Israel defends deadly raid on aid flotilla

A major political crisis is on the rise in the Middle East, after a sudden clash at sea between Israeli commandos and Palestinian supporters aboard a ship on its way to the Gaza Strip, killed nine people. While the Canadian government condemned the attacks, Israel's PM defended the raid.

CTV National News: Lisa LaFlamme reports

For Israel, the most serious fallout from the incident may be the reaction of Turkey - which until now was an important regional ally. The convoy was organized in Turkey and the confrontation took place on a Turkish ship. Now angry Turks are demanding an independent international investigation.

CTV National News: Tom Kennedy in Jerusalem

CTV's London bureau chief says the extent of the international reaction against Israel is beginning to sink in, as demonstrations have spread across the country and many other parts of the world.

CTV News Channel: Patrick Martin in Jerusalem

Were there weapons on board? The Middle East bureau chief for The Globe and Mail says only those who have seen the boats up close can know for sure, but the real reason the boats were stopped was to enforce the naval blockade.

Power Play: Rafet Akgunay, Turkish ambassador

The Turkish ambassador to Canada says the Turkish government is condemning the attacks and an inquiry into the incident is needed to find out what went wrong and who instigated the attacks.

Power Play: Canada-Israel Committee responds

The CEO of the Canada-Israel Committee, Shimon Fogel, says the incident is hard to believe and it is difficult to bring together the footage and claims that the attack was not intentional when it clearly depicted the sequence of events on the part of those on the ship.

Power Play: Adam Shapiro, Free Gaza

A representative with the group Free Gaza says his group takes part in non-violent training and is on a mission to break the blockade and preserve their communications with the outside world for as long as possible - not get into conflicts with Israeli forces.

Power Play: Former ambassador responds

The former Canadian ambassador to Israel, Michael Bell, discusses what the timing of the attacks means for Israel and whether the Tories reaction to the attacks will gain Canada a seat on the UN Security Council or work against them.

CTV News Channel: Alastair Macdonald, Reuters

A Reuters correspondent says they are somewhat getting a clear image of what Israel is saying happened on the Gaza- bound flotilla. However they have not heard the other side of the story from people who were on board of the ship.

Amateur footage of clash aboard aid flotilla

Cameras onboard one of the vessels captures the scene after Israeli forces tried to take control of the ships to stop them from sailing closer to Gaza.

CTV News Channel: Jerrold Kessel in Jeruslam

A freelance journalist in Jerusalem says the activist ships could make another run at the blockade in the coming days to test the Israeli navy.

CTV British Columbia Extended: Kevin Neish

Victoria, B.C. resident Kevin Neish, speaking before his departure, describes why he decided to sail with the 'Free Gaza' flotilla, which was carrying medical and other supplies for Gaza, before it was boarded by Israeli forces.

CTV News Channel: Haviv Rettig Gur in Jerusalem

A correspondent with the Jerusalem Post says Israeli Navel Forces reportedly raided the ships, and after boarding the largest ship the situation degenerated into violence, with conflicting reports on the number of deaths and a number of Israeli soldiers also injured.

Canada AM: Greta Berlin with details from Cyprus

A spokesperson for Free Gaza Movement shares her account of an Israeli raid on a flotilla of Gaza-bound aid ships saw unexpected casualties Monday, when at least 10 people were killed and dozens of others were wounded by gunfire.

Canada AM: Mark Regev, spokesperson

A spokesperson for Israeli prime minister shares his account about why Israeli commandos stormed six Gaza-bound aid ships to prevent them from sailing any closer to Gaza, which has been cut off from the world for the past three years due to an Israeli blockade.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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The Mavi Marmara ship, the lead boat of a flotilla headed to the Gaza Strip which was stormed by Israeli naval commandos in a predawn confrontation, sails into the port of Ashdod, Israel, Monday, May 31, 2010. (AP / Ariel Schalit)

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Mon. May. 31 2010 10:38 PM ET

Israel is facing a backlash from the international community after a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla claimed the lives of nine people on Monday morning.

Many of those killed are believed to be Turks, and Turkey has recalled its ambassador from Israel -- a huge blow to diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Six ships were part of the flotilla headed to Gaza, intending to bring in 10,000 tons of aid and some 700 activists -- the majority of whom were riding on a Turkish-flagged ship called the Mavi Marmara.

The ships were ordered to stop their journey into Gaza -- which is under an Israeli blockade -- before they were raided by Israeli forces. They were in international waters, about 130 kilometres from the Gaza coast, when the raid began in the early hours of Monday morning.

Israeli commandos rappelled from helicopters down onto the top of the Mavi Marmara, where the violence occurred, said Israeli military chief Gabi Ashkenazi.

Conflicting reports of what happened emerged from the military and the activists riding in the flotilla.

The Israeli government said that when commandos landed on the ships, they were attacked with sticks, knives and hit with gunfire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the soldiers had no choice but to defend themselves.

"They had to defend themselves, defend their lives, or they would have been killed," he said.

The army said five soldiers were injured in the raid, including two who were shot with pistols seized from Israeli forces. The Israeli military released a video of the incident that appeared to show activists striking soldiers with clubs, and throwing one person overboard.

But an Al-Jazeera reporter said Israel fired upon one of the ships before boarding, and that the ship's captain was wounded.

Adam Shapiro, a member of the Free Gaza movement, a Pro-Palestinian group that helped organize the flotilla, said the Israeli military video may have started after soldiers opened fire. Organizers of the flotilla also had a live feed broadcasted online.

"The Israelis have not indicated at what point in time they are showing their soldiers being hit. We know from our own live feed … that the initial soldiers who came aboard the ship opened fire immediately upon coming on the ship, and by the time anybody picked up a club there was already one dead, many injured."

