There's been an interesting couple of statements made by UK Ministers today in response to the indefensible attack and killing of people trying get aid to Gaza.
Firstly, William Hague made a statement deploring the attacks and urging Israel to allow aid into Gaza. Later, Nicola Sturgeon communicated her concern for the several Scots that were onboard the aid ships.
Here's the thing though, when he spoke of "any UK nationals", did the Foreign Secretary really not know whether there were any British citizens on those boats? If Hague did know, why didn't he mention them specifically in his statement? If he didn't, is it possible that the information wasn't passed on from the SNP administration?
Judging by the headlines coming out as a result of this unfortunate incident, it seems the link-up play between the UK and Scottish Governments could have been a bit better...
(Note that Sandra White, MSP for the SNP, was reported by STV to have taken a call from one of the Scots on the flotilla boats at 5am this morning)
Update - I have been told that Sandra White actually got confused and took a call from someone in the UK rather than on one of the flotilla boats. A bit of an embarrassing botch given the highly topical issue at hand. I wonder if it's in the SNP's interests to issue a clarification...
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There's been an interesting couple of statements made by UK Ministers today in response to the indefensible attack and killing of people trying get aid to Gaza.
They could have tried going via land. Egypt would have been out of the question because the border there is almost permanently sealed, and the last time this group were in Egypt it engineered a confrontation which resulted in the death of an Egyptian border guard.
Going via Israel was entirely possible, and offered by the Navy... but this would have meant them missing a photo-opportunity and means to hand the cargo directly to Hamas (which previously has raided UN depots, and expressed incredulity that their Fat'h opponents also received aid).
The Israeli forces handled this ineptly, extending to entering the situation prepared for riot-control and not zealots who immediately attacked troops with axes and clubs, throwing one over a 30 foot drop and trying to drag others to lower decks (video footage supports this). The crewmembers' own footage shows one "peace activist" attacking a soldier with a knife, and another was shot with his sidearm which had been snatched.
This convoy set off from Istanbul with these scenes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ6giFryCY0&feature=player_embedded
The "Khaybar" you can hear refers to the Battle of Khaybar and should be compared to Loyalists' threatening Irish Catholics with another 1689.
This wasn't a peace convoy. It sought confrontation from the beginning, and has done absolutely nothing to better the lives of Gazans or another group of people who don't much like the situation they're in - the Israelis.
Here's the thing though, when he spoke of "any UK nationals", did the Foreign Secretary really not know whether there were any British citizens on those boats?
Why not? It was a confused time.
I have been told that Sandra White actually got confused and took a call from someone in the UK rather than on one of the flotilla boats. A bit of an embarrassing botch given the highly topical issue at hand.
I'm not particularly worried as the Scottish Parliament doesn't have a Foreign Office.
I think you're looking for a problem where none exists here Jeff.
William Hague is a UK minister. Nicola a Scottish minister. If I was in William Hague's position, I doubt I'd be calling the Scottish government to find if there were any Scots on board the vessels, as they'd be travelling on a UK passport.
The much, much... and I hate people who do this much muching... much more important issue here is Israeli troops boarding ships in International waters and shooting the people on board who objected to their presence.
The Israeli's remind me of out of control school children (Bullies). The International community can't condemn them enough for what they've done. There should be no distractions from that.
Jeff,
I don't know what you are saying here.
Are you excusing death on the high sea, or nor?
Wow, that's a bit out of left field is it not Douglas? Of course I don't support Israel's actions. The treatment of Gazans let alone peace activists trying to help them out is disgraceful, particularly in the abject absence of a proposed lasting solution on Israel's side.
My only point was that the SG seemed to have facts that the UK G didn't but I appreciate it's probably more complicated than I realise and, as Jim suggests, I might be looking for intrigue where none exists.
But defending the killing of humanitarianists? Em, no.
Jeff,
Well, I did say I didn't know what you were saying. Clearly you and I are on the same side on this isssue, and would view legalistic apologia as damned.
I'm glad you clarified your position.
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