jerusalem Post UNHRC demands raid investigation E. B. Solomont 2 June 2010 3 June 2010 8 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100608004935/http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=177297 live Unofficial responses included civilian demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur,http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1060324/1/.html Malaysians protest Israeli raid on Gaza flotilla Channel NewsAsia 1 June 2010 15 June 2011 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604012454/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1060324/1/.html dead Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon,Galey Patrick Zaatari Mohammed 1 June 2010 http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=115439 Thousands protest across Lebanon against flotilla killings The Daily Star 15 June 2011 8 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100808032532/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=1&categ_id=2&article_id=115439 live Istanbul,http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90854/7006399.html Supporters protest against Israeli attack on Gaza aid flotilla in Turkey People's Daily 1 June 2010 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604062655/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90854/7006399.html live Athens and Stockholm.Behrakis Yannis https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64U4SN20100531 Thousands protest flotilla deaths, clashes in Athens (mention of Swedish protests at the end) Reuters 31 May 2010 3 April 2011 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604010421/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64U4SN20100531 live British Prime Minister David Cameron described the Israeli offensive as "completely unacceptable".http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/speeches-and-transcripts/2010/07/pms-speech-in-turkey-53869 PM's speech in Turkey 27 July 2010 10 Downing Street 5 June 2011 Let me be clear: the Israeli attack on the Gaza flotilla was completely unacceptable ... Let me also be clear that the situation in Gaza has to change ... Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp. dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110611093118/http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/speeches-and-transcripts/2010/07/pms-speech-in-turkey-53869 11 June 2011 Several entertainers canceled appearances in Israel.Vick Karl http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1995850-2,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100616074301/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1995850-2,00.html dead 16 June 2010 Can Israel Learn How to Make Its Case? Time 21 June 2010 3 April 2011 Iran's Red Crescent organised an aid shipment that was called off after being informed that Egypt would prevent it from passing through the Suez Canal.Leyne Jon https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10432384 Iranian charity accuses Egypt of blocking Gaza aid ship BBC News 28 June 2010 3 April 2011 5 June 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140605100951/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10432384 live B. Lynn Pascoe, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, cautioned "such convoys were not helpful in resolving Gaza's basic economic problems and needlessly carried the potential for escalation". Under-Secretary General Calls on Israel, Palestinians to Remove Obstacles Blocking Direct Negotiations for Lasting Settlement of Conflict UN Security Council 21 July 2010 https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/sc9990.doc.htm 10 June 2011 28 January 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120128045342/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/sc9990.doc.htm live "Our stated preference has been and remains that aid should be delivered by established routes", the United Nations spokesman said, prior to new Lebanese ships sailing to Gaza on 23 July 2010, "There are established routes for supplies to enter by land. That is the way aid should be delivered to the people of Gaza."Agence France-Presse https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jAdN25_kLyw4mSJ_57umHQj-LZwQ https://archive.today/20130124185035/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jAdN25_kLyw4mSJ_57umHQj-LZwQ dead 24 January 2013 UN says aid to Gaza should be delivered by land 23 July 2010 3 April 2011 Israel's United Nations Ambassador Gabriela Shalev said in letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon about new Gaza-bound ships: "Israel reserves its right under international law to use all necessary means to prevent these ships from violating the ... naval blockade".http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=israel-urges-lebanon-to-block-ships-for-gaza-2010-07-23 Israel warns new ships heading for Gaza Hürriyet Daily News Turkey 3 April 2011 27 July 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100727144230/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=israel-urges-lebanon-to-block-ships-for-gaza-2010-07-23 live The Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation, a Libyan charity organization headed by Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, chartered the MV Amalthea to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. The ship carried food, medical supplies and pre-fabricated houses and docked at the port of El Arish, Egypt, on 14 July,Malcolm Brabant 14 July 2010 Israel warships monitoring Gaza-bound Libyan aid ship https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10615479 3 April 2011 BBC News 13 July 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100713185313/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10615479.stm live from where the supplies were reportedly to be taken to Gaza by road. The humanitarian aid and supplies were donated by Greek companies and charities. Israel–Turkey diplomatic crisis Israel–Turkey relations reached a low point after the incident. Turkey recalled its ambassador, cancelled joint military exercises, and called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan harshly referred to the raid as a "bloody massacre" and "state terrorism", and harshly criticized Israel in a speech before the Grand National Assembly.Wurzel Steffen Tagesschau Ab heute ist nichts mehr, wie es war From today on, nothing is anymore as it used to be de 1 June 2010 https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/tuerkeiisrael102.html 4 June 2010 de Die türkisch-israelischen Beziehungen sind nach der Militäraktion Israels auf dem Tiefpunkt. 'Staatsterrorismus' warf der türkische Ministerpräsident Erdogan Israel vor und sagte in einer Rede vor Parteifreunden voraus: 'Ab heute ist nichts mehr wie es war.' Von antisemitischen Tönen distanzierte er sich klar. [After Israel's military action, the Turkish-Israeli relations have reached a low. Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan accused Israel of 'state terrorism' and predicted in a speech to party members: 'From today on, nothing is anymore as it used to be.' He distanced himself clearly from antisemitical tones.] 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604034203/http://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/tuerkeiisrael102.html live The Turkish Grand National Assembly held a debate on whether to impose sanctions on Israel, and eventually came out with a statement criticizing the attack as illegal, demanding that Israel apologize, pay compensation, and prosecute those involved, and calling on the Turkish government to review ties with Israel and take "effective measures". The flotilla raid was among the issues discussed during a security meeting of Turkish military commanders chaired by Prime Minister Erdoğan.https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-06-02-israel-releases-flotilla-detainees_N.htm Israel deports all activists from Gaza-bound ships USA Today 2 June 2010 16 August 2011 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605041223/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-06-02-israel-releases-flotilla-detainees_N.htm live Throughout the following months, Israel–Turkey relations remained tense. Turkey demanded that Israel apologize, pay compensation to the deceased's families, and lift the Gaza blockade, and stated that it would be impossible to renew normal ties with Israel otherwise. The United States also pressed Israel to apologize. Israel rebuffed demands by both Turkey and the US.Somfalvi Attila 17 August 2011 Netanyahu to Clinton: No apology to Turkey http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4109923,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 22 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120822033712/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4109923,00.html live Shortly before the release of the UN Palmer report, Turkey gave Israel an ultimatum to either issue an apology for the raid, or face "Plan B", without elaborating what action in intended to take.Benhorin Yitzhak 1 September 2011 Turkish ultimatum to Israel: Apologize or face 'plan B' http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4116792,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 6 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121106074902/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4116792,00.html live After Israel refused to apologize, Turkey expelled Israel's ambassador and all diplomatic personnel above second-secretary level, and reduced its own diplomatic representation in Israel to second-secretary level.2 September 2011 Turkey expels Israeli ambassador http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4117001,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 18 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120918213653/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4117001,00.html live Prime Minister Erdoğan also announced that Turkish warships would escort future aid flotillas to Gaza, and that Turkey would stop Israel from "unilaterally exploiting" natural gas resources in the Eastern Mediterranean.9 September 2011 Turkey: Warships will back next flotilla http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4119834,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv Reuters 8 August 2012 10 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120610120712/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0%2c7340%2cL-4119834%2c00.html live In late 2011, a series of military confrontations were reported between Turkey and Israel. Turkey boosted its air and naval operations in the Mediterranean, and a Turkish warship sailed the approximate route that the flotilla took. Though it did not enter Israeli territorial waters, it sailed in ranges where warships typically update friendly nations of their presence to prevent misunderstandings. Israel then began closely monitoring Turkish naval activity. A Turkish media report said that two Israeli fighter jets and a helicopter circled over a Turkish exploration ship searching for gas reservoirs off the coast of Cyprus, breaching Cypriot airspace, ignoring warnings from Turkish air controllers in Northern Cyprus, and approaching the Turkish coastline in the process, and that they were only driven off when two Turkish fighter jets were scrambled to intercept them. The IDF denied the report. A Turkish Foreign Ministry official also told Arab ambassadors that on several occasions, Turkish fighter jets were scrambled and chased away Israeli fighter jets flying near the Syrian shore.Fishman Alex 2 October 2011 Erdogan playing with fire