" Freedom Flotilla II – Stay Human " was a flotilla that planned to break the maritime blockade of the Gaza Strip by Israel by sailing to Gaza on 5 July 2011. Ultimately, the sailing did not take place.
112-452: The flotilla was organized by a coalition of 22 NGOs. Its name refers to the May 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla . Their stated goal was to end the blockade of Gaza "completely and permanently". Initially, 10 ships, with 1,000 activists were set to sail for Gaza, but by 28 June 2011, the number of expected participants had decreased to fewer than 300, plus a few dozen journalists, and by 7 July all but
224-507: A Black Hawk helicopter with a 15-man assault team on board. According to the IDF, the commandos fired warning shots and dropped stun grenades prior to abseiling onto the ship. 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. According to flotilla organizer Greta Berlin , who was not aboard
336-476: A "hardcore group". 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. Activists dressed in protective clothing from construction materials. The boarding of the Mavi Marmara started in the early morning at 4:30 IST . The operation began with an attempt to board
448-455: A Greek coast guard vessel pursuing the boat. The coast guard vessel caught up to the Tahrir after about 15 minutes. Passengers attempted to protect the wheelhouse by draping it with netting and blocking doorways by sitting in front of them and linking arms. The Tahrir was sprayed with water cannons, boarded by armed officers, and towed back to port. One activist claimed that two officers boarded
560-939: A few dozen activists had returned home. The flotilla was publicly opposed by the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Turkey , Canada, the Middle East Quartet (consisting of the EU, Russia, the United Nations, and the United States), and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon . It was publicly supported by Hamas . Activists on two ships, one in Greece and one in Turkey, found similar damage to their propeller shafts, and claimed that
672-547: A few of them were slated for prosecution. After international criticism, all of the detained activists were also deported. The raid drew widespread condemnation internationally and resulted in a deterioration of Israel–Turkey relations . Israel subsequently eased its blockade on the Gaza Strip. All surviving activists were freed, though only the Turkish and Greek ships were returned. Israel confiscated and continued to hold
784-421: A flotilla in light of the newly opened Rafah crossing , but also urged Israel to act wisely and avoid past mistakes. Several Dutch journalists who were due to travel in the flotilla backed out in late June, accusing the organizers of non-transparency, particularly with regard to their relations with Hamas , restrictiveness, dishonesty and "shocking" gullibility. Journalist Eric Beauchemin said, "never have I seen
896-631: A more closed organization. When we would ask critical questions they would accuse us of being unprofessional. Restrictions were imposed on us that hadn't been agreed upon beforehand." In France, a ship purchased for the flotilla was prevented from sailing after being denied permission to dock in Marseille . The move followed intense political pressure by the Jewish community on members of Parliament , political parties, and organizations, which in turn pressured insurance companies and authorities. A day before,
1008-489: A nation. Israel's blockade of Gaza is a direct consequence of attacks launched from within the territory. If flotilla participants really want to ease Gazans' isolation, they should encourage Hamas to acknowledge Israel's right to exist and to forswear terrorism. Pravda argued in favour of the flotilla, stating: Gaza Flotilla Raid 32°38′28″N 33°34′02″E / 32.64113°N 33.56727°E / 32.64113; 33.56727 The Gaza flotilla raid
1120-510: A parallel probe in August 2010 by a four-member panel headed by Geoffrey Palmer . The Palmer report was published on 2 September 2011 after being delayed, reportedly to allow Israel and Turkey to continue reconciliation talks. The report found that the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza was legal, and that there were "serious questions about the conduct, true nature and objectives of the flotilla organizers, particularly IHH". The report also found that
1232-403: A shift in Israeli policy. Both Israel and Egypt eased their blockade, letting in more goods over land. In June 2010 Egypt decided to open the land crossings between Egypt and the Gaza Strip to transfer a minimal amount of supplies. After the events of the 2011 flotilla raid, organizations from several countries declared their intention to send more ships to break the blockade on Gaza. As a result,
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#17327919782761344-561: A ship at sea with fifty 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. 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
