Report: Lebanon forbids launch of Gaza-bound flotilla
Lebanese sources tell Al-Hayat that flotilla organizers had not filed for the necessary permits, adding that travel to an Israel-controlled port is illegal.
By Jack Khoury Tags: Israel news Lebanon Gaza flotilla UNA reported Gaza-bound aid flotilla may not be allowed to depart from Lebanon, Lebanese sources told the Arab daily Al-Hayat on Sunday, saying it was illegal for a vessel leaving a Lebanese port to dock in a port under Israeli occupation.
Earlier Sunday, Haaretz reported that Israel had initiated diplomatic efforts designed to prevent the departure of at least one vessel, carrying 50 to 70 Lebanese women and food aid. Israel has been in touch with the UN, United States, France, Spain and Germany. It has also been speaking with the Vatican because the ship is expected to include several dozen Catholic nuns.
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Lebanese school students protest against the Israeli raid on the aid ships as they carry Turkish flags in Lebanon, Thursday, June 3, 2010. |
| Photo by: AP |
However, according to the Al-Hayat report, it is possible that the flotilla would not be allowed to leave Lebanese shores, as Lebanon forbids a vessel departing one of its ports to reach a port under Israeli occupation. This fact has led Lebanon officials to estimate that organizers would submit a travel plan to a different destination, perhaps Cyprus, only to change course during the course of their voyage.
Sources have also told Al-Hayat that organizers failed to appeal the government for the necessary permits, which include authorizing their departure as well as their travel.
Lebanese officials told the Arab daily that the bureaucratic procedures needed to approve such an endeavor included authorizing the ship's permit by the Lebanese ministry of transportation, including the approving the intended travelers, as well as the type of cargo the flotilla is to hold.
A senior Lebanese official added that, regardless of the procedures required, Lebanese law did not permit the transport of weapons on board ships.
Lebanon's Minister of Labor Ghazi Al Aridi told Lebanon's Al-Nahar that no official "request regarding the flotilla had been submitted," saying that Lebanon would not "allow anyone to preach us over our support of the Palestinians, but there are rules and they must be followed."
Al Aridi added that a permit could be given to any port but Gaza, since it was under Israeli occupation.
Earlier Sunday, Israel informed the United Nations and - through diplomatic channels - the Lebanese government that it reserves the right to use all means necessary to stop ships seeking to breach the naval blockade on the Gaza Strip.
In a letter to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Israel warned that the attempt by the organizers to sail from Lebanon and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza could escalate tensions and affect peace and security in the region.
"Israel reserves its right under international law to use all necessary means to prevent these ships from violating the existing naval blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip," wrote Israel's ambassador to the UN, Gabriela Shalev.
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it seems lebanon's puppet master's have that sinking feeling... shouldn't someone inform the catholics and christians the the puppet masters are using them for cannon fodder? Let's face it, hizbullah and iran run lebanon ... the true puppet master of course is iran. Sadly, they have made it clear what they will do to us if given the chance to achieve nuclear statehood. if first strike is a US option, than that should also be our option. Sadly the chief muslim in washington is following the long standing muslim tradition of befriend & betray! Never trust a muslim because it will get you killed. The only variable in that statement is "when"
Israel is still on the hot seat for their actions against the previous peace convoy. This should be allowed to run its course before any other convoys are dispatched. Maybe once is enough. If not, there is lots of time to revisit the blockade.
until Hamas is in power there, Shalit is not released and and until there is a threat of arm smuggling to Gaza. If the so-called peace activists attack Israeli soldiers again, they would have to blame only themselves for the consequences.
Israel is still on the hot seat for their actions against the previous peace convoy. This should be allowed to run its course before any other convoys are dispatched. Maybe once is enough. If not, there is lots of time to revisit the blockade.
If you have you would know Israel was right. If you haven't read it specifically these parts 67. (a) are believed on reasonable grounds to be carrying contraband or breaching a blockade, and after prior warning they intentionally and clearly refuse to stop, or intentionally and clearly resist visit, search or capture; (b) engage in belligerent acts on behalf of the enemy; (c) act as auxiliaries to the enemy s armed forces; (d) are incorporated into or assist the enemy s intelligence system; (e) sail under convoy of enemy warships or military aircraft; or (f) otherwise make an effective contribution to the enemy s military action, e.g., by carrying military materials, and it is not feasible for the attacking forces to first place passengers and crew in a place of safety. Unless circumstances do not permit, they are to be given a warning, so that they can re-route, off-load, or take other precautions. 93. A blockade shall be declared and notified to all belligerents and neutral States. 94. The declaration shall specify the commencement, duration, location, and extent of the blockade and the period within which vessels of neutral States may leave the blockaded coastline. 95. A blockade must be effective. The question whether a blockade is effective is a question of fact. 96. The force maintaining the blockade may be stationed at a distance determined by military requirements. 97. A blockade may be enforced and maintained by a combination of legitimate methods and means of warfare provided this combination does not result in acts inconsistent with the rules set out in this document. 98. Merchant vessels believed on reasonable grounds to be breaching a blockade may be captured. Merchant vessels which, after prior warning, clearly resist capture may be attacked. 99. A blockade must not bar access to the ports and coasts of neutral States. 100. A blockade must be applied impartially to the vessels of all States. 101. The cessation, temporary lifting, re-establishment, extension or other alteration of a blockade must be declared and notified as in paragraphs 93 and 94. 102. The declaration or establishment of a blockade is prohibited if: (a) it has the sole purpose of starving the civilian population or denying it other objects essential for its survival; or (b) the damage to the civilian population is, or may be expected to be, excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage anticipated from the blockade. 103. If the civilian population of the blockaded territory is inadequately provided with food and other objects essential for its survival, the blockading party must provide for free passage of such foodstuffs and other essential supplies, subject to: (a) the right to prescribe the technical arrangements, including search, under which such passage is permitted; and (b) the condition that the distribution of such supplies shall be made under the local supervision of a Protecting Power or a humanitarian organization which offers guarantees of impartiality, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross. 104. The blockading belligerent shall allow the passage of medical supplies for the civilian population or for the wounded and sick members of armed forces, subject to the right to prescribe technical arrangements, including search, under which such passage is permitted.
