<article data-history-node-id="429495" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-interception-alma-illegal-under-international-law-un-rapporteur" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-interception-alma-illegal-under-international-law-un-rapporteur" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Israeli interception of Alma illegal under international law, UN Rapporteur says</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>Israel's interception of the Alma vessel in the global Sumud Flotilla is unlawful,&nbsp;<meta charset="UTF-8">Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories, told MEE.</p> <p>Albanese said the interception is unlawful under two basic premises.&nbsp;</p> <p>Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip is illegal under international law, Albanese said, adding, "it makes no sense whatsoever."&nbsp;</p> <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>The flotilla is roughly 80 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza. Territorial waters extend for maximum 12 nautical miles.&nbsp;</p> </div> </div> </article>