1456-774: A shred of substance to the report that extremist elements will put up violent resistance to IDF soldiers aboard the flotilla. Neither is there any clear information regarding deadly weapons on any of the ships". He said that it can be assumed that this is considered a possibility by defense forces, along with many other scenarios, but was improperly turned into a definitive fact. Anonymous Israeli cabinet members described this information as "political spin", saying that information concerning violent resistance had not been presented to them. However, Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya'alon later said that reports from army sources that flotilla participants were planning lethal violence were accurate. Similarly, Israel's Prime Minister's Office replied that
1568-459: Is an unequivocal directive from the government to enforce the naval blockade that is recognized by international law, and we will not allow it to be broken." The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began training personnel for future flotillas. In addition to Shayetet 13 commandos, other naval and special forces units were also drilled to participate. IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi announced that Israel may deploy snipers to minimize troop casualties on
1680-493: 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." 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
1792-717: 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. The ships of the Gaza flotilla raid comprised three passenger ships and three cargo ships: Two other Free Gaza Movement ships had mechanical problems: Challenger 2 (USA flagged) had to turn back halfway through
1904-637: The Gaza Strip . 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, and dozens injured. A UNHRC fact-finding mission described six of
2016-516: The Israeli navy raided the ships some 40 kilometres away from Gaza shores. During the takeover, a violent confrontation occurred in which nine activists were killed on one of the ships and several Israeli soldiers were injured as well as dozens of passengers from several ships. At the end of the operation the ships were seized by the Israeli navy and taken to the port of Ashdod. Following the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid, international outrage contributed to
2128-482: The Mavi Marmara alone. Three other ships carried cargo : 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid, with an estimated value of $ 20 million. Reports disagree about the presence and quantity of paramilitary equipment. 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. The ship
2240-699: The Philippines , Aceh , Myanmar , Greece , Crimea , and Haiti . He received a bachelor's degree in law, at University of Istanbul . He participated in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla as the leader of İHH. He was on board the MV Mavi Marmara ship which was stormed by Israeli troops. In the Gaza flotilla raid , 9 activists were killed by the IDF gunfire. Israel accuses him of giving orders to İHH members to throw Israeli soldiers to sea. He
2352-579: The 35th minute. They threw in gas bombs, which injured our friends. Only two of the initially fired bullets were rubber. The others were nail-like bullets. Our friend Cevdet was martyred. He is a member of the press. He was only taking pictures as the Israelis fired on us. They smashed his brain into pieces from exactly one meter away ... We never acted outside the law. Warships were following us. They were supposed to help us, but they didn’t. They killed our friends who had surrendered and threw their bodies into
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#17327919782762464-676: The Canadian ship, the MV Tahrir , it slipped out of Turkey and sailed for Gaza. This sailing was called the "Freedom Waves to Gaza" flotilla. Both ships were intercepted by Israeli warships some 50 miles from Gaza. Both ships and 27 activists and crew – 14 Irish citizens and 13 Canadian, Australian, US and Greek citizens – were brought by force to Ashdod, imprisoned for a week and then expelled from Israel. Greece announced that any vessels bound for Gaza were forbidden from leaving their ports. Greece emphasized safety concerns and noted that
2576-484: The Gaza aid flotilla, but later agreed to cooperate with an investigation conducted by the United Nations. 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. In August 2010, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced that the U.N. would conduct an investigation of
2688-711: The Greek coast guard, brought back to shore, and a few activists were arrested. Activists responded by occupying the Spanish embassy in Athens. Only the French ship Dignité Al Karama managed to approach Gaza. They advised the Greek authorities that their destination was the Egyptian port of Alexandria , and then turned toward Gaza. On 19 July, the ship was intercepted and boarded without incident by Israeli commandos and escorted to
2800-400: 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. Soldiers from the second helicopter successfully slid down and moved to gain control of the front of
2912-540: The IDF's confiscation of the passengers' photographic evidence. 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
3024-416: 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, and another soldier was shot in the knee. IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi said that activists also seized three stun grenades from soldiers. After the third soldier
