A cynical and politically motivated media stunt

This article was published in The Sydney Morning Herald 2 June 2010

The tragic events off Gaza remind us there are still those who seek to manipulate humanitarian needs for extremist ends. The situation is ongoing, but several facts are clear. The flotilla organisers' intent was violent, the methods employed were violent and, regrettably, the result was violent.

The attack on the Israeli soldiers aboard the Mavi Marmara was premeditated. The number of weapons found on board - including stun grenades, petrol bombs, knives, steel rods and clubs - and its passengers' actions attest to the flotilla's focus: not to deliver aid, but to engage in a cynical and politically motivated media stunt.