Libya Accuses Israel of Piracy
Libya went before the UN Security Council Wednesday, December 3, protesting Israel’s interception of one of its cargo ships attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Ambassador Giadalla Ettalhi stated that Israel is guilty of “piracy in the high seas” and called for “effective action that will ensure compliance of Israel with international humanitarian law and law of the seas.”
Israel’s warship blockade prevented a Libyan vessel, carrying 3,000 tons of humanitarian aid for the destitute Palestinian territory, from reaching the Gaza strip.
Israeli ambassador to the UN, Gabriel Shalev, rejected Libya’s allegations of piracy, claiming that Libya is guilty of provocation. Shalev stated that, “No member State of this Council, nor any other member of the United Nations, would allow a shipment originating from a hostile state towards a territory that serves as a launching pad for terrorist attacks against its civilians.”
US Deputy Permanent Representative Alejandro Wolff also rejected Libya’s argument saying that it was “absurd to assert Israel committed an act of piracy” because no shots were fired, and the Libyan vessel was not boarded, while claiming that Libya’s attempt to breach the blockade was “dangerous and irresponsible.”
Roy Dickson