3136-455: The IHH had announced that was rethinking its participation in the flotilla and might withdraw from the initiative. On 17 June, İHH announced that they are still part of the flotilla movement, though the Mavi Marmara pulled out from the flotilla because, according to Yıldırım, president of IHH, "after the damage caused to the Mavi Marmara [last year], we are not in a position to go to sea". Two of
3248-525: The Israeli Navy, was quoted as calling the flotilla a "hate flotilla". Israeli military sources told Israeli newspapers on 27 June 2011 that some radical elements among flotilla members intended to kill soldiers who tried to board their vessels, and had equipped themselves with bags of sulfur to throw at soldiers. Multiple newspapers reported the statements. Alex Fishman, dean of Israeli military correspondents, criticized these claims and said "There isn't
3360-596: 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
3472-415: The Israeli government announced that the any ships attempting to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip would be arrested. Opinions on the legality of Israel's blockade of the Gaza strip, as well as on the use of force in international waters to maintain the blockade, are divided. On 3 July 2011, the Greek government offered to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza themselves, but Greece's offer was turned down by
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3584-423: The Israeli port of Ashdod . After the 2007 Fatah–Hamas conflict , Israel and Egypt closed off their respective borders with Gaza, preventing most goods and nearly all people from going in and out. At the end of May 2010 a flotilla of six ships left from Turkey towards the Gaza Strip. The main purpose of the flotilla, according to its organizers, was to bring humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip. On 31 May 2010
3696-781: The Secretary General of the United Nations, the European Council, the Middle East Quartet and Greece itself had already urged against participation in the flotilla. Greece offered to transfer the cargo onto Greek ships, and transport humanitarian aid through established aid channels, as requested by the UN Secretary General. The offer was supported by Israel, the Palestinian Authority and the United Nations, but rejected by
3808-439: The Spanish embassy in Athens to protest the Greek travel ban. On 7 July 2011 most of the activists withdrew from the initiative and left Greece for home. Only a few dozen remained to try to convince the Greek government to end its travel ban. On 16 July, the French yacht Dignité Al Karama left the Greek island of Kastellorizo after informing Greek authorities that its destination was the Egyptian port of Alexandria . Instead,
3920-684: The Turkish port of Gocek. These claims have been disputed by Activists who called for an independent investigation into how the MV Saoirse was damaged. Due to the damage, the MV Saoirse's plans to join the flotilla were cancelled but several Irish activists went to Corfu to join the Italian/Dutch ship, the MV Stefano Chiarini . The Irish Ship to Gaza campaign later repaired the MV Saoirse and in November 2011, joined by
4032-444: 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. As of 27 March 2013 , an agreement
4144-552: The UNHRC of a biased, politicized and extremist approach. Benjamin Netanyahu described the actions of the soldiers as a clear case of self-defense. 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." Five shipments had been allowed through prior to the 2008–09 Gaza War , but all shipments following
4256-422: 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. According to some accounts by activists and journalists,
4368-653: 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. 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
4480-585: The activists. The flotilla was named in memory of Vittorio Arrigoni , an Italian reporter and activist whose killing by suspected members of a Palestinian Salafist group in Gaza in April 2011 "left the Palestinian activist community stunned." His favourite expression was "Stay Human". Originally it was thought that the MV Mavi Marmara would lead the flotilla, but in mid-June, IHH announced that
4592-472: The blockade, it would intercept the ships and that Israeli forces would defend themselves if they were attacked. To deal with any casualties that could result from a naval interception from the flotilla, the Israeli Navy converted the mess halls on two vessels into operating rooms fully equipped for surgery, and planned for them to feature a full medical staff, including surgeons and anesthesiologists. Medevac helicopters were also planned be at hand in case any of
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4704-467: The boat was boarded by armed coast guard personnel and escorted to a Greek naval facility. Greek authorities arrested the American captain of the boat, John Klusmire, and held him on charges of endangering the lives of the boat's passengers, which is a felony, and of trying to leave port without permission. Activists responded by launching a hunger strike . Klusmire was released from custody on 5 July, but