He also said activists aboard the ships had only been trained in non-violent resistance.

"We have to prepare them to face Israeli soldiers who will use violence against them," he said.

The raid brought swift condemnation from many members of the international community and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who called for a "thorough" investigation and explanation from Israel.

Robert Serry and Filippo Grandi, two senior United Nations officials involved in the Middle East peace process, issued a joint statement condemning Israel's action.

"We wish to make clear that such tragedies are entirely avoidable if Israel heeds the repeated calls of the international community to end its counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of Gaza," they said.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu cut short a trip to Canada and cancelled a planned meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, so that he could fly home to Israel.

Activists were warned: spokesperson

Mark Regev, a spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the flotilla had been warned in advance that the ships would not be allowed to enter Gaza from the sea.

"Unfortunately these people wanted a confrontation and they charged our blockade," Regev told Canada AM from Jerusalem on Monday morning.

Israel has had a blockade in place for the past three years, ever since the coastal territory was seized by Hamas.

Israel has let five aid deliveries go through the blockade on previous occasions, but has blocked all such attempts since January of last year.

Regev said the Israeli government had offered to inspect the aid shipments, before allowing them through to Gaza where about 1.5 million people live. A similar offer was made by the Egyptian government, but was not accepted by the people on board the boats.

Regev said the commandos were under strict instructions to use minimal force. But when they came under attack, they were forced to respond.

"Unfortunately, the minute they came on the ship, they were attacked by very deadly force – knives, iron bars and of course, live fire. And the violence was initiated by the people on the boat," said Regev.

"And of course, all violence is regrettable and anyone killed is regrettable, but it's clear which side initiated the violence."

Canadian on board flotilla ship

Berlin said a Canadian, Kevin Neish of Victoria, B.C., is on one of the ships in the flotilla. However she said as far as she knows, Neish was not on a ship where casualties occurred.

"There were six ships. We have a boat called the Challenger I, which is flagged in the United States. He was on that boat and as far as I know he hadn't transferred over to the Turkish ship," Berlin said.

However, in other reports Neish is said to be on a ship called the Challenger II. It is unclear whether they are the same ship. Neish is reportedly tasked with protecting a team of news reporters travelling with the flotilla.

The incident Monday brought scorn from Gaza's Hamas government and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The United Nations and other countries demanded an explanation from the Jerusalem government.

"We are in contact with the Israeli authorities to express our deep concern and to seek a full explanation," said Robert Serry, the highest-ranking UN official in the region.

Following the altercation, the Israeli military shut down all satellite phones on board the ships and a group of embedded reporters were unable to communicate from the scene.

After the raid, the Israeli military started towing the ships back to the Israeli port of Ashdod. Five had reached the port by early nightfall.

Police spokesperson Micky Rosenfeld said 16 people were arrested after refusing to identify themselves.

With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

bill
said

Judging from the opinions in this thread if isreal were to leave palistine to the palistinians then all would be grand again. Good luck with that.

Bob
said

I do so hope those posting comments here have actually gone and watched all the videos available. This situation is messed up. First of all the death toll is closer to 20, and 50-80 injured. This leads me to believe more than just Emergency Pistols were use, or they were used with abandon. The blockade has been considered illegal by nearly everyone and Israel does not have some special permission to board civilian vessels that are not headed to their ports. They were trying to force them to dock in Israel so they could seize everything as per standard procedure. There are laws for international waters. The vessels had been inspected in the ports they left and were monitored the whole way. Those Troops who boarded were clearly attacked with sticks and bars, a couple were tossed over (the video of it is available) but then the supplied video from the IDF is cut and those left standing surrender in a hurry. The supplied aerial view shows a few groups on the deck scattering as if they are being fired at or having some kind of concussive grenades thrown at them. Now the IDF has the fleet and they can tailor the result to suit them. This is not going to be pretty. peace, <3

Penny
said

Let's see.. IDF soldiers board an aid ship in INTERNATIONAL waters, which is an act of piracy.Israel releases heavily editted footage, with their claims imprinted on it, gosh I wonder what was left out? Or if it is accurate?If some people did indeed defend themselves from this unjustified and unprovoked attack, they had every right to do so.Just as you or I have a right to defend our person, our family and our property.Bottom line, Israel initiated the attack, they had absolutely no legal footing to stand on.Israeli media is already reporting on this fact, as I type..The ship was flying the white flags, the Israelis were shooting live ammunition prior to boarding.In other words, Israel out and out assaulted an International aid ship, in International waters.They had no right to do so.Israel, acted with callous disregard for human life, and really, that is nothing new for them.As a state, they have acted in this manner from the beginning.

Vision
said

Enough is Enough... the world should wake-up now. Isreali Must Respect the World, They are not superior than rest of the world.

Ken
said

Isreal seems to exempt itself from what it chooses with impunity; from silence on possessing nuclear weapons to overreaction with this group of humanitarians. Given their formidable intelligence surely they must have known precisely this undertaking. Shameful. Shameful. Shameful.

ofer
said

there are no shortages of food and medicine in Gaza, every day a convoy of 100(yes one hundred!) trucks are going into Gaza with all the supply they need (not the supply thy want though!).
6 boats where on this 'peace mission' on five of them the activists led a non violent resistance wen boarded (no one was injured on those boats) on the sixth a mayhem, I wonder if it's because that boat was occupied with terrorist from organisations like the IHH and Hamas.

Jon
said

We all make our choices. We all must accept consequences when OUR own choices turn out badly. Choosing to attempt to break through a military blockade and making it well known what your intentions are, then being shocked by the outcome and crying foul. It makes it appear as nothing more than an attempt to draw international attention and criticism, not a true attempt to get the supplies through.