http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4129642,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 27 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120627204717/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4129642,00.html live Turkey changed its IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) radar system into re-categorizing Israeli aircraft as hostile targets, which would allow Turkish planes to engage Israeli targets, as opposed to the old system, which identified Israeli planes as friendlies and would have prevented any Turkish plane from firing at them. Turkey said that its naval submarine radar system would be changed next. A Turkish newspaper also reported that three Turkish warships ready to deploy to the Mediterranean were instructed that if they encountered any Israeli warship outside Israel's territorial waters, they would come within 100 meters and neutralize the Israeli ship's weapons system.Ynet 12 September 2011 Report: Turkey to defuse Israeli Navy weapons http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4121396,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 17 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120217104636/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4121396,00.html live In 2012, Today's Zaman reported that Israeli intelligence had wiretapped the radio conversations of Turkish Air Force cadets training to fly fighter jets at the Konya 3rd Main Jet Command Base to gather intelligence on Turkish training programs and flight strategies. According to the report, Turkish intelligence discovered this, and the Turkish Air Force initiated a project to encrypt communications between fighter jets.Ynet 2 May 2012 Report: Israel spied on Turkish military training flights http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4224009,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 11 June 2013 12 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120712223642/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4224009,00.html live Following a telephone apology from Netanyahu to Erdoğan on 22 March 2013, discussions commenced between Turkey and Israel in regard to compensation and diplomatic relations between the two countries. As of 27 March 2013, a media report anticipated a meeting that would be led by Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu and Israeli Prime Ministerial Special Envoy Joseph Ciechanover to discuss the specific matter of Turkey–Israel ties. Easing of Gaza blockade 2010 easing of the blockade of the Gaza Strip Following the raid, Israel faced mounting international calls to ease or lift its blockade.Ravid David 17 June 2010 Israel to ease Gaza land blockade https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-to-ease-gaza-land-blockade-1.296736 17 June 2010 Haaretz 19 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100619084206/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-to-ease-gaza-land-blockade-1.296736 dead On 17 June, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced a decision to relax the blockade.Barak Ravid Haaretz Government announces let-up to Gaza siege – but only in English 17 June 2010 https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/government-announces-let-up-to-gaza-siege-but-only-in-english-1.296809 https://web.archive.org/web/20100621132701/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-announces-let-up-to-gaza-siege-but-only-in-english-1.296809 dead 21 June 2010 18 June 2010 This announcement received a cool response from the international community.Black Ian The Guardian Israel's partial easing of Gaza blockade dismissed as inadequate 17 June 2010 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/17/israel-gaza-blockade-partial-easing 18 June 2010 London 15 September 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130915014128/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/17/israel-gaza-blockade-partial-easing live Three days later, Israel's Security Cabinet approved a new system governing the blockade that would allow practically all non-military or dual-use items to enter the Gaza strip. Israel stated it would expand the transfer of construction materials designated for projects that have been approved by the Palestinian Authority as well as projects that are under international supervision.Somfalvi Attila 20 June 2010 Cabinet: All non-military items can enter Gaza freely http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3907978,00.html Ynetnews 24 June 2011 23 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100623014021/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3907978,00.html live Despite the easing of the land blockade, Israel announced that it would continue to inspect at the port of Ashdod all goods bound for Gaza by sea. Internationally, this decision received mixed reactions. In November 2010, Catherine Ashton, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated that inadequate amounts of goods were entering Gaza to meet Gaza's humanitarian and reconstruction needs. Ashton also called for Israel to permit entry of construction material that UNRWA requested to rebuild schools and to Israel to allow exports from Gaza.Deutsche Presse-Agentur 22 November 2010 EU's Ashton: Israel failed to ease Gaza blockade https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/eu-s-ashton-israel-failed-to-ease-gaza-blockade-1.326149 Haaretz 1 July 2011 . Ashton Says Not Enough Goods Flowing in to Meet the Humanitarian and Reconstruction Needs of Gaza, Contrary to Israel's Commitment. 29 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111129064639/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/eu-s-ashton-israel-failed-to-ease-gaza-blockade-1.326149 dead Investigations Turkey's foreign minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, reiterated his demands for a United Nations investigation. He said: "We have no trust at all that Israel, a country that has carried out such an attack on a civilian convoy in international waters, will conduct an impartial investigation. To have a defendant acting simultaneously as both prosecutor and judge is not compatible with any principle of law."Harriet Sherwood in Jerusalem, Jenny Percival and agencies https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/14/israel-gaza-flotilla-raid-inquiry Israeli cabinet approves internal inquiry into Gaza flotilla raid The Guardian London 14 June 2010 26 June 2010 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on 5 June that the IDF raid of the Mavi Marmara should be investigated by a New Zealand-led committee, with Israeli and Turkish deputies.https://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=178382 Ankara doesn't 'trust' Israel probe The Jerusalem Post 3 April 2011 17 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100617025045/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=178382 live Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hoped the Israeli-led process would put an end to efforts in the United Nations to set up an international inquiry, which many Israelis fear would be biased. In Israel and around the world, some said the committee lacked sufficient credibility and investigative powers.Sanders Edmund http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/middleeast/la-fg-israel-commission-20100614,0,796652.story Israel announces creation of Gaza flotilla inquiry committee Los Angeles Times 14 June 2010 3 April 2011 White House backed Israeli internal inquiry into Gaza flotilla deaths and said that the Israeli inquiry meets the standard of "prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation".Harriet Sherwood in Jerusalem https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/13/eu-opposes-israel-gaza-blockade White House backs Israeli internal inquiry into Gaza flotilla deaths The Guardian London 14 June 2010 3 April 2011 U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague, speaking in Luxembourg, stressed the need for "a truly independent inquiry and a thorough investigation that the international community can respect".http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/06/14/bloomberg1376-L401DF1A74E9-5.DTL San Francisco Chronicle: Israeli Cabinet Approves Public Probe of Gaza Flotilla Raid Sfgate.com 14 February 2022February 2026 medicmedic Israeli Intelligence and Atomic Energy Minister Dan Meridor told Turkish media that there "will be international elements in the commission which is going to be formed".Agence France-Presse https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i6nRtAsNaZyijr98bnQvE0QVLIvA https://archive.today/20130124202803/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i6nRtAsNaZyijr98bnQvE0QVLIvA dead 24 January 2013 Gaza inquiry will have international input: Israel 13 June 2010 3 April 2011 The Israeli government said it would accept a limited role by non-Israelis in the investigation of the raid,http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/11/israel.gaza.flotilla/index.html?hpt=T3 Israel will accept international role in flotilla probe, officials say CNN 11 June 2010 14 June 2010 11 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100614172251/http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/11/israel.gaza.flotilla/index.html?hpt=T3 live but rejected an independent international inquiry,Amy Teibel The Guardian London https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/9109714 Israel rejects international investigation of raid 3 June 2010 11 June 2010 Jeffrey Heller Reuters https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65005R20100606 Israel rejects international inquiry into lethal raid 6 June 2010 11 June 2010 11 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100611080549/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65005R20100606 liveGwen Ackerman and Jonathan Ferziger Bloomberg Businessweek http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-06/israel-rejects-demands-for-international-probe-of-gaza-raid.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100608052425/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-06/israel-rejects-demands-for-international-probe-of-gaza-raid.html dead 8 June 2010 Israel Rejects Demands for International Probe of Gaza Raid 6 June 2010 11 June 2010 and said the country is able to conduct a credible review on its own. Analysts suggested that after the controversial UN-sponsored Goldstone Report, Israel lacks faith that the United Nations can do a credible job of investigating events related to Israel."The Washington Institute Podcast". Impact of the Gaza Flotilla Incident: Implications for Middle East Politics and U.S. Policy Implications for Middle East Politics and U.S. Policy. 