Israel is still on the hot seat for their actions against the previous peace convoy. This should be allowed to run its course before any other convoys are dispatched. Maybe once is enough. If not, there is lots of time to revisit the blockade.
I love how people constantly point fingers at Israel for not sending in enough aid and blocking these ships, when Egypt, the Palestinians neighbor and brother as far as religion goes, has done shit to help the Palestinians out. Israel gives over 15,000 tons of aid to a group that wishes to annihilate them, yet Egypt does not do a single thing. Egypt has the resources to fix this humanitarian aid situation, but for some odd reason, everyone feels that its up to the Israel to send in more and more aid. Does nobody realize that Egypt could help solve this situation! Wake up world!
15K tons of food is not enough for 1.5 million people, not even for more than a few hours.
Just because they let it through doesn't mean they pay for it. I have heard contending arguments.
Why is there no caravan for peace with humanitarian aid for tens of thousands of even 3rd and 4th generation "Palestinians" being held illegally in Lebanese interim/concentration camps? What about that real slow genocide of civilians? Why can't these people work and own land in Lebanon? are they not Arabs too? Once gain we see Arab two-faced hypocrisy and lies exposed, but then again, we in Israel already knew this, too bad the Arabs are keeping this from the rest of the World to see how humanitarian they toward other Arabs...
The Mariam and it's wingman have only one motivation. Nadav and other posters are right. Any flotilla from a hostile country has only one objective: harm Israel. Distribute the cancer medicine to the refugees in Lebanon and if you care show it by making them citizens.
"Why can't these people work and own land in Lebanon?" Because they are not Lebanese. They are Palestinian refugees and should be allowed to return to their land now held by the Israelis. It is hypocritical of you to expel these people and then blame Lebanon for not giving them citizenship.
They were not "expelled", as you charge. By this point, most were born there. Their ancesters fled under direction of the hostile armies to whom they remain faithfully aligned.
The way the Lebanese treat the Palestinians they should be bringing add to Palestinians in Lebanon
I was just in Lebanon. Palestinians there can't vote, own property, go to state universities. This is truly a disgrace and reflects the deep dishonesty in this sad conflict
Every country is not Turkey that is not afraid of Israel..Thanks god that we dont have puppet officials who are the yes man for Israel
hate spreading adventures wont help the Palestinian cause The intention does not come from the heart but just from hate to Israel
try stopping the next flotilla if you can.......but for goodness sake get the navy to train for non lethal responses and flood gaza with consumer goods, food and medicine courtesy of israel so there won't be any propaganda gain in sending a flotilla
The world doesn't want to see excessive force or a repeat of the last questionable incident. If Netanyahu wants a diversion tactic from his upcoming whitehouse visit, let him put a little thought behind it this time. That last feasco was very questionanable.
Wonder how the Regevs and Orens would spin Israel's attack on the Miriam? Wonder how Shalev would explain it in the UN? That the naieve nuns were serving for a cover for the real "terrorists" on board and how Israel reserves the right to defend itself against the security threat from cancer medicines?
Good common sense decision by Lebanon. If, however, the ship will sail to Israel, I hope my beloved country will have as much common sense and peacefully lead the ship to another port.
Same cat and mouse games with the propaganda saying ships coming and then not coming. Hope our navy has a lot of patience. I'm at my wit's end with the flotilla game nonsense...
because Israel will destroy Lebanon for any reason. Lebanon doesn't want an excuse to shift attention from israeli piracy to attack on Lebanon. Haven't the Israelis killed thousands before for rediculous reasons?
"Al Aridi added that a permit could be given to any port but Gaza, since it was under Israeli occupation." Now go sit back and await the arrival of thousands of craft into Gaza and watch your heroes going around in circles scurrying after canoes/little boats/big boats/yachts/barges/surfers/subs/et al. Say goodnight to your illegal blocade. You are out nuimbered and out foxed. Stop digging.