4816-521: The boat, and one had a pistol drawn as he approached the boat's wheelhouse to take control. Canadian citizen Sandra Ruch, who was responsible for the boat, was arrested on charges of illegally sailing without permission. Fifty other passengers were detained by the Greek coastal authority. Activists claimed that the coast guard vessel rammed the boat against a cement pier and demanded that it be fixed immediately at Greece's expense. Activists Soha Kneen and Michael Coleman were tried and found guilty of obstructing
4928-462: 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. An Israeli journalist who was on board an IDF ship confirmed the IDF accounts. Hours before the raid, the head of the İHH, Fehmi Bülent Yıldırım , declared, "We're going to defeat
5040-430: 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. 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
5152-489: The charges against him were not dropped. "Only a fool thought we'd get to Gaza given what happened last year. We knew we'd be stopped," said Henry Norr, an activist on the boat. On 4 July, the mainly Canadian-manned Tahrir sailed from Crete in violation of the ban. It did so without its original Greek crew on board, and instead with "international volunteers" piloting the boat. Canadian Soha Kneen and Australian Michael Coleman were arrested after they used kayaks to surround
5264-435: 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
5376-427: The commanding officer of the assault team, was abseiling from the helicopter when he was attacked by ten 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
5488-455: The companies open to prosecution for aiding a terrorist organization. In addition, Shurat HaDin sent a letter warning Inmarsat , a satellite navigation company, that it could be open to legal charges for providing communications and navigation services to ships that are part of the flotilla. Gisha, an Israeli not-for-profit organization whose stated goal is "to protect the freedom of movement of Palestinians, especially Gaza residents," criticized
5600-689: 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. Fehmi B%C3%BClent Y%C4%B1ld%C4%B1r%C4%B1m Fehmi Bülent Yıldırım (born 1966 in Erzurum , Turkey ) is a Turkish lawyer and the current president of Turkish NGO, İHH (İnsan Hak ve Hürriyetleri, İnsani Yardım Vakfı) which provided humanitarian relief in Libya , Pakistan , Russia , China , Kashmir , Darfur , Sri Lanka , Rwanda , Somalia , Mauritania , Chile ,
5712-554: The death of nine Turks on the ship. 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 . 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
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#17327919782765824-415: The degree of force used against the Mavi Marmara was "excessive and unreasonable", and that the way Israel treated detained crew members violated international human rights law. Israel has offered Turkey $ 20 million in compensation for the raid. On 22 March 2013, in a half-hour telephone exchange between Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ,
5936-466: The flotilla activists. On 1 July, the American-manned flotilla boat Audacity of Hope , which was not carrying any aid, sailed from Perama in violation of this Greek ban. It was intercepted after about ten minutes by an armed Hellenic Coast Guard boat and two Zodiac speedboats. An hours-long standoff ensued, with the coast guard initially trying to persuade the boat to turn back. Eventually,
6048-507: 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
6160-401: The flotilla at 11 p.m. (2000 UTC) on 30 May, about 120 miles (190 km) northwest of Gaza, 80 miles (130 km) off the coast of southern Lebanon , in international waters , ordering the ships to follow them to port or otherwise be boarded. The Shayetet 13 commandos who participated in the operation underwent a month of training prior to the operation, including dummy takeovers of
6272-410: The flotilla's main purpose was to cause a provocation which was designed to serve Hamas's military objectives. Israeli authorities said that they wish to avoid clashes with the activists, and promised flotilla organizers that if they dock at the Israeli port of Ashdod , humanitarian aid would be delivered by Israel directly to Gaza. It warned the flotilla organizers that if they were to attempt to break
6384-416: The flotilla, calling it a "charade". It concluded that: The real intention of the flotilla is to break the blockade and end Hamas' political isolation. There can be only one reason why anyone would consider such an outcome desirable: The absence of a blockade would allow the free passage of arms to the terror-embracing Hamas government, which has frequently demonstrated its goal of ending Israel's existence as
6496-416: 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,
6608-408: The focus on humanitarian aid by flotilla organizers and the Israeli government. Sari B ashi, executive director of Gisha, said "residents of Gaza are being deliberately reduced to recipients of humanitarian aid" and that there is "no shortage of food in Gaza, but economic recovery is blocked by sweeping restrictions on the movement of goods and people". Canada's National Post editorialized against
6720-403: The following day, along with a statement that journalists would be invited onto Israeli naval vessels. The Foreign Press Association welcomed the reversal. On 27 June Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman stated that flotilla participants are "terror activists, seeking to create provocation and looking for blood", and that Israel plans to "deal with the flotilla properly". He added that
