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Israel's flotilla attack was entirely justified

When Israeli commandos boarded a ship, the Mavi Marmara, which was part of a flotilla attempting to breach its blockade of Gaza on Monday 31st May, the result was a firefight. Nine passengers died and dozens more were wounded, sparking fury about the behaviour of both sides. Another ship, the Rachel Corrie, immediately set off to make another attempt to reach Gazan ports. It was stopped by the Israeli navy and diverted to Ashdod, a port in Israel, without violence on Saturday. The 11 activists on board were repatriated. The following day, at least four Palestinians were killed when Israeli navy commandos opened fire on what they said was a squad of militants in diving suits off the coast of Gaza.

These events have provoked international controversy about the legality of Israel's actions and its treatment of Gaza - but also about the protesters' intentions and the long term consequences of this week's events.