Allowing this boat to sail would be an act of war against Israel, and the US should act accordingly.
..so seems fitting...and the US should cut off aid to Israel too...
..so seems fitting...and the US should cut off aid to Israel too...
I don't know why the states would pay any tax money to anyone? especially Israel.
I think any US citizen that would support war against the Muslim states for no other reason than to support Israel should their foreheads in their campaign posters stamped SFFFS for squandered fortune for foreign squatters. Biting the hand that feeds us oil for the benefit of foreign squatters to the disbenifit of US citizens is a form of treason. It not just freedom of speech it what any LOYAL US Citizen would do for their neighbor.
With respect for Lebanese women on ship 'Miriam', but I think any of them, do not visit the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, which are no less bad than the situation of Gaza, except that there are more lights at sea
has that ocurred to you?
Ironic, it is. Lebanese politicians saving Israeli politicians from themselves and more bad PR for Israel. Imagine the PR if the IDF attacked a bunch of nuns trying to deliver food and medicine. And Peres claims (made on YNet) about Shalit and Gaza are incredible. The Israeli cabinet would never go along, and Peres knows it. They haven't yet kept the English-only promise of slightly lifting the siege. And the Ashdod seizures have not yet been delivered, either. Maan would have reported it. Obama was naive to believe Netanyahu on the Gaza Siege.
I am always amused at marks latest spew of anti ISrael venom. What makes you think Mark that ther would be an attack. A request to board would be made and being a ship full of women and nuns good Christian people do, you think they would fight. No mark the wind is out of your sails. Stop fanning the flames of discontent where there is no reason to. facts are this Mark, you hope there is an attack so you can spew more crap from your ignotrant pie hole. And you will be so disapointed if they dont saif now wont you. But i am sure you will always have more crap to spew.
As is the norm for these type of "news" events tomorrows headlines will scream out the Lebanese aid flotilla will now be allowed to set sail for Gaza. Not that there is any basis to stop them now as Gaza isn't occupied. Well maybe if it suits Israel's agenda.
All this flotillisis is only creating conditions for attack, defense and turmoil, but never peace. The people of the two sides in the conflict can only lose. The enthusiasm of the "sailors" is not worth the damage it's doing to everybody else. Certainly, Turkey's change of friends from West to East, from America and Europe to Iran and North Korea, etc., is rather a disaster for its fine, advanced, secular population. I can hardly understand leaving a high level of civilization for the backwardness and terrorism of Hamas and the like.
leaving fine, advanced, secular civilizations in the dust of history is what muslims are alll about.
Another provocation could have ended up in a war.
This is what one calls diplomacy in action!
"Israel reserves its right under international law to use all necessary means to prevent these ships from violating the existing naval blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip" A blockade is illegal when it isn't part and parcel of an armed conflict. And if the blockade is not legal then you have no "right" under int'l law to enforce it.
What, you think there is no armed conflict between Hamas and Israel?
The gazan trespassers are still shooting rockets into Israel--that seem like it is armed conflict to me.
"However, according to the Al-Hayat report, it is possible that the flotilla would not be allowed to leave Lebanese shores, as Lebanon forbids a vessel departing one of its ports to reach a port under Israeli occupation." Too bad for Israel the activists will find plenty of welcoming havens which to sail too. Thanks to Israel who is busy making new enemies every day. Now you can add the German FM to the list.
This is good news for those who want peace. Do you want peace at all?
not Israel's. The basis for the naval blockade is that a state of armed conflict exists. Your characterization is therefore inaccurate.
Under the agreement between Israel and the PA, Israel would control the waters and hence the arrival and departure of boats from the port. Hamas might not recognize the agreement but it was the last legal arrangement concerning the status of the port and unless Hamas wants to renegotiate the terms with Israel, that is how it is.
Hang anyone's determination. The blockade is still in effect yet there is no longer any active sustained fighting between the two sides. A blockade cannot be imposed indefinitely. End of story.
When did this agreement occur between Israel and PA? Before the blockade? Before the election of the Hamas government? What is the position of the PA since Israel wanton attack on the Turkish flotilla and its killing of 9 peace activists resisting the Israeli act of piracy?
Who would have thought??
Illegally controlled port , which is why they are going. But not to worry, plans are being made to flood the Gaza waters with thousands of craft. Should keep the Israeli authorities busy for some time to come. the world is far bigger then Israel.
Under Oslo, Israel has control of Gazan waters until deemed otherwise in a final peace settlement. Thus Israel's control of the port is not only legal, but signed off on by the PLO.
Blockade runners will be dealt with.
but did you not hera netanyahu state that the oslo accords are dead. Given that Israel has not kept it,s part of those same accords---stop the illeagl expansion--to name just one , why would you raise the subject of Oslo. In any event the blockade is illeagl---"collective Punishment is a war crime---did you noy know that. Go look it up fella.
Most weapons work better in crowded areas.
A ladder to climb down from...