Q&A: Is Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza legal?

Israel has said it will continue a naval blockade of the Gaza Strip despite growing global pressure to lift the siege after a navy raid on a Turkish ferry carrying aid killed nine activists this week.
What is the legality of the blockade and did Israel’s intervention breach international law? Below are some questions and answers …

Israel’s naval blockade pitches and rolls with the Law of the Sea

Reactions to the Israeli seizure of the Gaza-bound flotilla have shared two traits: They have virtually all invoked international law, and they have virtually all been marked more by their rhetorical excess than their knowledge of international law.
Israel’s critics have levelled the phrases “war crimes” and “piracy,” while its supporters have invoked the spectre of …

The Gaza Blockade Exists for One Reason: Hamas Terrorism

Hamas, an internationally recognized terrorist organization, has fired over 10,000 rockets and mortars into Israel, deliberately targeting innocent civilians. Were Hamas focused on the welfare of Palestinians rather than its stated goal of destroying Israel, there would be no need for blockade.
The Gaza blockade has been enforced by Israel and Egypt since Hamas’ violent takeover of …