17 June 2010. iTunes Store. Web. 22 June 2010. An internal Israeli police investigation was halted by Israeli Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein. A group of Israeli Navy reserve officers issued a letter backing the call for an independent investigation.Pfeffer Anshel https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-navy-reserves-officers-allow-external-gaza-flotilla-probe-1.294536 Israel Navy reserves officers: Allow external Gaza flotilla probe Haaretz 7 June 2010 8 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100608133909/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-navy-reserves-officers-allow-external-gaza-flotilla-probe-1.294536 dead The Israeli Inquiry Turkel Commission Following the raid, Israel's government set up the Turkel Commission, a commission of inquiry headed by Israeli Supreme Court Justice Jacob Turkel, to investigate the raid. It was chaired by Justice Turkel, and had four members: Shabtai Rosenne, Professor of International Law at Bar-Ilan University, Amos Horev, a retired Israeli Major-General and President of the Technion Institute of Technology, Miguel Deutch, Professor of Law at Tel Aviv University, and Reuven Merhav, former Director-General of the Foreign Ministry. Rosenne died at age 93 during the commission's work, and was not replaced. The commission had two non-voting foreign observers: Former First Minister of Northern Ireland and Nobel Peace Prize laureate David Trimble, and former Judge Advocate General of the Canadian Forces Ken Watkin, both of whom were friendly to Israel according to the BBC and Der Spiegel.Steinvorth Daniel Schult Christoph 16 June 2010 Smuggled Images of Israeli Assault: Gaza Raid Photos Fuel Propaganda War http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,700992,00.html Spiegel Online International 2 September 2011 14 February 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210214004445/https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,700992,00.html live Reynolds Paul 14 June 2010 Israel hopes inquiry will turn spotlight on activists https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10307637 BBC 2 July 2011 23 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120223153948/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10307637 live The committee also contracted the services of two foreign international law experts: Professors Wolff Heintschel von Heinegg and Michael Schmitt.Orde F. Kittrie Lawfare: Law as a Weapon of War https://books.google.com/books?id=81bhCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA300 1 December 2015 Oxford University Press 978-0-19-026358-4 300 The inquiry was charged with investigating the legality of the Gaza blockade, the legality of the Israeli Navy's actions during the raid, and determining whether investigations of claims of war crimes and breaches of international law conformed to Western standards. The committee was also charged with investigating the Turkish position, and the actions taken by flotilla participants, especially the IHH, and examining the identities and intentions of the flotilla's participants. During the investigation, the committee heard the testimonies of two flotilla passengers and two Israeli human rights activists. The committee requested the assistance of the Turkish Embassy in Israel in finding the Captain of the Mavi Marmara so he could be invited to testify. The request was denied, with the response being that the committee could look at the testimony of the Captain contained in the Turkish report. The committee also issued an open invitation to all passengers and crew to testify, and requested assistance from the Turkish Embassy in Israel in building a list of prospective witnesses, but received no immediate reply.https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?=191718 Israel The Jerusalem Post 21 November 2010 3 April 2011 8 December 2011 http://web.archive.bibalex.org/web/20111208130011/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?=191718 dead The committee also heard the testimonies of three politicians including the Prime Minister, three IDF officials (one testified twice), two government bureaucrats, and a Prison official. The 300-page Turkel Commission reportTurkel Report Part 1 Overview 2011 found the actions of the Israeli Navy in the raid and Israel's naval blockade of Gaza were both legal under international law,Turkel Report Summary 2011 9 and accused a group of "IHH activists" of having armed themselves and conducting hostilities "in an organized manner".Turkel Report Part 1 2011 278 Amnesty International described the report of the Turkel commission as a "whitewash" since it "fails to explain how the activists died and what conclusions the Commission reached regarding the IDF’s specific actions in each case.".Staff, B. Jpost. C. (2011). Amnesty International condemns Turkel Commission findings. Jerusalem Post | JPost. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/amnesty-international-condemns-turkel-commission-findings https://web.archive.org/web/20240130014554/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/amnesty-international-condemns-turkel-commission-findings 30 January 2024 The Turkish Inquiry Turkey also established an inquiry into the events, which found, in contrast to the Israeli inquiry, the blockade and the Israeli raid to have been illegal. After the Turkish inquiry, Turkey described the raid as a violation of international law, "tantamount to banditry and piracy", and described the killings of activists as "state-sponsored terrorism". Concerning the Israeli inquiry, Turkey said its own commission was "surprised, appalled and dismayed that the national inquiry process in Israel has resulted in the exoneration of the Israeli armed forces".https://www.ft.com/content/67836d6e-26f9-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a Turkey and Israel clash over inquiries 23 January 2011 Financial Times 3 April 2011 3 February 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170203021504/https://www.ft.com/content/67836d6e-26f9-11e0-80d7-00144feab49a live UNHRC fact-finding mission On 23 July 2010 the United Nations Human Rights Council launched an independent fact-finding mission to investigate violations of international law that may have occurred during the flotilla raid.UNHRC report 2010 Israel refused to allow the panel to interview Israeli witnesses and accused the UNHRC of a history of anti-Israel bias. In its first report, submitted in September 2010, the UN fact-finding mission found that the IDF broke international law, and that there was evidence sufficient to initiate prosecutions for breaches of the Geneva Convention. The report stated that: "The conduct of the Israeli military and other personnel towards the flotilla passengers was not only disproportionate to the occasion but demonstrated levels of totally unnecessary and incredible violence," and determined that Israeli commandos summarily executed six passengers aboard the MV Mavi Marmara. It cites forensic analysis indicating that Furkan Dogan was shot five times, including once in the face while he was lying on his back. "All of the entry wounds were on the back of his body except for the face wound, which entered the right of his nose", the report concluded. "According to forensic analysis, tattooing around the wound in his face indicates that the shot was delivered at point-blank range." The report stated: "There is clear evidence to support prosecutions of the following crimes within the terms of article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention: wilful killing; torture or inhuman treatment; wilfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health".http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/Media.aspx OHCHR Media Centre UN Fact-finding Mission report on Gaza flotilla – Press Conference 23 September 2010 12 May 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190512235709/https://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/Media.aspx live, 23 September 2010 The report also stated that it found no medical evidence of IDF commandos being shot. It recommended that Israel pay reparations, and also described Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip as "totally intolerable and unacceptable in the 21st century". On the issue of the IDF's use of force, the report stated that "In boarding the Mavi Marmara, both from the sea and from the air, the Israeli forces met a level of resistance from some of the passengers on board that was significant and, it appears, unexpected. However, there is no available evidence to support the claim that any of the passengers had or used firearms at any stage. In the initial phases of fighting with the Israeli soldiers on the top deck, three Israeli soldiers were disarmed and taken inside the ship. At this point, there may have been a justifiable belief of an immediate threat to life or serious injury of certain soldiers which would have justified the use of firearms against specific passengers." However, it accused Israeli troops of indiscriminately shooting passengers who were uninvolved in the fighting, claiming that "lethal force was employed by the Israeli soldiers in a widespread and arbitrary manner which caused an unnecessarily large number of persons to be killed or seriously injured" and that "the circumstances of the killing of at least six of the passengers were in a manner consistent with an extra-legal, arbitrary and summary execution."UNHRC report 2010 The United States expressed concern about the tone, content and conclusions of the report, while the European Union said that it should be transferred to the UN Secretary-General's investigation.The Jerusalem Post US concerned UNHRC flotilla probe may stop peace talks 28 September 2010 https://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=189515 28 September 2010 On 29 September 2010 the UN Human Rights Council voted to endorse the report, with 30 of the 47 countries voting in favor, the United States voting against, and 15 countries, including EU members, abstaining. UN Palmer Report On 2 August 2010, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced that the U.N. would conduct an investigation of the incident. Geoffrey Palmer, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, presided over the committee.3 August 2010 http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/middle-east/3984251/Former-NZ-PM-to-lead-Gaza-flotilla-attack-probe Former NZ PM to lead Gaza flotilla attack probe Stuff (company) 21 September 2011 16 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120616083946/http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/middle-east/3984251/Former-NZ-PM-to-lead-Gaza-flotilla-attack-probe live 3 August 2010 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10663218 Palmer to head UN flotilla inquiry The New Zealand Herald 21 September 2011 14 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120214164051/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10663218 live The four-member panel also included Álvaro Uribe, outgoing Colombian president, as vice chair, and one representative each from Israel and Turkey. The panel started its work on 10 August 2010. The terms of reference for the 'method of work' of the inquiry were given by Ban Ki Moon they are outlined in the report as follows: "The Panel is not a court. It was not asked to make determinations of the legal issues or to adjudicate on liability ... The Panel was required to obtain its information from the two nations primarily involved in its inquiry, Turkey and Israel, and other affected States ... the limitation is important. It means that the Panel cannot make definitive findings either of fact or law. The information for the Panel's work came primarily through its interactions with the Points of Contact designated by Israel and Turkey."http://www.eurasiareview.com/palmer-inquiry-whitewashes-blockade-oped-06092011/ https://archive.today/20130122090307/http://www.eurasiareview.com/palmer-inquiry-whitewashes-blockade-oped-06092011/ dead 22 January 2013 Palmer 'Inquiry' Whitewashes Blockade Stuart Littlewood 6 September 2011 6 September 2011 Eurasia Review In a statement, Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the country had nothing to hide and that it was in its interest that the truth of the events come to light throughout the world.U.N. panel to investigate Gaza flotilla incident 2 August 2010 http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/08/02/un.panel.flotilla/index.html#fbid=EoJSnWw2OJu 2 August 2010 CNN 3 