6832-407: The former apologized on behalf of his nation; Erdoğan accepted the apology and both agreed to enter into further discussions. On 29 June 2016, the agreement was finalized and approved by the Israeli government. The operation, code named Operation Sea Breeze or Operation Sky Winds was an attempt to block the Free Gaza Movement's ninth attempt to break the naval blockade imposed by Israel on
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#17327919782766944-472: 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. The Mavi Marmara activists were divided into two groups, "peace activists" and
7056-408: 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
7168-612: 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". 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
7280-466: The injured needed to be evacuated to hospitalized in Israel, and Medical Corps personnel were to be deployed at the port of Ashdod . A top Israeli naval officer warned that Israel would prevent the ships from breaking its blockade on Gaza at all costs, and that Israel would again use force if required, including boarding the ships and confronting the activists. Brig. Gen. Yoav Mordechai added, "There
7392-414: The interception of the Tahrir , and were sentenced to 30 days in prison. Both had their sentences suspended and were released, but were fined 246 Euros in court costs. In the early morning of 5 July, the French yacht Dignité – Al Karama , carrying eight passengers, evaded the Greek coast guard and left a port near Athens, but turned back on its own after several hours. Reportedly, the activists aboard
7504-427: The majority of those who had planned to join the flotilla now understand that those who wish to help can do this through legal means. On 28 June, a YouTube video of a man called "Marc" who claims to be an activist denied from boarding the flotilla on account of his homosexuality was exposed to be a hoax. The man in the video was discovered to be Omer Gershon, an Israeli entrepreneur and public relations expert. The video
7616-436: The materials issued by the IDF spokesman are based on reliable intelligence assessments. On the same day, Israel's Government Press Office issued a letter to foreign journalists, warning them that participating in the upcoming flotilla sailing to Gaza could result in them being barred from Israel for up to 10 years. The letter was signed by GPO director Oren Helman. The decision was rescinded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
7728-423: 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 speedboats and helicopters. Aboard the Turkish ship MV Mavi Marmara , the Israeli Navy faced resistance from about 40 of the 590 passengers, including IHH activists who were said to be armed with iron bars and knives. During
7840-482: The new flotilla and send aid through "legitimate crossings and established channels", the United States warned against the flotilla reportedly considered asking Turkey to host a peace summit between Israel and the Palestinian Authority provided that it stop it, and Canada warned its nationals not to participate in the flotilla and called it "provocative". Turkey urged activists to reconsider the need for
7952-407: The next flotilla. The IDF also announced that attack dogs from Unit Oketz would be deployed before soldiers to neutralize threats. In June 2011, the IDF released a video showing naval forces practicing an interception of the flotilla. The footage showed the use of high-powered water cannons aimed at vessels simulating flotilla ships, along with other means. On 19 June 2011, Eli Marom , Commander of
8064-460: The nine passengers' deaths as "summary execution" by the Israeli commandos. 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
8176-487: The number of expected participants had decreased to 350, plus a few dozen journalists. By 7 July, all but a few dozen activists had returned home. The flotilla was organized by various NGOs: The IHH announced plans for the new flotilla, again led by the MV Mavi Marmara to depart for Gaza in June 2011. IHH President Fehmi Bülent Yıldırım said "Even if we sacrifice shahids (martyrs) for this cause, we will be on
8288-512: The other ships, as well as most of the property (including all media recordings) of over 700 passengers, as of June 2010 . There were several probes into the incident. A UNHRC report in September 2010 into the incident deemed the blockade 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
8400-519: The owner of the vessel. Greece forbade the vessels from leaving its ports, citing safety concerns, but offered to instead send any humanitarian aid to Gaza in its own vessels, under United Nations supervision. Greece's offer was supported by Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and the United Nations, but rejected by the flotilla activists. Subsequently, two flotilla ships, the Audacity of Hope and Tahrir , disobeyed Greece's orders. They were intercepted by
8512-515: The passengers were in a manner consistent with an extra-legal, arbitrary and summary execution." The five other ships in the flotilla employed passive resistance , which was suppressed without major incident. According to the UN 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;
