It began as a human rights mission: over 600 civilians on 72 boats from more than 45 countries, seeking to break Israel\u2019s 19-year siege of Gaza. It ended with two Israeli-government assaults in international waters, including kidnappings, beatings, torture, sexual abuse, and violations of international law. And crucially, it ended with Israel losing legitimacy, not just with the public but also among its own allies on a scale not seen since South Africa lost its own legitimacy in the Apartheid era.<\/p>\n
Two Attacks<\/strong><\/p>\n On April 29, Israeli commandos boarded 22 boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla 80 nautical miles from Greece. On May 18, they intercepted 50 more boats west of Cyprus. Both assaults were in international waters far from Israel. Both involved the illegal<\/a> boarding of civilian vessels and the forced transfer of unarmed non-violent civilian flotilla participants to prison ships. These assaults were not for Israeli security; they were state-sponsored piracy.<\/p>\n