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100803151523/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/08/02/un.panel.flotilla/index.html#fbid=EoJSnWw2OJu live The report was published on 2 September 2011UN Palmer Report 20111 September 2011 MacFarquhar Neil Bronner Ethan https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/world/middleeast/02flotilla.html Report Finds Naval Blockade by Israel Legal but Faults Raid The New York Times 21 September 2011 31 March 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180331132908/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/02/world/middleeast/02flotilla.html live after being delayed, reportedly to allow Israel and Turkey to continue reconciliation talks.Gonn Adam 26 July 2011 News analysis: Israel-Turkey reconciliation mutually beneficial: analysts http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2011-07/26/c_131008743.htm Xinhua News Agency 2 September 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121108015101/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2011-07/26/c_131008743.htm 8 November 2012 The commission determined Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip to be legal,3 September 2011 Agence France-Presse/Jiji Press Deadly Israeli strike on flotilla 'excessive': U.N. Japan Times 5 but stated that the "decision to board the vessels with such substantial force at a great distance from the blockade zone and with no final warning immediately prior to the boarding was excessive and unreasonable". The commission questioned the motivations of the Flotilla, stating, "There exist serious questions about the conduct, true nature and objectives of the flotilla organizers, particularly IHH."UN Palmer Report 2011 48 The commission recognized that the IDF were met with "organized and violent resistance from a group of passengers" upon boarding the vessel and therefore force was necessary for purposes of self-defense,Keinon Herb Palmer report: Gaza blockade legal, IDF force excessive https://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=236369 The Jerusalem Post 3 September 2011 2 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110902102254/http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=236369 live but said, "the loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force by Israeli forces during the take-over of the Mavi Marmara was unacceptable."UN Palmer Report 2011 4 Of those killed, the report noted, "no evidence has been provided to establish that any of the deceased were armed with lethal weapons". It further noted, "at least one of those killed, Furkan Dogan, was shot at extremely close range. Mr. Dogan sustained wounds to the face, back of the skull, back and left leg. That suggests he may already have been lying wounded when the fatal shot was delivered, as suggested by witness accounts to that effect."https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/06/opinion/06iht-edcohen06.html Israel Isolates Itself Roger Cohen 5 September 2011 6 September 2011 The New York Times 6 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110906121914/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/06/opinion/06iht-edcohen06.html live The lack of satisfactory explanation was pointed out: Forensic evidence showing that most of the deceased were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range has not been adequately accounted for in the material presented by Israel.UN Palmer Report 2011 61 In regards to the Gaza blockade, the commission writes: Israel faces a real threat to its security from militant groups in Gaza ... The naval blockade was imposed as a legitimate security measure in order to prevent weapons from entering Gaza by sea and its implementation complied with the requirements of international law. The report was also critical of the flotilla, describing it as "reckless". Turkey was criticized as well for not doing more to persuade flotilla participants to avoid armed conflict with Israeli soldiers. Finally, the report presented the following as rapprochement, i.e., for the re-establishment of cordial relations between Turkey and Israel: An appropriate statement of regret should be made by Israel in respect of the incident in light of its consequences. Israel should offer payment for the benefit of the deceased and injured and their families ... Turkey and Israel should resume full diplomatic relations ... On the subject of previous investigations, the report found that Israel's Turkel Commission which investigated the events was professional, independent and unbiased. It also criticized the Turkish government's behavior in its dealings with the committee, concluding that the Turkish investigation was politically influenced and its work was not professional or independent.Ravid Barak Gaza flotilla probe: IDF used excessive force but naval blockade legal https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/gaza-flotilla-probe-idf-used-excessive-force-but-naval-blockade-legal-1.371821 Haaretz 6 July 2012 25 December 2012 22 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120822040344/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/gaza-flotilla-probe-idf-used-excessive-force-but-naval-blockade-legal-1.371821 dead Israel's ambassador to the US Michael Oren said "We think it was a fair and balanced report", and that Israel would not apologize to Turkey.Kelemen Michele 2 September 2011 https://www.npr.org/2011/09/02/140151959/u-n-releases-review-on-israeli-raid U.N. Review of Israeli Flotilla Raid Reopens Wounds NPR 15 September 2011 3 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110903112215/http://www.npr.org/2011/09/02/140151959/u-n-releases-review-on-israeli-raid live The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that Israel has adopted the report, except for its conclusions regarding the use of force in the flotilla raid.Somfalvi Attila 3 September 2011 http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4117205,00.html Palmer committee member: No use of excessive force Ynetnews 3 September 2011 29 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111229155529/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4117205,00.html live Turkey criticized the report for accepting Israel's naval blockade as legal, and Turkey's president Abdullah Gul said his country considered the report "null and void".Fraser Suzan Friedman Matti 2 September 2011 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/turkey-expels-israeli-ambassador-2348103.html Turkey expels Israeli ambassador The Independent 15 September 2011 London 8 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110908051208/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/turkey-expels-israeli-ambassador-2348103.html live Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmed Davutoglu said the UN had not endorsed the Palmer report and that Turkey was going to challenge the legality of the blockade in the International Court of Justice.3 September 2011 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14777558 Gaza flotilla: Turkey 'to take Israel to UN court' BBC 15 September 2011 13 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110913123147/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14777558 live ICC probe In 2013, Fatou Bensouda, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, opened a preliminary examination into the incident after the government of Comoros, under whose flag the Mavi Marmara was sailing, filed a complaint over the incident.ICC opens initial probe against Israel over Marmara raid https://www.timesofisrael.com/comoros-files-complaint-against-israel-at-icc/ 22 January 2026 The Times of Israel 14 May 2013 13 March 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180313214743/https://www.timesofisrael.com/comoros-files-complaint-against-israel-at-icc/ live In November 2014, Bensouda decided not to pursue the case, declaring that while it was possible that war crimes were committed, the possible crimes were not grave enough to fall within the scope of the court.Newman Marissa As ICC closes Marmara case, Israel says it should never have been opened https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-marmara-case-closed-israel-calls-international-probe-pointless/ 22 January 2026 The Times of Israel 6 November 2014 13 March 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180313214603/https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-marmara-case-closed-israel-calls-international-probe-pointless/ live The government of Comoros appealed the decision, and in June 2015, three judges of a Pre-Trial Chamber of the ICC ruled that the prosecutor made material errors in her assessment of the incident's gravity and requested that the investigation be reopened in a 2–1 majority. Bensouda appealed the decision in July 2015, citing the opinion of the dissenting judge and errors made by the majority, claiming that the Pre-Trial Chamber had exceeded its mandate by applying a strict and mistaken standard to review the decision, and that the interpretation of the legal standard required of her was faulty.https://www.inss.org.il/publication/the-international-criminal-court-on-the-mavi-marmara-continued/ The International Criminal Court on the Mavi Marmara, Continued 13 March 2018 14 March 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180314042349/https://www.inss.org.il/publication/the-international-criminal-court-on-the-mavi-marmara-continued/ live Five judges of the ICC Appeals Chamber dismissed her appeal and ordered her to reexamine the case in a 3–2 majority ruling. Bensouda subsequently reopened a probe into the incident, and her office received over 5,000 pages of additional evidence, including testimonies from more than 300 Mavi Marmara passengers and Turkish autopsy reports, as well as arguments in defense of the action from Israeli Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit and his Senior Adviser Gil Limon. In November 2017, after examining the case for two years, Bensouda reaffirmed her previous conclusion and announced that there was no basis for prosecution due to the fact that any possible crimes committed were not on a large scale or as part of a plan or policy, and thus fell outside of the court's mandate, criticizing the judges' analysis on how to examine the gravity of the Israeli soldiers' conduct, and for disregarding the fact that the soldiers had encountered violent resistance. Bensouda also noted that many of the witnesses who provided testimony had apparently received help in wording their testimonies, and rejected some other testimonies on the basis of the witness' involvement in violent activities, and others on the basis that testimony was provided on things the witness could not possibly have seen.https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5059006,00.html Israeli achievement: No ICC probe over Gaza flotilla raid Ynetnews 19 December 2017 Tzimuki Tova 14 March 2018 13 March 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180314045506/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5059006,00.html live In November 2018, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber asked her to reconsider the case for a third time, and the ICC Appeals Chamber ordered her to do so in September 2019. In December 2019, Bensouda again concluded that the incident was not of sufficient gravity for ICC involvement.https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-third-time-icc-prosecutor-refuses-to-open-probe-into-gaza-flotilla-incident/ For third time, ICC prosecutor refuses to open probe into Gaza flotilla incident Ahren Raphael The Times of Israel 2 December 2019 en-US 2019-12-03 3 