how many homes raided and how many people kidnapped in the occupied West Bank & Gaza? how many people jailed in Israel on the charge of illegally entering Israel? plenty as they are. because they are protected persons from occupied land, or because they are not from Syria or Iran? Releasing him is a compromise to divert World's attention from Israel's violation of the Geneva Convention and from breaching of the Jus Cogens by Gaza siege.

Israel is building a Nation in spite of all the difficulties,and it is being successful,as well as a world contributor,and all these facts just drive some people crazy.\\

just because there is a video of him onboard doesn't mean you can't still claim he is not onboard. Just like you can keep claiming the IDF initiated the violence when there is video showing the activists did. After all you can fool some of the people ALL of the time.

Muhammed Atta was killed on September the 11th 2001

I think it's funny reading both the article and these talkbacks. Israelis want so desperately to believe anything that fits into their preconceived notions of what happened that they are forced to grasp at any idiotic theory. Either the IDF and the 'security establishment' is Israel are grossly incompetent in allowing the dastardly 'one-armed man' to go free (sounds like a plagiarized version of 'The Fugitive' doesn't it?) or the entire story is a lie. Take your pick. I find it equally strange that no Israeli is demanding the release and publication of all the media 'captured' by the IDF during the 'raid', unedited and unexpugated. Neither the Israeli public not the Israeli media. If there is nothing to hide, why not demand the release? Nor, is there questioning of the 'official' story line? Nor questioning of passengers, crew or 'commandos' involved to find out the truth from all sides, merely stories published whuch buttress the governments's statements? Is this really journalism?

Do Israelis and other hated non-Muslim infidels have no right to protection?

From pure legal point of view Israel did not violate any laws. Even in Turkey this is known by the authorities. In fact yesterday Hurriyet's Ozdemir ince published an analysis of an experienced retired Turkish diplomat indicating that Israel was inside legal boundaries in executing the intervention to the flotilla. Furthermore the captain of the Ship also indicated in his interrogation that there was one group in his ship who smuggled some disk cutters on board. They used them to cut the steel rods from the ships deck in preparation for a fight about 2 hours before the IDF boarded the ship. The captain said that he tried to stop them from cutting the steel bars and told them to surrender peacefully but they did not listen. (Well; the captain spilled the beans very quickly otherwise he could be legally responsible too even losing his captain licence.)

the IDF commanding staff as well as in the Israeli intelligence, not to mention the civilian leadership....

There is video of him ON the boat. Why are you so desparate to deny this that you refuse to believe the evidence of your own eyes. And if Israel had delayed these guys to "interrogate" them properly I am sure you'd be the first person screaming kidnapping.

3" knives, a Turkish symbol, gas masks and some tools... you should be writing for the Jewish propaganda war machine! Terrorists? If there were terrorists on these boats I don't know who is stupider...the terrorists for being on the boats or the Israelis for letting them go??? Let me see...I'd have to say the Israelis for letting them go! Israel will be bold enough to use phosphorous bombs (illegal) but they won't detain and imprison a terrorist (legal). Somehow this is real fishy and a total propaganda scheme!

You believe the Israeli narrative, I don't nothing wrong with that it's democratic debate. Neither am I eager to convince people otherwise. I am responding to the article in the first place and then responding to people who respond to what I have to say I'm not as desperate as you think, there is an enquiry, the Rafah Crossing is open effectivelty ending the blockade and Obama gave the Palestinians $400 million yesterday to shore up Abbas, and there are moves for the Royal and French navies to undertake a regime of inspection of ships heading to Gaza. Even Israel has joined in and has widened the number of things they allow into Gaza. Looking pretty rosy from my side of the fence.

The captain of the ship said it in his interrogation that was published in the Turkish media today (Hurriyet and other papers had the video) there were some elements in the ship who prepared for violence 2 hours before the IDF boarded. They used smuggled disc cutter to cut the steel rods from the deck of the ships. I love Vancover and Seattle for its natural beauty but let's face it the winters are long and cold and sunshine is a rarity. It really affect's the inhabitants sanity. This is why they say that Vancouver has one of the highest suicide rates. But I will come back again with my children to walk over the Capillano bridge. It is fun.

You understand that the Royal and French navy are there to deter Ahmedinejad from using Iranian navy and start a war right?

propaganda war machine, not Jewish propaganda war machine. Otherwise people might just think you are simply an anti-semitic scumbag.

There is cold hard video evidence. You can CHOOSE to deny the facts and believe lies - which you seem desparate to do - but lets not pretend somehow this is an "equally valid point of view"

For all the mouthing off by the Iranians, they don't want a direct conflict with Israel and have been prepared to fight Israel down to the last Lebanese and Palestinian. Also doesn't warship vs warship destroy the "poor unarmed activist vs nasty heavily armed IDF" BS?

I guess living in Israel people are too busy killing rather than commiting suicide here in Vancouver eh? Your sarcasm is too smart for your own good! I have met very few Jews who can be objective even when they are completely wrong...its always about diversion, deflection and half truths... I am a Israeli supporter on most topics but especially with regards to their existence and the importance of Judaism and Israel! I don't understand many of you... your dishonesty, lack of honor, disrespect and the overall feeling that you are the chosen ones...even if a lot of you people have shit valuse and character you still feel you are above all! It will be proven when you die! Only God can save you, not your twisted lies or your fantasies about being the only race on earth that matters! I hear its fun to lean over the suspension bridge with no hands...try it!

a syrian intelligence officer participating,leading, the attempt to break the blockade is an act of war. Why does Israel insist on covering up for its enemies, especially when they lie about Israel? Israel MUST use whatever chips it has or gets wisely.