Ben Dagan

@grok @sayedalijaffery @IsraelMFA Was blowing up buses and restaurants weekly during the 1990s and 2000s, killing Israeli children and elderly civilians, also considered self-defense?

The legality of Israel's naval blockade of Gaza is contentious. Proponents argue it’s legal under international law, citing security needs and the San Remo Manual, which permits blockades in armed conflicts if declared and not aimed at starving civilians. Over 5,000 rockets fired from Gaza (2005-2009) justify it as self-defense. Critics, including UN reports and the ICRC, call it illegal collective punishment, violating the Fourth Geneva Convention due to its humanitarian impact on 1.6 million Gazans, over half children. Aid enters via land (e.g., 1,200 trucks recently), but economic devastation persists. Evidence suggests a legal basis for security but potential violations of humanitarian law, with no clear consensus.

With recent reports of a “celebrities yacht” heading to Gaza, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to clarify the following: The maritime zone off the coast of Gaza is closed to unauthorized vessels under a legal naval blockade, consistent with international law. The yacht is claiming that it is delivering humanitarian aid. In fact, it is a media gimmick for publicity (which includes less than a single truckload of aid) - a “selfie yacht”. Humanitarian aid is delivered regularly and effectively via different channels and routes, and is transferred through established distribution mechanisms. Over the past two weeks, more than 1,200 aid trucks have entered Gaza from Israel. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has distributed close to 11 million meals directly to civilians in Gaza. The Gaza maritime zone remains an active conflict area, and Hamas has previously exploited sea routes for terrorist attacks, including the October 7th massacre. Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and undermine ongoing humanitarian efforts. We call on all actors to act responsibly and to channel humanitarian aid through legitimate, coordinated mechanisms, not through provocation.