December 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20191203235700/https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-third-time-icc-prosecutor-refuses-to-open-probe-into-gaza-flotilla-incident/ live Turkish criminal investigation Turkey's Istanbul Bakırköy prosecutor's office, assisted by the Ankara prosecutor's office, opened a criminal investigation. Possible charges, against Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, would include murder, injury, attacking Turkish citizens, and piracy.Turkish prosecutors go after Israeli politicians http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-212202-turkish-prosecutors-go-after-israeli-politicians.html Today's Zaman 5 June 2010 30 June 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100608092214/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-212202-turkish-prosecutors-go-after-israeli-politicians.html 8 June 2010 In May 2011, Istanbul state prosecutor Mehmet Akif Ekinci wrote to the Israeli Justice Ministry, demanding that it disclose the names and addresses of the soldiers who took part in the raid. The demand was reportedly based on the testimonies of over 500 activists aboard the Mavi Marmara. There was no response to the request.13 October 2011 Turkey seeks Israeli arrests over flotilla raid http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4134689,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv Reuters 8 August 2012 20 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120920105054/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4134689,00.html live Ynet 14 May 2011 Turkey demands names of soldiers involved in flotilla raid http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4068368,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 In September 2011, IHH-affiliated lawyer Ramzan Turk claimed the organization had given Istanbul's chief prosecutor the names of 10 Israeli soldiers involved in the raid. Turk claimed that the names were given to the IHH by IDF soldiers who did not take part in the raid and "regretted the incident". The prosecutor reportedly also approached Turkish intelligence, seeking a list of Israelis involved in the operation.Ynet 9 September 2011 Report: Turkey obtains names of flotilla raid soldiers http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4120091,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 20 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120920053600/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4120091,00.html live On 26 September, the MIT, Turkey's national intelligence agency, submitted to the state prosecution a list of 174 Israelis it claimed were involved in the raid. Benjamin Netanyahu topped the list as the "primary responsible party". The list also included all of Israel's cabinet ministers, a variety of high and low-ranking officers, and the photographs of 10 soldiers who could not be identified by name.Magnezi Aviel 26 September 2011 Report: Turkey operated agents in Israel to track soldiers http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4127645,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 15 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121015070208/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4127645,00.html live Today's Zaman reported that the MIT had operated agents inside Israel to confirm the soldiers' identities, a claim denied by the Turkish government. According to a report in Sabah, photographs and information from various media sources helped in the identification of the soldiers, and Turkish intelligence agents apparently tracked down the soldiers on Facebook and Twitter.26 September 2011 Report: Turkey 'hunted' Israeli commandos on Facebook http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4127587,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv Israel News 8 August 2012 27 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110927094124/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4127587,00.html live However, a Ynet report later revealed that the soldiers listed as having taken part in the raid had already completed their military service by the time of the raid, and that the names included those of a Golani Brigade maintenance officer, a Paratroopers Brigade company commander, and an Artillery Corps battery commander. The IDF Spokesperson's Office stated that the names were "recycled" from previous lists that were published on anti-Israel websites during the Gaza War. Military officials claimed that the list was created for psychological warfare purposes.Haas Sa'ar 27 September 2011 Turkish list of flotilla soldiers a sham? http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4128276,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 On 9 May 2012, the Turkish Justice Ministry announced that the State Prosecutor's Office had completed its probe into the raid. Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin said that the Israeli Foreign Ministry had been approached with a request for the names of IDF soldiers who took part, and said that the soldiers would be indicted in Turkish courts when Israel complied.Ynet 9 May 2012 Turkey ready to indict flotilla soldiers http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4226698,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 11 May 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120511163717/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4226698,00.html live Israel did not grant the request. On 23 May, Istanbul state prosecutor Mehmet Akif Ekinci prepared indictments carrying life sentences for four Israeli commanders involved in the raid: Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, Navy commander Eli Marom, Air Force intelligence chief Avishai Levy, and military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin, charging each of them with first-degree murder, assault, and torture. The indictment called for 10 life sentences to be imposed on each of them: nine for every activist killed, and one for a wounded activist still in a coma.Magnezi Aviel 23 May 2012 Turkey seeks 10 life sentences for Israeli commanders http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4233296,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv Reuters 8 August 2012 On 28 May, they were indicted by an Istanbul court after a panel of judges voted unanimously.28 May 2012 Turkish court charges senior IDF officers http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4235019,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv Associated Press 8 August 2012 In the 144-page indictment, they were accused of inciting murder and injury. The case was dropped in 2016 after an Israeli-Turkish rapprochement.Turkish court drops case against Israelis over Gaza flotilla raid The Lindenstrauss Report In June 2012, Israeli State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss released a report on the decision-making process leading to the flotilla raid. It found major fault with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision-making process over the events, stating that he failed to organize an orderly and coordinated discussion with other Israeli leaders, instead consulting Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman in undocumented meetings. Netanyahu was also criticized for his failure to call a cabinet meeting to discuss the matter, despite the requests of Defense Minister Ehud Barak, IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, and Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya'alon. He instead consulted the forum of seven, a group of seven cabinet ministers with no constitutional basis, once before leaving to visit North America. The meeting took place five days before the raid, and relevant officials, including the Justice and Internal Security Ministers, were not invited, and the discussion was not in line with national security-related decision-making protocols. The report also found fault with Netanyahu failing to hold a discussion with the defense and foreign ministers to start a dialogue that could result in a diplomatic and political effort to prevent the flotilla from leaving or prevent it from getting as far as it did.Druckman Yaron 13 June 2012 Comptroller slams PM in flotilla report http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4241882,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 8 August 2012 15 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120615214356/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4241882,00.html live The report found fault with Netanyahu's failure to allow the National Security Council to deal with the matter. The NSC held its first meeting on 12 May, and its requests to be involved in discussions on the strategy used to deal with the raid were denied. The report claimed that this conduct was illegal and damaging to the NSC's ability to aid leaders in making decisions. Overall, Lindenstrauss found that the strategy for dealing with the flotilla was hastily put together and did not follow the recommendations of the Winograd and Lipkin-Shahak Commissions, which had examined the government's decision-making process following the 2006 Lebanon War. Other investigations The Foreign Press Association, which represents hundreds of journalists in Israel and the Palestinian territories, complained that Israel is validating its own account by selectively using the seized video and equipment from reporters on board. FPA also criticized Israel's use of captured material without permission. Journalist Paul McGeough told his consul-general "we were robbed of any electronic equipment that we had" and "Fairfax will fight this ... I could be back in Israel within two weeks to contest this."John Lyons, Istanbul http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/australia-based-journalists-from-gaza-flotilla-fine/story-e6frg6nf-1225875238665 The Australian: Australia-based journalists from Gaza flotilla 'fine' The Australian 31 May 2010 4 June 2010 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605160326/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/australia-based-journalists-from-gaza-flotilla-fine/story-e6frg6nf-1225875238665 dead Israeli public radio reported that authorities had banned the media from providing any information about the dead and wounded, and who was taken to hospital in Israel. The censorship order was later lifted.http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=288991 Maan News Agency: RSF condemns flotilla censorship Ma'an News Agency 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120915021901/http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=288991 15 September 2012 dead A spokesman for the US State Department said, "We will look into the circumstances of the death of an American citizen, as we would do anywhere in the world at all times", noting that the FBI could get involved, "working with the host government", "if we think a crime has been committed".Gaza flotilla attack: US to investigate death of citizen https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/7801935/Gaza-flotilla-attack-US-to-investigate-death-of-citizen.html The Daily Telegraph London 3 June 2010 25 June 2011 30 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110130020508/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/palestinianauthority/7801935/Gaza-flotilla-attack-US-to-investigate-death-of-citizen.html live In addition to governmental investigation, relatives of the Turkish citizens killed in the raid had conducted an unceasing campaign to find Israeli officials guilty of these fatalities. Even following the Israeli official apology and Turkish agreement to refrain from legal action against Israeli officials, the families of IHH activists kept pursuing their case and even managed to get the support of the government of the Comoros in referring the case to the ICC.http://www.