As too often occurs regarding Middle Eastern events, the media are quick to make a rush to judgment against Israel. Now it features the flotilla incident, which the News Tribune and other media wrongly called an "attack" by Israel ("Israeli attack on Gaza aid condemned," June 1).
It was not an attack. It was an attempted nonviolent diversion of a hostile fleet to Ashdod, an Israeli port where incoming traffic is routinely inspected. The passengers would be investigated and the flotilla's cargo inspected. If it passed inspection, the cargo would then have been transported to Gaza overland. Israel's military had expected a peaceful protest. But the diversion attempt went awry when apparently inadequate Israeli intelligence failed to warn its forces about the possibility of violence. The organized, preplanned intifada necessitated live gunfire only after the firing of harmless paintballs did not stop the passenger mob's violent riot. The advance planning of the flotilla organizers, backed by Hamas, was intended to purposely set up a martyrdom operation -- an effective but diabolical propaganda coup.
Remember that Hamas, the elected government of Gaza, is at war with Israel and is sworn to destroy Israel. Nevertheless, Israel ships tons of humanitarian supplies and aid to Gaza every week! What other nation would do this for a sworn enemy? And no other nation would allow a ship or flotilla to illegally breach its security without inspection.
We were disappointed the News Tribune chose to headline a serious incident prior to making a thorough validation of the facts.
Selma and Robert Goldish
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Duluth