Wes
said

Hopefully these "activists" will be locked up until well past the G8 and G20 summit in Toronto have finished.

Peter in MB
said

Illegal blockade in international waters, cutting off food and supplies to starving civilians , Aid workers killed in a raid, Killing women in children in the west bank with your tanks and war planes, I have A Question for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu!!!� WHAT GOOD WILL COME FROM THIS??? You are only fueling the fires of Hate and giving them more of a reason to fight and resist. This will be another victory for Hamas

Jeffrey
said

The sad fact is that Israel is surrounded by vicious enemies who hate Israel and intensely want to annihalate her. If they had an atomic bomb that would destroy both Israel and Gaza together, they would set it off - they hate Israel more than they care for the people of Gaza.The Israelis are constantly in a fight for their survival and we all need to understand this.

Duglarri
said

Looking at comments from around the world on web sites in various languages, I find that the Canadian sites are- interestingly- the most knee-jerk, pro-Israeli commenters on earth- including Israel.

Most of the world is looking at the facts: Heavily armed soldiers gun down aid workers. Even in Israel, the comments revolve around how bad this looks.

And even in Israel, the talk is more about how this could have been avoided, than about defending what is obviously a horrible, horrible mistake by the Israeli military.

Boarding these ships where they did, when they did, and how they did, when they'd had seven previous incidents with no repercussions, was clearly a disasterous mistake. Using overwhelming force was a calculated decision by leadership who believe in force, and clearly a mistake. Israel now has a worldwide crisis on its hands.

Interesting how it's Canadians who are the least objective, the least even-handed, and the least perceptive in the entire world.

Way to go. True friends of Israel, helping them to drive themselves off a cliff. Make no mistake; read what the world is saying, and you'll see that Israel's current road is the road to disaster.

(2) If you want peace you have to give peace
said

Part 2: Regrettably, I cannot say the same thing about the Israeli Government. They seem to play both sides, and peace is far from what they want. Israel troops charge into the Palistinian Territories at will, and stir things up unnecessarily. They attack Palistinians regularly, for no reason, and then say "we were attacked" like a bunch of kids.

We stayed 5 days in a hotel in the Palistinian Territories, and while there, the Israelis marched into the square near the Manger of Jesus, to allow some troops into the square to celebrate a famous war. They pushed Palistinians roughly out of the way. I was there when this happened, saw it with my own eyes. They apparently do this kind of thing on a regular basis.

Palistians who live in the Israeli Territories are not treated as equals. If they move out of their apartments, they are banned form living anywhere else. Their garbage is picked up at half the rate of the Jews. There are other inequities. Everyone is NOT EQUAL there. If they live in the Palistinian Territories but work in the Israeli Territories, they have to go thru strip searches every time they cross the Territorial Boundaries.

Frankly, the Israelis do everything they can to aggrevate Palistinian relations. They want war, and yet they profess to want peace.

If Israel ever wants to have peace in their land, they have to stop inciting war, and give peace to the Palistinians. If they do not do this, they will NEVER have peace.

What I don't understand is how they can do to the Palistinians, what the Germans did to them in the last war? I am not naive. know there are bad people on both sides.

So, what do you think?

(1) If you want peace, you have to give peace!
said

Part 1: To put the following comments into context, I am native born Canadian, and have no relations in Israel. My family comes from Scotland, and Wales several generations ago, in the early 1800's.

In November 2009, I travelled to Israel, The Palistinian Territories, and Jordan in November in an organized tour to accompany my 77 year old father-in-law who wanted to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

The very first thing I found is that our own news media slants all reports from this area in favour of the Israelis. Like singer John Mayer says, "when they own the news, they can bend it all they want". It will be good when Al Jazeera News comes to North America, because that is the only way we will learn what really happens over there. Before I visited this area, and saw with my own eyes, I was solidly behind Israel in my opinions.

I found Palistinian people very friendly, and peaceful. I also found that the Israelis I met were also decent, and peace loving people.

Part 2: to follow in next email >

Smith
said

This report is biased. It is trying to portray the international peace activists as terrorists. That is has become the standard tactic in media to portray any opposition as terror. Eg. this report states in a propaganda move that Israel offered to deliver the aid, which is a falsification of facts. What Israel has said was: Give us the aid and Israel will deliver only those parts of the aid which is deemed by Israel necessary to go through in addition there will be no monitoring allowed by the peace activists if aid were actually delivered.
It is such a sad state. But it is not new. Like the British engineered Bengal famines of 1770 and 1943 in which some 20 million people were killed, these stories have a long history and all have their evil origins in Europe.

Brian In Sarnia
said

Of course they had weapons. It's obvious by the fact that Israeli soldiers attempted piracy in international waters, that they were in danger. The activists had the right to protect themselves and their aid against Israeli pirates.

George V.
said

Carla Cisneros--- Speaking of liars, where did you get the number of deceased to be 20 .

Mike - Calgary
said

NO SAFE PASSAGE - NO AID, and I'm with Don, that Israel needs to be sanctioned at the very minimum. This was in international waters!

ALOR
said

W.Kelley, Arab nations have rebuilt Lebanon and Palestine half a dozen times using billions upon billions of their own dollars to fix what Israel repeatedly destroys. It is nice that Israeli hospitals take in the dying and wounded Palestinians after air raids and full land, air and sea military assaults on unarmed civilization.

Jeremy
said

They knew way before they left what Israel would do if they tried to break the blockade. They attacked the soldiers when they got off their ropes what did they think would happen. Israel has a right to defend itself and that is exactly what they did.

reidjr
said

Karla Cisneros
Both sides are to blame not just one.

Bob
said

I wonder how Turkey would react to a pro-Kurdish flotilla organised by Israel to support PKK fighters in its territories? They clearly planned for a confrontation and got one. Let the hypocrites cry foul.

