Pro-Israel front group Reuters (ahem) asks the timely question: Q&A: Is Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza legal?

The short answers:

Yes, Israel’s blockade is legal under international law.

Yes, Israel has the legal right to stop ships in international waters.

Yes, Israel has the legal right to use force when stopping ships.

And no, this was not “piracy” by any legal definition.

The applicable legally recognized document is titled: “San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea.”