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Israel's Gaza Sea Blockade Is an Act of Self-Defense

(Los Angeles Times) Amos N. Guiora - Self-defense against threats to national security and individual citizens is a core right and duty of all nation-states. From 2005 to December 2008, more than 10,000 missiles were fired from Gaza into southern Israel, placing more than 700,000 Israelis in daily danger of attack. Israel's Gaza blockade represents the essence of the nation-state's right to self-defense. According to international law, states can declare and impose a sea blockade as a means to prevent contraband from being smuggled into their territory. For the blockade to be lawful, the contraband must pose a danger to the nation-state. "Due notice" must be given that a blockade is in effect and that it will be defended. Israel's Gaza sea blockade meets these requirements. If the flotilla were truly a humanitarian mission, its organizers would act in concert with Israel to better the lives of the civilian population in Gaza. As it stands, should the flotilla set sail, Israel will enforce its legal sea blockade. To do anything less would abrogate its duty to its citizens and its right to self-defense under international law. The writer is a professor of law at the University of Utah.
2011-07-01 00:00:00
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