Palmer Report: Israel Vindicated, Media Shrugs

by Simon Plosker:

The UN’s Palmer Report into the events of the first Gaza flotilla in 2010 came to a number of important conclusions that, in the main vindicated Israel’s positions:

Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza is legal and Israel has the right to enforce the blockade, including in international waters.

The decision to breach the naval blockade was a dangerous and reckless act which needlessly carried the potential for escalation.

The conduct and true objectives of the flotilla organizers, particularly the IHH, included plans to violently resist any boarding attempt.

The Israeli Government adopted the Report albeit with reservations concerning the characterization of Israel’s decision to board the vessels in the manner it did as “excessive and unreasonable” as well as alleged mistreatment of some flotilla participants following the docking of vessels in Israel.

But what did the media choose to focus on and emphasize with the publication of the Palmer Report? A grudging acknowledgment that Israel did indeed have a valid case?
Horrendous Headlines

Not judging by these headlines, which made it clear which way the story was framed:

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