Israel's Blockade of Gaza and the 'Mavi Marmara' Incident

Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip in 2005, but retained control of its borders. Hamas won the 2006 Palestinian elections and later seized control of the territory in 2007. Israel imposed a tighter blockade on the flow of goods and materials into Gaza in 2009 after an offensive that destroyed much of Gaza¿s infrastructure. Israel has obstructed the delivery of rebuilding materials that it said could also be used to manufacture weapons. The territory¿s economy and people are suffering. In May 2010, a six-ship flotilla was organized to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and to break Israel¿s blockade. On May 31, Israeli commandos intercepted the convoy in international waters. The confrontation resulted in 9 people killed. This report summarizes these events.