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Source: http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/HumanitarianAid/Palestinians/Legal_aspects_Gaza_aid_26-May-2010.htm
Why Is There a Blockade on Gaza?
(Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Israel has imposed a maritime blockade on Gaza because Israel is currently in a state of armed conflict with the Hamas regime that controls Gaza. According to Sarah Weiss Maudi, the Israel Foreign Ministry's expert on maritime and humanitarian law: "Hamas has repeatedly bombed civilian targets in Israel with weapons that have been smuggled into Gaza by various routes, including the sea....Maritime blockades are a legitimate and recognized measure under international law, and may be implemented as part of an armed conflict at sea....The naval manuals of the U.S. and UK recognize the maritime blockade as an effective naval measure that can be implemented in times of armed conflict."