8624-489: 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 . Turkish president Abdullah Gül described the raid as an attack on Turkey for the first time since World War I . Israel initially rejected calls from the United Nations and world governments for an international investigation into its raid on
8736-411: 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
8848-480: 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
8960-405: 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 thirty 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
9072-431: The ship at night if it had peaceful intention. Seven Israeli commandos were injured in the skirmish. After seizing control of the ships, Israeli forces towed them to Ashdod and detained the passengers. The raid prompted widespread international reactions and demonstrations around the world. The United Nations Security Council condemned "those acts resulting in civilian deaths", demanded an impartial investigation of
9184-435: 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
9296-411: The ship would be unable to sail due to technical issues. As of 10 July 2011, the following ships had planned on sailing to reach Gaza: The following boats did not set sail: Initially, 10 ships, with 1,000 activists from 20 countries were said to be set to sail for Gaza from various European ports, with humanitarian aid, during the last days of June, or few days of July 2011. As of 28 June 2011, however,
9408-544: The ship, the Israeli soldiers did not start firing until an activist seized a gun from one of them. Passengers reported gunfire, blue flares and deafening noise from the first helicopter at this time. 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. Activists and crew members used gas masks . A rope
9520-444: The ship. They were instructed to use their sidearms only in an emergency when their lives were at risk. 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
9632-442: The ships had been sabotaged by Israel. It was reported that the investigation by Turkish authorities on one of the ships determined that there may have been no sabotage at all, and that any damage happened before the boat arrived in Turkey, but these media reports appeared prior to the formal investigation beginning and the Turkish coastguard enquiry has yet to announce its findings. The media reports were disputed by Irish Ship to Gaza,
9744-536: The ships, loitering without bait or buckets, by waters that are known to be contaminated. Israel flatly rejected the accusations as "paranoid" and accused the activists of "living in a James Bond film." Selcuk Unal, a spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry, said that an investigation by Turkish authorities determined that there was no act of sabotage on the Irish ship, which had been docked in
9856-459: The side of justice." In June 2011, the IHH conveyed a message to the Israeli government through Turkish Jews that the organization was not interested in another clash with Israel, and a proposal that the ships be inspected in a third-party country, such as Cyprus, before being allowed into Gaza. Plans for the new flotilla were met with international opposition. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Mediterranean governments to discourage
9968-415: 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. Although radical activists attempted to harm them further, more moderate passengers intervened and protected the soldiers. Two were given water and one with a severe stomach wound
10080-428: The struggle, nine activists were killed, including eight Turkish nationals and one Turkish American , and many were wounded. On 23 May 2014, a tenth member of the flotilla died in hospital after being in a coma for four years. Ten of the commandos were also wounded, one of them seriously. According to a UN report, all activist deaths were caused by gunshots, and "the circumstances of the killing of at least six of
10192-408: The vessel did not want to be the only ones sailing to the Gaza Strip. Later, the vessel attempted to depart again in defiance of the Greek ban, but was stopped and taken to the port of Sitia on the island of Crete . Greek authorities said that during these events the yacht collided with a Greek coast guard vessel and damaged it. On 5 July, about 20 Spanish activists from the ship Guernica occupied
10304-507: The vessel headed for Gaza. Aboard the yacht were 16 people, including three crew members and journalists from Al Jazeera , as well as Amira Hass , an Israeli journalist from Haaretz . Dignité Al Karama was stopped by the Israeli Navy about 65 kilometers off the coast of Gaza, in international waters, after ignoring warnings that it was approaching the Gaza blockade line and must change course for either Ashdod or Egypt. The yacht
10416-429: The vessels had their propellers and pipes leading to their engines damaged. According to Flotilla spokesman Dror Feiler , there was no direct evidence Israel was involved, and he estimated the damage would take several days to repair. Other flotilla organizers suspected that the damage was the result of a sabotage operation by Israeli naval divers, and demanded that the Greek police and port authorities provide security for