Mike J.
said

The Captains of the ships were warned that the Gaza port is closed , and if they want they can drop it off at another port ... so the organizers of this flotilla and the captains will be held responsible,this is a typical Arab and or Iranian ploy to provoke the Israelies ,because they know the media only reacts to the end result ,to think that these people thought just because they say they have aid on their ships that they can just go and unload it at the Gaza port is so ludicrous .

Karla Cisneros
said

The Israel's prime minister spokesman is such a liar, but the good thing is that there is a video that proofs that the Israeli army was the one who attacked FIRST... and of course they used the minimum amount of force, otherwise instead of killing 20 they would have killed everyone like they are used to do with Palestinians...

tired of these stories
said

If it truly was an aid mission, The Free Gaza movement should have had no problem with the ships being inspected as there is a clearly defined list of what is allowed into Gaza. As well, there is no need for 500-600 people to be on board the boats. Aid organizations follow rules and work with governments to get aid to those in need. To load 6 ships with so many indignant people with tensions so high is setting the table for such an incident. Way to go Gaza Movement, you made your point on the world stage. Now the finger pointing begins and the uninformed bleeding hearts around the world can light a candle for nothing.

viral venus
said

The problem with this ongoing situation is that you will never hear the whole truth from either of the involved peoples, their governments or from their respective supporters. There is too much agenda, too much mistrust, too much polarization and too much genuine fear on both sides. Unfortunately, even most people who have no stake or real knowledge of the situation have choosen sides and that does not help at all. Just read the comments. Very few acknowledge that this tragic situation has evolved into something as complicated as it now is.

John, Halifax, NS
said

Okay, 2 comments:International Waters.And to those saying they attacked them with sticks, etc. Of course they did, they were under attack in International Waters. You wouldn't even know who was attacking, it could have been pirates (well turns out it was, israeli pirates). This country needs to be taught a harsh and brutal lesson, one they didn't heed in 1940.

B. Kelley, Ontario
said

When are people going to get it? There is no such thing as Palestine and, therefore, no such thing as Palestinians. The vast majority of the social aid that these people have received has come from the Israelis, not their fellow Arabs. They are even more welcome in Israel than they are in Egypt or Jordan where they are looked upon with great disdain. When they have medical emergencies they are taken to Tel Aviv or Jerusalem where they receive first class health care free of charge. Iran and Syria and the Hezbollah in Lebanon use them as puppets to attack Israel with rockets and take the casualties for their troubles while their Arab brothers sit safely back and laugh at them for being so stupid as to do their dirty work. The common conception of the middle east and reality are two different things. I've been in Gaza and in the so-called West Bank Settlements and I've seen the truth.

lee Moors
said

As usual we have the "idiots" chiming in about poor Israel.It's a total no brainer folks!!!
Thanks to all you critical minded and compassionate Canadians speaking out.
This offensive is once again a cowardly and disgusting act perpetrated by the Zionists, plain and simple.Why don't you "idiots" read what Israel's own news reporters are saying before you jump to conclusions about justified actions!!! I truly hope that spoken ignorance will come at a price to all that speak with ignorance and arrogance.

Peter in MB
said

Just because the holocaust happened in WW2 does not give Israel the right to treat the Palestinian people the same way. I am getting sick of the holocaust and accusations of anti-Semitism being used as the excuse for Israel to commit war crimes.

Jim Leahy Sunnyvale Trailer Park Supervisor
said

I think it's time everybody went and had a little drink, because a little drink makes your world go around.

reece
said

Freedome isn�t free. If the Palestinians want freedom, they need to prepare their lives just as we have done. RIP to all those who perished including the IDF soldiers involved.

OntarioMack
said

Israel should be considered a terroist nation. All dealings with them should be boycotted. They are treating Palestine the same way Hitler did to the Jews. They are containing them and they are doing their best to cleanse the Gaza of all who are not like themselves. This aid flotilla had no reason to be stopped from going to the Gaza which is land illegally stolen from the Palestinians. It is time for Canada and the USA to stop supporting Israel.

Composmentis
said

Activists? Is that what we now call them?

Vincent
said

This is what our government is getting cosy with.. Shooting unarmed people. Even the Israeli government has not said that these people were armed. So go ahead right wingers and let er rip about how they deserved it. Nobody who is unarmed deserved to get killed. But of course, the " Israel has a right to defend itself" line will be coming out of Harper's mouth soon enough.

nan
said

I feel very saddened by the ignorance of some western people here. This is a humanitarian effort. This is not about supporting Hamas. Many aids to Gaza previously have not reached its destinations. Even my small country sent 12 humanitarians on the Freedom Flotilla. I have friends who are volunteers, they are not terrorists. There were 3 reporters from my country in the Group to document the humanitarian aid activity. They are not terrorists. Do you all know how terrible the situation are in Gaza, it is inhumane. My ex PM is very upset, because his organisation sponsored 3 ships, carrying medical supplies, water purifyers, building materials etc. needed to rebuild Gaza. Why are some of you against this? Have you lost your humanity? Please don't say the brave men and women on board those ships are asking for it and that the Israeli soldiers were right to shoot them. The people of Gaza are deprived of the basic necessities of life. Something had to be done to help. Please do not condemn people who had the concience and will to do so.