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/icc/press%20and%20media/press%20releases/Pages/otp-statement-14-05-2013.aspx ICC Prosecutor statement of 14 May 2013 8 November 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141107224730/http://www.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/icc/press%20and%20media/press%20releases/Pages/otp-statement-14-05-2013.aspx 7 November 2014 In 2015, an arrest warrant was issued in Spain for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Ehud Barak, former IDF Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon, former Interior Minister Eli Yishai, Minister without Portfolio Benny Begin and Vice Admiral Eli Marom. The warrant was issued by federal judge José de la Mata of the National Court. The police and Civil Guard were ordered to inform the court if any of the indicted entered Spain. In accordance to a Spanish Supreme Court decision, legal procedures shall only be initiated when one of the seven indicted set foot in Spanish soil. Judge de la Mata noted that all signatory states to the Fourth Geneva Convention have a duty to seek any accused of serious infractions to the convention, "as in the present case".Vázquez Ángeles 11 June 2015 El juez invita al Gobierno a denunciar a Netanyahu por el asalto a la 'Flotilla de la Libertad' Judge invites the Government to denounce Netanyahu for the assault on the 'Freedom Flotilla' es Madrid El Mundo http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/06/11/5579920de2704e9e238b4581.html 17 November 2015 18 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151118113338/http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/06/11/5579920de2704e9e238b4581.html live Eleftheriou-Smith Loulla-Mae 17 November 2015 Spain 'issues arrest warrant' for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over 2010 Gaza flotilla attack The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/spain-issues-arrest-warrant-for-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-over-2010-gaza-flotilla-a6736436.html 17 November 2015 16 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151116184631/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/spain-issues-arrest-warrant-for-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-over-2010-gaza-flotilla-a6736436.html live Arrest warrant issued in Spain for Netanyahu, other Israeli officials 17 November 2015 JTA https://www.jta.org/2015/11/17/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/arrest-warrant-issued-in-spain-for-netanyahu-other-israeli-officials 16 January 2016 31 January 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160131045514/http://www.jta.org/2015/11/17/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/arrest-warrant-issued-in-spain-for-netanyahu-other-israeli-officials live Foreign Ministry spokesperson Emmanuel Nachshon said the judge's order is considered "a provocation", and that Israel is working with the Spanish authorities to get it canceled, hoping "it will be over soon."Yonah Jeremy Bob 16 November 2015 Spanish judge issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Liberman, others https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/spanish-judge-issues-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-liberman-others-433198 17 November 2015 The Jerusalem Post 2016 dismissing of the case In December 2016, Turkish courts finally dismissed the cases brought before them, under extraordinary security measures due to the "angry and disappointed Islamists" involved. Legal assessments Legal assessments of the Gaza flotilla raid International law experts differed over the legality of the Israeli action in published assessments following the raid. Legal commentators generally agreed that Israel was required to respond with a proportionate use of force in the face of violent resistance, but the degree of proportionality was disputed.https://www.theguardian.com/law/afua-hirsch-law-blog/2010/jun/01/gaza-freedom-flotilla-international-law Was the Gaza Flotilla Raid Illegal? The Guardian 2 June 2010 London 1 June 2010 Afua Hirsch 23 May 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240523132821/https://www.theguardian.com/law/afua-hirsch-law-blog/2010/jun/01/gaza-freedom-flotilla-international-law live A fact-finding mission of the UNHRC claimed that Israel had broken international law. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay condemned the Israeli raid, saying it involved disproportionate use of force and that the Gaza blockade was illegal.https://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/BBACA8683074703C85257735004D674F UN human rights chief condemns violent interception of Gaza aid flotilla (31 May 2010) United Nations 31 May 2010 3 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120512113508/http://unispal.un.org/UNISPAL.NSF/0/BBACA8683074703C85257735004D674F 12 May 2012 Richard Falk, professor emeritus of international law at Princeton University said that the "ships that were situated in the high seas where freedom of navigation exists, according to the law of the seas".https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34863&Cr=gaza&Cr1 United Nations: Secretary-General 'shocked' by deadly raid on Gaza aid flotilla United Nations 31 May 2010 4 June 2010 20 November 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231120032231/https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34863&Cr=gaza&Cr1 live Anthony D'Amato, a professor of international law at Northwestern University School of Law, said the raid was illegal and that a legitimate blockade would have required a state of war between Israel and Hamas, which he said was not the case.https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/jan-june10/gaza2_06-02.html As Flotilla Inquiry Calls Grow Louder, Legality of Gaza Blockade Examined PBS 2 June 2010 3 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110618074013/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/jan-june10/gaza2_06-02.html 18 June 2011 In September 2011, a United Nations report concluded that the Israeli naval blockade was legal, but that the Israeli action was "excessive".UN Palmer Report 2011 53 The finding declaring the naval blockade legal was rejected by a UNHRC panel of five independent human rights experts, stating that it amounted to collective punishment and was unlawful. Harvard Law School Professor Alan Dershowitz, Chicago Law School Professor Eric Posner, and Johns Hopkins international law Professor Ruth Wedgwood, said that the naval blockade and the boarding in international waters were in accord with long-standing international law, and comparable to other blockades in unrelated, historical conflicts.Dershowitz Alan http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/06/02/2010-06-02_israel_obeyed_international_law_legally_the_gaza_flotilla_conflict_is_an_openand.html Israel obeyed international law: Legally, the Gaza flotilla conflict is an open-and-shut case Daily News New York 1 June 2010 4 June 2010 24 May 2012 https://archive.today/20120524151011/http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2010/06/02/2010-06-02_israel_obeyed_international_law_legally_the_gaza_flotilla_conflict_is_an_openand.html live • Posner Eric https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704025304575284210429984110 The Gaza Blockade and International Law: Israel's position is reasonable and backed by precedent Opinion subscription 4 June 2010 4 June 2010 17 January 2024 https://archive.today/20240117035007/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704025304575284210429984110 live• https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/jan-june10/gaza2_06-02.html As Flotilla Inquiry Calls Grow Louder, Legality of Gaza Blockade Examined PBS NewsHour 2 June 2010 3 June 2010 18 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110618074013/http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/jan-june10/gaza2_06-02.html dead Dershowitz and Posner also defended the specific use of force as legal. In November 2014, Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC), stated that there "is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court were committed on one of the vessels, the Mavi Marmara, when Israeli Defence Forces intercepted the 'Gaza Freedom Flotilla' on 31 May 2010". However, she declined to further pursue the case as it "would not be of sufficient gravity to justify further action by the ICC."Simons Marlise 6 November 2014 Hague Prosecutor Cites Possible Israeli War Crimes in Gaza Flotilla Raid The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/world/europe/hague-prosecutor-cites-possible-israeli-war-crimes-but-declines-to-seek-inquiry-in-gaza-flotilla-raid.html 16 January 2016 17 July 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160717165901/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/07/world/europe/hague-prosecutor-cites-possible-israeli-war-crimes-but-declines-to-seek-inquiry-in-gaza-flotilla-raid.html live Representatives of the Comoros, on whose behalf the case was referred to the ICC, appealed the prosecutor's decision, and in July 2015 a pre-trial chamber ruled that Bensouda had made errors in her decision to dismiss the case. Bensouda appealed, but in November 2015 the appeals chamber of the International Criminal Court upheld the decision of the pre-trial chamber.Silver Charlotte 8 November 2015 ICC prosecutor ordered to investigate Israeli attack on Mavi Marmara The Electronic Intifada http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/charlotte-silver/icc-prosecutor-ordered-investigate-israeli-attack-mavi-marmara 16 January 2016December 2024Comoros situation: Dismissal of the Prosecutor's appeal against decision requesting reconsideration of the decision not to initiate an investigation International Criminal Court https://www.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/icc/press%20and%20media/press%20releases/Pages/pr1170.aspx 30 November 2015 8 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208154427/https://www.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/icc/press%20and%20media/press%20releases/Pages/pr1170.aspx dead Bensouda then launched another preliminary investigation, reviewing more than 5,000 pages of documents and more than 300 statements from passengers. In November 2017, she reaffirmed her previous decision not to investigate, concluding that while war crimes may have been committed on the Mavi Marmara ship and her conclusion does not excuse any crimes which may have been perpetrated, the incident was not serious enough to merit ICC involvement.https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5050334,00.html ICC prosecutor reaffirms she won't open Gaza flotilla probe Ynetnews 30 November 2017 1 December 2017 30 November 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171201012029/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5050334,00.html live Documentary Following upon the event and the various video clips presented by both Turkey and Israel, Iranian filmmaker Saeed Faraji created Freedom Flotilla, a 56-minute documentary film about the eventکاروان آزادي Freedom Flotilla misagh.tv fa http://www.misagh.tv/Docs/Detail/?Doc=1 6 January 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140107122731/http://www.misagh.tv/Docs/Detail/?Doc=1 7 January 2014 as his first feature length film project. The film aired in three parts on 7, 8 and 9 November 2010, on Iran Television Channel 1 and Channel 4. 