Baraka_Guru

I don't see how any of this brings about a conclusion that the ends justify the means.

Let's assume that Hamas is a terrorist organization.
Let's assume that the flotilla passengers were armed with non-military weapons that didn't include firearms until the IDF boarded.
Let's assume that the flotilla intended to break the blockade.
Let's assume that there could have been stuff aboard that were restricted materials according to Israel.

None of that justifies Israel's actions, and certainly none of it justifies the outcome.

Israel fucked up. It fucked up for fear of materials on a flotilla that will likely end up in Gaza anyway. It fucked up and now people are dead.

I mean, I understand that they're running a blockade and shit---which, of course, is part and parcel of a good quality siege---and I understand that they're highly concerned with terrorist activities and their own self-defense....but seriously...I can't understand how anyone can justify Israel's handling of this particular situation.

Can we not at least admit that Israel screwed up?

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Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot