Israeli interception of Alma illegal under international law, UN Rapporteur says

Israel's interception of the Alma vessel in the global Sumud Flotilla is unlawful, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, told MEE.

Albanese said the interception is unlawful under two basic premises. 

Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip is illegal under international law, Albanese said, adding, "it makes no sense whatsoever." 

Additional, Albanese noted that even under ordinary circumstances, the interception of vessels in international water behaving in a clearly peaceful manner is illegal under international law. 

The flotilla is roughly 80 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza. Territorial waters extend for maximum 12 nautical miles.