6 November 2010 "کاروان آزادی" از شبکه یک پخش می‌شود Freedom Flotilla to be broadcast موتور جستجوی قطره fa ghatreh.com http://www.ghatreh.com/news/nn6275164/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D8%A8%DA%A9%D9%87-%D9%BE%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%AF 22 June 2013 7 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140107022958/http://www.ghatreh.com/news/nn6275164/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%B4%D8%A8%DA%A9%D9%87-%D9%BE%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D8%B4%D9%88%D8%AF live 6 November 2010 "کاروان آزادی" در شبکه یک Freedom Flotilla to be broadcast fa asriran.com http://www.asriran.com/fa/news/143943/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D8%A8%DA%A9%D9%87-%DB%8C%DA%A9 6 January 2014 7 January 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140107002837/http://www.asriran.com/fa/news/143943/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D8%A8%DA%A9%D9%87-%DB%8C%DA%A9 live In popular culture Valley of the Wolves: Palestine is a 2011 Turkish action fiction film directed by Zübeyr Şaşmaz. The film, which is part of the Valley of the Wolves media franchise based on the Turkish television series of the same name and is a sequel to Valley of the Wolves: Iraq (2006) and Valley of the Wolves: Gladio (2008), sees Polat Alemdar (Necati Şaşmaz) and his team go to Israel/Palestine to track down the Israeli military commander responsible for the Gaza flotilla raid.Valley of the Wolves: Palestine Sebnem Arsu https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/03/world/europe/03turkey.html The New York Times 2 September 2010 2 September 2010 2 June 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120602081026/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/03/world/europe/03turkey.html? live Notes text References 30em 22 March 2013 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21902273 Israel PM apologies for Gaza flotilla deaths. BBC 23 March 2013 23 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130323013532/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21902273 live Sidner Sara Watson Ivan Sterling Joe 22 March 2013 https://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/22/world/meast/israel-turkey-apology/ Israel to Turkey: We apologize for deadly raid on Gaza-bound flotilla CNN 22 March 2013 25 March 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130325030325/http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/22/world/meast/israel-turkey-apology live Turkel Report Part 1 2011 207: "... activists ... volunteers ... a 'hardcore group' ... boarded separately ..." quoted in UN Palmer Report 2011 30, 47. Colum Lynch 1 June 2010 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/01/AR2010060102934.html?hpid=topnews Israel's flotilla raid revives questions of international law The Washington Post 3 April 2011 10 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121110172439/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/01/AR2010060102934.html?hpid=topnews live Mitnick Joshua 1 June 2010 https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703703704575277632709673018 Flotilla Assault Off Gaza Spurs Crisis The Wall Street Journal 3 April 2011 6 September 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130906160052/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703703704575277632709673018.html live Kosharek Noah 6 June 2010 https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-to-deport-all-activists-seized-on-gaza-flotilla-1.293634 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604193120/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-transfers-hundreds-of-gaza-flotilla-activists-to-airport-for-deportation-1.293634 dead 4 June 2010 Israel transfers hundreds of Gaza flotilla activists to airport for deportation Haaretz Israel 3 April 2011 Booth Robert 4 June 2010 Gaza flotilla activists were shot in head at close range https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/04/gaza-flotilla-activists-autopsy-results London The Guardian 5 June 2010 Harel Amos Issacharoff Avi Pfeffer Anshel 31 May 2010 Israel Navy commandos: Gaza flotilla activists tried to lynch us https://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/at-least-10-activists-killed-in-israel-navy-clashes-onboard-gaza-aid-flotilla-1.293089 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603030216/http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-navy-commandos-gaza-flotilla-activists-tried-to-lynch-us-1.293089 dead 3 June 2010 Haaretz 11 June 2011 Marc Champion Margaret Coker 4 June 2010 https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704025304575284081264400448?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLETopStories Israel-Turkey Crisis: U.S. Citizen Among Dead in Gaza Ship Raid The Wall Street Journal 15 June 2010 11 October 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20231011050155/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704025304575284081264400448?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLETopStories live Edmund Sanders 1 June 2010 Israel criticized over raid on Gaza flotilla http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-israel-flotilla-20100531,0,1839736.story https://web.archive.org/web/20100531101434/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-israel-flotilla-20100531%2C0%2C1839736.story 31 May 2010 Los Angeles Times 11 June 2011 dead Department of Public Information, News and Media Division 1 June 2010 Security Council Condemns Acts Resulting in Civilian Deaths during Israeli Operation against Gaza-Bound Aid Convoy, Calls for Investigation, in Presidential Statement https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/sc9940.doc.htm 6325th & 6326th Meetings (PM & Night) United Nations 2 June 2010 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604052317/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2010/sc9940.doc.htm live Videos Timeline of Flotilla Incident as Presented by Eiland Team of Experts http://idfspokesperson.com/2010/07/15/videos-timeline-of-flotilla-incident-as-presented-by-eiland-team-of-experts-english-version-13-july-2010/ Idfspokesperson.com 15 July 2010 3 April 2011 23 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110623180123/http://idfspokesperson.com/2010/07/15/videos-timeline-of-flotilla-incident-as-presented-by-eiland-team-of-experts-english-version-13-july-2010/ live Israel Rejects Findings of UN Rights Probe of Gaza Flotilla Raid https://www.rferl.org/a/Israel_Rejects_Findings_Of_UN_Rights_Probe_Of_Gaza_Flotilla_Raid/2165779.html Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty 23 September 2010 2 September 2011 28 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110728124331/http://www.rferl.org/content/Israel_Rejects_Findings_Of_UN_Rights_Probe_Of_Gaza_Flotilla_Raid/2165779.html live Lynch Colum 30 September 2010 https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/29/AR2010092907110.html?wprss=rss_print/asection U.N. panel endorses report accusing Israel of executions aboard aid flotilla The Washington Post 12 June 2011 11 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121111155033/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/29/AR2010092907110.html?wprss=rss_print/asection live Watson Ivan Kayali Talia 4 June 2010 Autopsies reveal 9 men on Gaza aid boat shot, 5 in head http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/04/gaza.raid.autopsies/ CNN World 4 June 2010 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604101327/http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/04/gaza.raid.autopsies/ live Yaakov Katz 31 May 2010 https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177040 Navy commandos: 'They came for war' The Jerusalem Post 2 June 2010 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603205457/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177040 live Harriet Sherwood 3 June 2010 Hamas refuses flotilla aid delivered by Israel https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/03/hamas-flotilla-aid-israel London Guardian (UK) 4 June 2010 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605042132/http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/03/hamas-flotilla-aid-israel live Did Israel tamper with flotilla? http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/06/02/Did-Israel-tamper-with-flotilla/UPI-53561275514260/ United Press International 2 June 2010 28 June 2010 24 April 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230424040634/http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2010/06/02/Did-Israel-tamper-with-flotilla/UPI-53561275514260/ live Israel attacks Gaza aid fleet http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/201053133047995359.html Al Jazeera 31 May 2010 31 May 2010 13 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110313131133/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/201053133047995359.html live Q&A: Israeli deadly raid on aid flotilla https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10203726 BBC News 6 June 2010 15 July 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100715035952/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10203726 live Eyewitnesses recount Israel flotilla raid http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/01/gaza.raid.eyewitnesses/index.html?hpt=T1 CNN 1 June 2010 2 September 2011 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604022338/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/01/gaza.raid.eyewitnesses/index.html?hpt=T1 live In their own words: Survivor testimonies from Flotilla 31 May 2010 Freegaza.org http://www.freegaza.org/en/testimonies-from-israeli-jail/1221-in-their-own-words-survivor-testimonies-from-flotilla-31-may-2010 3 April 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100729024450/http://www.freegaza.org/en/testimonies-from-israeli-jail/1221-in-their-own-words-survivor-testimonies-from-flotilla-31-may-2010 29 July 2010 Jones Dorian Smith Helena 1 June 2010 Israelis opened fire before boarding Gaza flotilla, say released activists https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/01/gaza-flotilla-eyewitness-accounts-gunfire London Guardian (UK) 2 June 2010 29 January 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190129144657/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/01/gaza-flotilla-eyewitness-accounts-gunfire live BBC News BBC 20 August 2010 Death in the Med https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t14n https://web.archive.org/web/20100818172933/http://www.justjournalism.com/bbc-focus/view/death-in-the-med-the-transcript 18 August 2010 live Nahmias Roee 31 May 2010 Casualties reported during IDF raid on Gaza sail http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896416,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 31 May 2010 1 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100601031740/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896416,00.html live Ynet 10 June 2010 Turkish doctor who treated soldiers says more humane http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3903079,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 24 June 2011 3 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110203022931/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3903079,00.html live Raved Ahiya 31 May 2010 20 people threw me from deck http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3897486,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 24 June 2011 4 