Patricia
said

Okay, folks.. let's get the facts straight here.. Israel is not putting restraints on goods because they want the Palestinians to suffer.. HAMAS is doing that. HAMAS caused all of this and they were responsible for sending many rockets into Israel during peace times.. If you want to blame anyone blame the HAMAS!! REALLY!! The reason for inspecting the ships was to look for banned products.. not food and medicine.. banned goods..

yazz
said

its amazing that anybody actually believes that any of the aid would have even made it to gaza had israel inspected it first, since they are the one's who are blocking all aid from ever reaching gaza, anyway's but once again people just keep on buying into israeli propaganda to justify their actions, while thousands of palistinans are dying because of israeali aggression and total disregard for international law and human life, it seems that most world government's if not all say the blockade is ilegal so what right does israel have to inspect any aid in the first place let alone board the ship and say that they were attacked israeli i guess since what israel is doing is considered ilegal that would make them the criminals no surprise their, propaganda dont believe it israel should be tried in an international court for war crimes and i hope that day will come soon

ian
said

BBC and AL-Jazeera show intially two israeli commondo's landingon the deck of the ship from helicopters. they werent shooting at this time. they were surrounded and attacked buy the activists first. they had a choice, fight back or probably end up seriously injured or dead. and if the activists took guns from the soldiers and shot two of them?? well im sorry but there is no way you can all the activists peaceful. anyway, israel said prior the ships werent going to land in gaza, so sending them anyway put a whole load of people in a bad place....on purpose, what did they expect??? i feel bad for the families of tose killed. is a day on the new worth it??? israel wont change its views over one incident like this.

Art
said

In another article it is mentioned that the raid took place 130 kl off the Gaza coast. That tells me it is in international waters and that does make this piracy. Isreal continues to tear down Palistinian homes and replace them with Isreali homes. This madness must stop , Isreal does not have the right to break international law. Unfortunately whether it is either a Muslem state or Jewish state these countries feel that God directs their behaviour. Must be bad a bad God they worship !

Mark
said

Since when do so-called 'aid activists' hide their faces behind masks? I watched the video and clearly saw the commandos attacked first by the 'activists', it was merely self-defense by the commandos no matter what the 'activist' apologists say.

Carl
said

There is a very simple lesson here, folks: If you attempt to run a military blockade in a war zone, refuse to compromise or have your ships inspected, and provoke a violent confrontation with a superior force, then you just might find yourself dead.

CDNinGER
said

I suppose if I were under attack by military men carrying large guns I would fight back too! That explains injured soldiers. But we'll see when/if the true story comes out.Al Jazeera now reports as many as 20 are dead.

Richard L. Provencher
said

As usual, no matter what Israel does, it is condemned. There is hardly a mention in any story re the blockade of Gaza, that Egypt, also a Muslim country, refuses to open their common border for fear of Hamas coming to create problems. And why are they building a wall deep into the soil to prevent Hamas from bringing in missiles and other weaponry. Hamas has already boasted they have long range rockets in their arsenal now for any future war with Israel.

Lyn Costley. Northern Ireland
said

I feel sorry for the Palestinian people because they are being used by Hamas as pawns in their war against Isreal. They are letting their own people suffer and there will never be peace in the Middle East while they continue their oppression of their own people. They knew Isreal would defend itself and will be celebrating regardless of the deaths. May God forgive them.

Mickey
said

"Aid Flotilla" what a bad joke. They even refursed inspection of the ships' cargo offerred by EGYPT!!! If they were carrying just food and medical supplies, what have these "humanitarians" on board had to hide - from EGYPTIAN authorities? How come these ships continued in their way and didn't stop in response to calls from Israeli ships? They were asked more than once during several days to enable security people to climb on board and searach these ships. What were they expecting? To receive candies and chocolate?And how comes there were iron bars and knives on board used by the "peace activists"? anyone can imagine a "peace activist" suing force against armed soldiers, when the results can be easily figured out? Had this been a "peace" or a real aid convoy, there could have been no fight whatsoever on board. No Israeli soldier could have been wounded by "peaceful" citizens. Or maybe the Israeli soldiers have beaten each other to blood in an attempt to mimic violence by these "peace activists"??? Anyone in their right mind cannot accept such claims put forth by the fanatics who have organized this "peace" flotilla. How lucky for them there are still these extremely naive people who are ready to put their lives at risk boarding these WAR SHIPS going from Turkey to Gazza.

Anil
said

Thanks to CTV for at least having comments open on this - our media is so controlled by those pro-Israel and even our politicians are silent on the continuing outrages. Keeping humanitarian aid from people you have denied rights is not legal or moral. Israel and all who blindly defend have lost all legitimacy. Harper, Conservatives and Canadian establishment must fully denounce these international crimes, not support them!

Darren
said

The activists should have expected such a response from a rogue state like Israel. Its good to see that they came somewhat prepared at least. The US has already cowered to Israel with the international community to follow soon. All these meetings with Israeli ambassadors are just PR stunts. Also, Israel has no right to blockade Palestine. Anyone who thinks they do should be blockaded themselves by a rogue entity and see how they like it.

Kevin
said

If you had rockets being aimed at you (i.e. Toronto) everyday, I think you would want to inspect what was coming in. The issue here, is they did not want to submit to either Egyptian or Israeli inspection. What were they hiding?

Bard
said

Everyone who has posted anything here should see the award winning documentary "occupation 101".This details the ethnic cleansing and crimes of the Zionist state of Israel.It's time for UN intervention to disarm them of their nuclear weapons, reestablish the 1967 borders (as the UN has been demanding) and set up an interim government. It may even be time to boycott the goods of Israel and all of its Zionist supporters.

Hammas Provacators
said

We need more details before we can pass judgement. However from past experience, Hammas has always been the provacators. And if this is so (in this case), then they had it coming to them. To Hammas I have this to say, play with fire and you will be burned. Hopefully this time it will be a Lesson Learned. But I am not holding my breathe.

Missy
said

"terrorists"?get your facts straight. On board this ship are former high ranking US officials and a US Navy vet, and in addition dozens of reporters and other civilians. Don't buy into the Israeli propaganda - there were only unarmed civilians on the ship, who were brutally and savagely attacked in a well planned assault.