10528-517: The vessels taking part in the flotilla set sail from the French island of Corsica to Greece, to meet up with the other vessels. The vessels docked in Piraeus . However, the French vessel Dignité – Al Karama did not dock, and proceeded directly towards the Gaza Strip. On 27 June 2011, activists announced that they had discovered damage to two of the vessels, the Juliano and MV Saoirse . Both
10640-470: The vessels. Some activists announced that they themselves planned to guard the vessels. On 29 June, the MV Saoirse sustained damage while docked in Turkey. Activists claimed that the damage was caused by Israeli divers, who were able to avoid detection by guards stationed on the vessel. A number of passengers on the flotilla said they had been mugged on the streets near the port and had mobile phones stolen, and that suspicious "fishermen" had been sighted near
10752-563: The voyage and MV Rachel Corrie ( Cambodia flagged) docked in Malta for repairs and continued separately . A few minutes after 9:00 pm, 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
10864-401: The war were blocked by Israel. 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;
10976-504: The water. An Indonesian doctor was shot in the stomach as he helped a wounded Israeli soldier ... Had it been Muslims killing Jews, I would again go with a flotilla. We are against all cruelty.” In 2012 the Turkish newspaper Habertürk reported that Bülent Yıldırım was being investigated by specially authorized prosecutors in Istanbul and Diyarbakır for allegedly financing al-Qaeda through his organization. Yildirim led funeral prayers at
11088-469: Was a military operation by Israel against six civilian ships of the " Gaza Freedom Flotilla " on 31 May 2010 in international waters in the Mediterranean Sea. Nine of the flotilla passengers were killed during the raid, with thirty wounded (including one who later died of his wounds). Ten Israeli soldiers were wounded, one seriously. The exact sequence of events is contested, in part due to
11200-470: Was captured by the IDF , but later deported to Turkey. He is banned from returning to Israel for ten years. When he returned home, he said: "Then they asked us, ‘Didn’t you attack us with iron bars and axes?’ I told them what I did was only self-defense. This was defense against helicopters and assault boats, against well-trained commandos. They lie when they say they were given permission to use real bullets after
11312-492: 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." 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. According to UPI press coverage, the officer alluded to "grey operations" against
11424-553: Was dropped from the helicopter onto the ship, but three activists seized it and tied it to the deck. 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. 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. Three Israeli commandos were captured. The first captured soldier,
11536-467: 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
11648-471: Was given a gauze pad. Hasan Huseyin Uysal, a Turkish doctor, cleaned the blood off their faces and tended to facial cuts. Israel and the flotilla activists disagreed over whether guns seized from the captive soldiers were used by the activists. 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. According to
11760-421: Was made between the two nations in regard to three points: A meeting was also planned for the discussion of future relations between Turkey and Israel. 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
11872-596: 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 . 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
11984-440: Was released. The remaining 15 passengers were transferred to Holon , where they were interviewed by Immigration Authority personnel and signed documents stipulating that they would leave the country within 72 hours, before being deported. The Paris-based organisers described the Israeli naval interception as "an act of violence and an illegal act," and as "a new act of piracy against harmless people". Israeli officials stated that
12096-426: Was surrounded by a team of fifteen to twenty 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
12208-469: Was surrounded by at least three Israeli warships and boarded by Shayetet 13 naval commandos, who took over the vessel, arrested the passengers, and transferred them to a warship. The operation was conducted without any resistance from the passengers or use of violence by the commandos. The vessel was towed to Ashdod port and searched. No weapons or humanitarian aid were found on board. The passengers were taken to Ashdod, where Haaretz journalist Amira Hass
12320-430: Was then thrown onto the bridge deck, where he was attacked by about twenty activists, who beat him, cut away his equipment, and dragged him into the lounge. 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
12432-434: 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
12544-481: Was tweeted by an intern in Prime Minister Netanyahu's office. The intern said he did not know that the video was a hoax, and that he posted the video on his own private Twitter account, not on behalf of the government. Shurat HaDin , an NGO based in Israel, delayed or blocked several of the vessels by legal methods, including warning insurance companies that insuring the flotilla boats might leave
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