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100604004023/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3897486,00.html live Ben-Yishai Ron Ron Ben-Yishai 31 May 2010 A brutal ambush at sea http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896796,00.html Ynetnews Tel Aviv 31 May 2010 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603122641/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896796,00.html live http://english.aljazeera.net/video/middleeast/2010/06/201063123021327499.html Interview with Jamal Elshayyal Al Jazeera 3 June 2010 16 August 2011 25 March 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190325153704/https://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2010/06/201063123021327499.html live Harel Amos 4 June 2010 Israel Navy: 3 commandos nearly taken hostage in Gaza flotilla raid https://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-navy-3-commandos-nearly-taken-hostage-in-gaza-flotilla-raid-1.294114 Haaretz 1 July 2011 13 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110513043047/http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-navy-3-commandos-nearly-taken-hostage-in-gaza-flotilla-raid-1.294114 dead Connolly Kate 3 June 2010 Henning Mankell on Gaza flotilla attack: 'I think they went out to murder' https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/03/gaza-flotilla-attack-henning-mankell London The Guardian 4 June 2010 Needham Kirsty Mahar Jessica 3 June 2010 I was 'Tasered' by Israelis, says Herald photographer http://www.smh.com.au/world/i-was-tasered-by-israelis-says-herald-photographer-20100602-wzv3.html?autostart=1 The Sydney Morning Herald 2 June 2010 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605175439/http://www.smh.com.au/world/i-was-tasered-by-israelis-says-herald-photographer-20100602-wzv3.html?autostart=1 live Accounts, videos of flotilla assault continue to conflict https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/01/AR2010060104000_2.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2010053101699 The Washington Post 0740-5421 2 June 2010 2 June 2010 13 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121113084749/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/01/AR2010060104000_2.html?hpid=topnews&sid=ST2010053101699 live Passengers recount mid-sea horror http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/20106193546785656.html Al Jazeera 3 June 2010 4 June 2010 5 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100605092857/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/06/20106193546785656.html live Raved Ahiya 31 May 2010 Hospitals treat 42 people injured in Gaza sail raid http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896843,00.html YnetNews Tel Aviv 3 June 2010 3 June 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100603122657/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896843,00.html live Rachel Shabi in Jerusalem 3 June 2010 Gaza flotilla activist faces death threats https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/03/gaza-flotilla-survivor-haneen-zuabi London The Guardian 5 June 2010 Ron Friedman 3 June 2010 Wheelchairs as well as weapons found on board aid ships https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177342 The Jerusalem Post 22 September 2011 18 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121018231545/http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177342 live Soncan Emre Salcioğlu Muzaffer Yenilmez Cihan 31 May 2010 Customs officials deny Israeli claims weapons were onboard http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-211697-customs-officials-deny-israeli-claims-weapons-were-onboard.html Today's Zaman 22 September 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121005120521/http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/news-211697-customs-officials-deny-israeli-claims-weapons-were-onboard.html 5 October 2012 Deaths as Israeli forces storm Gaza aid ship https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10195838 BBC News 31 May 2010 Gardell: Jag har sorg för de som mördades Gardell: I mourn for the murdered http://www.tv4play.se/nyheter/nyhetskanalen?videoId=1.1664803 Tv4play.se sv 3 June 2010 4 June 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100604205923/http://www.tv4play.se/nyheter/nyhetskanalen?videoId=1.1664803 4 June 2010 Harriett Sherwood 2 June 2010 Gaza flotilla deaths: pressure builds on Israel for full inquiry https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jun/01/gaza-flotilla-deaths-pressure-israel-inquiry%20Gaza%20flotilla%20deaths:%20pressure%20builds%20on%20Israel%20for%20full%20inquiry London The Guardian 2 June 2010 4 June 2010 Court dismisses flotilla petitions https://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=177365 The Jerusalem Post 22 September 2011 Macdonald Alastair 1 June 2010 Egypt opens Gaza border after Israel ship clash https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6502H820100601 Reuters 1 June 2010 Greece: Ship Egypt-bound http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700047233/World-datelines.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120120085509/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700047233/World-datelines.html dead 20 January 2012 Deseret News 10 July 2010 3 April 2011 Oster Marcy 21 June 2010 Reaction mixed to Israeli announcement on easing of Gaza blockade https://www.jta.org/news/article/2010/06/21/2739697/israel-announces-plan-to-ease-gaza-blockade Jewish Telegraphic Agency New York 25 June 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110806062346/http://www.jta.org/news/article/2010/06/21/2739697/israel-announces-plan-to-ease-gaza-blockade 6 August 2011 Jon Donnison 23 January 2011 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12262617 Gaza aid flotilla raid: Turkey criticises Israel report BBC 3 April 2011 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11393836 Israeli Raid on Gaza Aid Flotilla Broke Law – UN Probe 22 September 2010 BBC News 22 September 2010 CBS/AP 3 June 2010 Israel's use of captured video draws criticism http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/03/world/main6544489.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20100606173226/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/03/world/main6544489.shtml dead 6 June 2010 Associated Press CBS News 4 June 2010 Citations Report of the international fact-finding mission to investigate violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, resulting from the Israeli attacks on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian assistance http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/15session/A.HRC.15.21_en.pdf UN Human Rights Council 27 September 2010 12 June 2011 UNHRC report 2010 Detailed testimony from IDF officers and soldiers, supported by documentation, reveals for the first time the aggressive, brutal fighting carried out by IHH operatives and their accomplices against Israeli forces aboard the Mavi Marmara http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/ipc_e162.pdf Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center 23 January 2011 12 June 2011 Meir Amit report 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20111109084030/http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/English/eng_n/pdf/ipc_e162.pdf 9 November 2011 http://www.gif.org.tr/eng/pdf/110210_Turkey_Final_Report.pdf Report on the Israeli Attack on the Humanitarian Aid Convoy to Gaza on 31 May 2010 Ankara Turkish National Commission of Inquiry February 2011 13 June 2011 Turkish NCI final report 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110301181951/http://www.gif.org.tr/eng/pdf/110210_Turkey_Final_Report.pdf 1 March 2011 http://dosyalar.hurriyet.com.tr/mavimarmara_rapor.pdf Interim Report on the Israeli Attack on the Humanitarian Aid Convoy to Gaza on 31 May 2010 Ankara Turkish National Commission of Inquiry September 2010 23 June 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110928224118/http://dosyalar.hurriyet.com.tr/mavimarmara_rapor.pdf 28 September 2011 23 June 2010 Flotilla campaign Summary Report http://www.freegaza.org/attachments/1234_Mavi%20Marmara%20Report.pdf IHH 15 September 2011 IHH Summary Report 2010 Turkel Committee – The Report – Part 1 January 2011 Turkel Committee http://www.turkel-committee.gov.il/lang.php?lng=eng&return=content-107.html https://archive.today/20121218154606/http://www.turkel-committee.gov.il/lang.php?lng=eng&return=content-107.html dead 2012-12-18 22 September 2011 Turkel Report Part 1 Overview 2011 Archive of the overview page with links to the other documents. Direct links below where still available: Trimble David Watkin Kenneth January 2011 The Observers Letter Turkel Committee http://www.turkel-committee.gov.il/files/wordocs/4229observers-eng.pdf 22 September 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120402195048/http://www.turkel-committee.gov.il/files/wordocs/4229observers-eng.pdf 2 April 2012 none Watkin Kenneth January 2011 Additional Words MS Word Turkel Committee http://www.turkel-committee.gov.il/files/wordocs/7451kws.doc 22 September 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120402195146/http://www.turkel-committee.gov.il/files/wordocs/7451kws.doc 2 April 2012 none The Report Summary January 2011 Turkel Committee http://www.turkel-committee.gov.il/files/wordocs/7896summary-eng.PDF 22 September 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110304072410/http://www.turkel-committee.gov.il/files/wordocs/7896summary-eng.PDF 4 March 2011 Turkel Report Summary 2011 Turkel Committee – The Report – Part 1 January 2011 Turkel Committee https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/generalpage/downloads_eng1/en/ENG_turkel_eng_a.pdf 19 April 2020 Turkel Report Part 1 2011 Palmer Geoffrey Uribe Alvaro Itzhar Joseph Ciechanover Sanberk Süleyman Özdem 2 September 2011 Report of the Secretary-General's Panel of Inquiry on the 31 May 2010 Flotilla Incident https://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/world/Palmer-Committee-Final-report.pdf United Nations 15 September 2011 UN Palmer Report 2011 Further reading Bayoumi Moustafa Moustafa Bayoumi 2010 Midnight on the Mavi Marmara: The Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and How It Changed the Course of the Israeli/Palestine Conflict Midnight on the Mavi Marmara Haymarket Books 978-1-60846-121-9 none Gerstenfeld Manfred Manfred Gerstenfeld 15 September 2010 The Gaza Flotilla: Facts and Official Reactions Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs http://jcpa.org/article/the-gaza-flotilla-facts-and-official-reactions/ none Billis Emmanouil 2022 The limits of discretion in the investigation and prosecution of war crimes at the international level: The Mavi Marmara saga Bergen Journal of Criminal Law & Criminal Justice 10 1 26 10.15845/bjclcj.v10i1.3686 248839946 1894-4183 free External links Official Page From IHH for Gaza flotilla raid "Q&A: The Gaza Freedom flotilla" – The Guardian Flotilla Campaign Summary Report (İHH) 32.64113 33.56727 type:event_region:XZ title Category:Cross-border operations of Israel Category:Greece–Israel relations Category:International maritime incidents Category:Israel–Turkey relations Category:Military scandals Category:Operations involving special forces of Israel Category:Raids of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict Category:Maritime incidents in 2010 Category:2010 in the Gaza Strip Category:2010 in international relations Category:Recep Tayyip Erdoğan controversies Category:May 2010 in Asia Category:Violations of medical neutrality during the Israeli–Palestinian conflict cy:Ymateb rhyngwladol i ymosodiad Israel ar longau dyngarol Gaza 2010