Dr. James Bradford
said

This is another attempt to try and demonize Israel in the eyes of the world by Islamic Turkish terrorists on these ships who refused to take the boats to ports when offered. This was a setup to try and embarrass Israel by the same cowardly Islamic terrorist mentality that attacks Israel soldiers from positions immediately behind women and children. I am proud of Canada for standing with Israel and not falling for the deceitful stories so commonly manipulated through the antisemitic media.

David
said

The paletinians are playing a game as Iranian ponds. Oh, and shouldn't the head line read "Paletinians try running raid on Israels border and fail"?

Francis Perron
said

"Unexpected" casualties? Not according to the buzz on-line before this happened. Maybe the mainstream news should occasionally consult sources other than themselves now and then.

David
said

Try running the U.S. or Canada, at any of the international crossings, and see what happens; especially if you are firing live ammo at them or showing up with iron rods and baseball batts to force your way through; not to mention if you have already been told, politely, the correct procedure of entrance.

David Faubion
said

Thank you Canadians, and other comments here, for your majority support of Palestine/ condemnation of Zionist Israel. Now, if only we can get the imperialist powers that be here in the USA to heed the overwhelming worldwide demand for justice in Israel Palestine. Activists in the USA have finally begun in earnest to back Palestine and work to undermine Israel through boycott, divestment, and sanctions. Europe and Canada are way out in front as usual. We will protest this afternoon in front of the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles as organized by Al-Awda: Right of Return.

Non Jews Untied
said

Isreal needs to be taught how to play nicely with others. No one can tolerate misbehavoir. And not to tell lies.

Debra
said

Concern about how the Red Cross was handling aid donations to Haiti led me to research past appeals. I was shocked to find that three billion in aid raised in an appeal for Gaza that was not broadcast in Canada had not been allowed in by Israel. Given Canadas close relationship with Israel it is vey important to make ourselves aware of what is really going on. Check out sites such as Jewish voice for Peace, Code Pink, Free Gaza and the United Nations investigation of War Crimes in Gaza by Israel. It is important to also research exactly what is and isn't allowed into Gaza. I was astounded at its cruelty.

Portes
said

inmanI totally disagree with you. This group of so called activists were bent on one thing only to cause mayhem. They had weapons etc on board the vessels and were therefore ready to pick a fight. They were warned several days before the ships even left that they would not be allowed to pass through the blockade and yet because they have a `cause`they thought they could do what they wanted. They got what they deserved. It seems that everyone supports Hamas, but they have not set a very good record either. When you are attacked day after day your only option is to fight back. Thems the breaks and people I wish you would stop feeling sorry for them and make them realise that they have to work with all parties for peace in that area. In closing let me say that they are many things that Israel does that I do not support, but the right to defend yourself is an international rule

Henry Wysmulek
said

Regev said the Israeli government had offered to inspect the aid shipments, before allowing them through to Gaza. A similar offer was made by the Egyptian government, but was not accepted by the people on board the boats.

So peaceful overtures were made by Israel and Egypt, and both were rebuffed. They wanted and hoped for a violant incident.

Brian Fr Langley
said

I keep hearing the comment disproportionate. Disproportionate to what? Imagine mortars and rockets targeting our women and children from just south of the 49th in some little rebel enclave which we would reasonably blockade (if not attack and conquer permanantly) then imagine another group bringing them in aid to continue their persistant shelling. (yes food and medical aid counts, all combatants require food and medical aid, why do you think in wars one side always trys to cut the others supply lines) This flotilla was not a just provocation it was an act of war, for which a spirited defense could not in any way shape or form be called "disproportionate".

Ralphacinha
said

It seems that CTV is playing on Israel's side, as the word 'clash' in the title indicate (as though people on the ship had attacked the commandos).Not only that, but with so many 'moderated' comments defending Israel's right to board civilian ships in international waters, it also appears that comments such as mine are winding up on the floor.Israel is again the very guilty party.Israel must be boycotted to the extreme.

Tut tut tut
said

We tried to get Israel to go to RehabThey said no, no, no.

Leo B
said

It's simpler than we think, there is only one reason why this happened & it's the solution for preventing future unfortunate incidents like this. Just FREE PALESTINE & END THE ISRAELI OCCUPATION OF ALL PALESTINIAN LAND. Israel's only way to survive is peace while they can still make it.

Gordon Walls
said

I see no recognition here of the Palestinians as even human beings, much less people with a right to belong somewhere. Any of these comments directed against Isreal would be condemned as hatred. I am discouraged.

Joan
said

Regardless of what happened in this fight, I believe that the main point should be the 3 year blockade of Gaza by the Israeli's. Israel's treatment of the Palestinian people is deplorable and western silence on their treatment is disgusting.Of course, as a westerner if I support the Palestinian people that means to many that I am anti-semitic. However, I am NOT. I just don't agree with the treatment meted out to the Palestinians by the Israeli's. If the situation were reversed, there would be action by the western world. Israel continues to occupy land in violation of international law. They continue to build settlements on occupied land.And if you were a Palestinian whose land was confiscated, how would you feel?

dave
said

This is yet another example of Israel�s capacity to inflict harm on others with impunity. The international community cannot stand-by and continue to allow the unimpeded, mass slaughter of Palestinians and their aid-allies. The events that have transpired in the Middle-East at the behest of Israel warranted international condemnation for some time now. The wall separating Israel and the West-bank is illegal according to an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice. Not to mention the daily impact that wall has on the lives of Palestinians. They have been made second class citizens and nobody seems to care. The disproportion in military response to isolated incidents along their borders over the last decade has left thousands of civilian, non-combatants dead. Men, women and children burned, scared and killed by white prosperous dropped by IDF fighter jets. The invasion and unrestricted bombing of Lebanon resulting from a border skirmish left more than 1, 700 Lebanese civilians dead and more than 4, 000 injured. When will the international community combine to halt the actions of this criminal state? Perhaps, Israel will be ready to discuss peace once their finished developing the settlements in the west bank. Why do we support them, and please don�t reply with that tired rhetoric �we have a right to defend ourselves�. This goes well beyond defense.

tom91
said

Can any of you give a good reason why Israel bans the import of building materials and cement to gaza?? This is one of the items that they wanted to check for on the ships. I guess the only people that should be allowed to build there are Israeil settlers!!! lol!!!!! What a joke! Whatis frustrating is the blind "patriotism" that jews across the world show for Israel and its garbage politics and policies. Do yourself a favour and end the association of your fine religion with this country. Have you learned nothing, even from your own recent history, of the dangers of blind patriotism, propoganda, indoctrination, etc....

Nate
said

yes they did break a blockade, but since when it is human to have such a blockade on a population of about 1 million people. If you agree that it is human to have a blockade like that then i can see why you would say they got what they asked for. But if you agree that it is unacceptable for a tyrant government to cut off humans from the rest of the world then this story was a sacrifice to bring justice.

Rami
said

You brainwashed fools!! Seriously! "Oh hey, I grabbed a chair from the boat and raised up to protect myself"--"LOOK HE HAS A WEAPON SHOOT FIRST!" Israel really takes the words "Shoot first, ask later" to heart. Points: 1) There were strict measures taken to ensure that there were NO FIREARMS on the ships before they embarked to Gaza. Google it! Many sources and different agencies were involved. 2) IF Israel, REALLY wanted a peaceful outcome, why not send a boat with diplomats... plain and simple... Oh wait, "SHOOT FIRST, ASK LATER!" 3) International waters? Israel Waters?? You guys do realize GAZA IS UNDER SIEGE!! for those of you that have a memory span of "Dori"... Read the articles and newsfeed, the raid on the ships occurred near the port of Gaza controlled by whom.. OH YEA ISRAEL NAVAL MILITARY??!! "SHOOT FIRST, ASK LATER!"For the love of God, please open your eyes and read beyond the articles..... and you'll find the truth!

Julie - Germany
said

We all just LOVE Isreal right? With its former spokesman who was speechless for like..2 seconds? And then suddenly came up with "Oh, they were armed with knives, so we had to defend ourselves" Boo hoo for Israal. Couldn't "Defend" yourselves, so decided to kill them? When they had knives? And you call yourself an Army. Calling the people onboard the ship "Terrorists". Define terrorist for me, oh please?

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Gee, imagine that... A flotilla of trouble-bound ships containing armed protestors pretending to be more interested in providing "aid" to the Palestinian people of Gaza than tangling with Israeli forces, based upon an existing blockade, actually managed to instigate a violent confrontation, make headlines around the world, and gain the mindless sympathies of all the left-wing coconuts who typically trash Israel every chance they get. Wow. Shocking. Trouble-seekers who knew they were on target for trouble, were warned of getting into trouble, and decided to take on trouble, ended up getting into trouble. Who would've thought?! The reason Israel still exists is because when you poke it in the eye with a stick, or threaten it in any way, it punches you in the face. (Israel, by necessity, always maintains a strong, clenched fist.) If you don't understand this entirely sane and rational survival mechanism, which is underpinned by geographic and global anti-Semitism and anti-Israel determination, you're nothing short of a dolt. Too bad, so sad, "Free Gaza." (Like Greenpeace, you managed to gather the foolish attention sought.) A "black eye" for Israel? Sure. What a laugh.

Dr. M. H. Z.
said

Doesn't anyone know the history of Israel? They were the original terrorists while fighting the "British in Palestine by bombing the King David Hotel and murdering British soldiers. Israel has a history of assassinations of innocent people and it is all documented. So why fault Palestinians for fighting for THEIR land and calling them terrorists. Only someone as stupid as Harper would swallow that phony line.

Philosopher
said

"They got what they deserved"Pro Israeli mindset that being murdered is getting what you deserve..... is getting killed what anyone "deserves?"Death is a bad thing for everyone else on the planet, no matter who dies.

Hassan
said

There is no comparisons of sticks with guns, If Israeli forces want to stop them then they should surround the peace ship and tell that they want to stop for checking. This is not the right way to jump from the stupid helicopters with guns. If you attack anybody in this way, he will respond. So this is a damn stupid decision from the Israel government and army.

EastSide
said

"Assault and boarding a vessel in International waters. Clearly this is piracy. As usual, the standard Israeli disproportional force and many many people get killed. If Canada had a UN observer on board, maybe he would have been shelled and killed too (again)."Are you on Glue? A blockade that boards a ship, which refused to have the cargo checked is not an act of Piracy. I dont know if you know this but Palestine does have a tentency to ship in arms and rockets, that they use against Isreal, hence the blockade. If they refused Eygypt, a Palestine friendly country, then obviously that raises an Isreali eyebrow.....Did you even read the articale....its pretty clear who is at fault here....

schpid
said

Read the entire report. The cargo was offered to be inspected by Israel AND Egypt before they left. That offer of inspection was refused so what supplies were onboard? I guess we'll find out soon enough. Maybe some of you should brush up on your history too. When Israel was first established all the surrounding Arab countries told the Palestinians not to worry and to leave the area while they pushed the Jews back into the sea. When that didn't work, the defeated ARAB world turned their collective backs on the Palestinians

Ian in Calgary
said

Maybe all the Israeli bashers should watch the "unedited" video on BBC showing the soldiers being attacked as they rappelled on to the ship. Seems they got what they deserved.

Sarah
said

I find it incredible that anyone can still support Hamas and the other terrorists! All of this could have been avoided by simply allowing the shipments to be inspected but violence is exactly what these so-called activists wanted. As for the spurious arguement the Israel had "no right" to board in international waters, grow up and learn about what you speak: nothing about international waters prevents a warship from carrying out a boarding if it is neccessary. If you know nothing about the laws governing the sea and the rest of our world, then you are not qualified to hold an opinion.

Bill in BC
said

I have absolutely NO sympathy for anyone who supports terrorists and that is exactly what these idiots are doing. The Israeli's only did what was neccessary. Instead of condemning Israel maybe you should all start to ask questions about who the real criminals are!

rmsbl4
said

@iman What are you talking about the early 1900's. Israel didn't even become a seperate country until Nov 1947 by a mandate from the U>N>

yazz
said

@Dave I am sure you are just pushing Israeli propaganda as Israel is well known for it, i didnt know that hitting somebody with a stick, if it is even true justifies killing 10 people and injuring 26 others with live gunfire on a boat that is carrying 500 people on it and carrying aid for palistians who who have been ileagely being blockaded by israel (ileagal as per international law) and being collectively punished by the israeli government but its not surprising considering Israel's track record of disregard for human life

William
said

The poor people on board. They didn't deserve it at all. Giving aid to the Gaza people. They had/have a heart. Went in and just ruined it all, right? For your own sake Israel. For your own sake.

Mohammad
said

It's one thing for Israel to continue its genocide against Palestinians, it's quite another to massacre any who attempt to provide food and water or aid to victims.Has Israel gone too far? The international community thinks so.

Allan Eizinas
said

A black eye for Israel. Perception is reality. The current perception is that Israeli soldiers attacked an unarmed convoy attempting to bring humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Those soldiers better make sure that all of the cell phones and cameras were confiscated because pictures of that confrontation will make Abu Ghraib look like a summer camp.

Wayne
said

Plain and simple. It was clear that these (activists) has weapons onboard. Exactly why Israel is doing what it is doing - protecting her people. I completely support Israel. I dont support the bloodshed thats for sure, but look what is happening to christians in Gaza, yet that is ok by these so called activists. Oh, been there, seen it. Maybe the goats and sheep are being separated. Which one are you?

Got what they deserved
said

They were warned in advance what would happen. It's on film that they attacked the soldier and had weapons. Just be thankful that the Isreali's didn't take the whole flotilla out.

Mark in TO
said

Just watched the Turkish TV footage on BBC, "peace activists" attempted to lynch the soldiers repelling down to the deck from their helicopter. They were using weapons, go on BBC and watch the video. I'm surprised they didn't "edit" that part out, but relieved to know that the truth got out.

Ryder in Cool Pool
said

Where in the article does it mention that this incident took place in international waters? Not to defend Israeli tactics, but it does appear that it took place in Israeli waters. Furthermore, the flotilla was warned weeks ago that it would be boarded and searched for weapons prior to being allowed to reach Gaza. This was in fact mentioned in a prior news article. If weapons were found, then the flotilla would be turned back. If Israel was met with force, and it seams that they were, then they were justified in defense. Had this been a legal aid flotilla, then they should have asked for UN support and been pre-searched.

ultamatt
said

you got it right dave, these "activists" got exactly what they planned for . they were warned not to try and break through the blockade , they were offered alternative ports to unload at where the shipment could be inspected before delivery to the Palestinian people who need it. if they truley wanted to help those people they would have taken the alternatives, but they dont give a damn for them , they are just a means of provoking a war with isreal.

iman
said

David, I'm sorry, but is that the ONLY thing you read from this whole article? Did you miss any other points about Israeli's starting the attack in the first place? Let alone the fact that Israel started this whole thing years ago, so if you're saying it's ok to retaliate, then I guess it should ALWAYS be ok for activists to retaliate on Israel for the initial invasion way back in the early 1900's. What do you think? Please look more into the problem and don't let one sentence make up your mind about this situation. It is far way too complex and needs knowledge to comprehend and make a wise decision. Retaliation is never the solution, so you should NOT support Israel on that simple reason.

Mark in TO
said

What did they expect would happen by trying to run a blockade? An international incident, which is exactly what these "peace activists" were trying to create. These activists care nothing for Gaza and it's people or else they would have transferred their cargo to Israel or Egypt to be transferred by land. No, they only cared about making Israel look bad and even attacked the commandos boarding the ship.

waynestunes
said

Aid flotilla with weapons?

Don
said

Absolutely disgusting. Israel needs to be sanctioned at the very minimum. This was in international waters!

Marcel in NWO
said

Why condemn Israel when these countries where involved in sending these individuals into a volitile place? These countries should be ashamed of using people to create intimidating acts against Israel and then cry foul. How has Russia dealt with similar acts against her people? What would the USA do if they heard of boats coming filled with people who are not coming for the good of all but rather to create problems? The United Nations is a biased institution that has outlived its purpose. The countries that provided passage for these people should be held acountable for the terrible outcome.

Not Pye Chart
said

Assault and boarding a vessel in International waters. Clearly this is piracy. As usual, the standard Israeli disproportional force and many many people get killed. If Canada had a UN observer on board, maybe he would have been shelled and killed too (again).

Dave
said

"Turkey's NTV showed activists beating one Israeli soldier with sticks as he rappelled from a helicopter onto one of the boats." Sorry activist if they do in fact have on tape video of you guys beating a soldier before he got on board then i feel no guilt for the Israeli shooting in defense as it sounds like you guys just wanted to pick a fight and cause an international incident.