West Point Institute Examines Customary Law of Naval Blockade in Contemporary Conflicts, Including Gaza
The Lieber Institute at West Point has published an analysis examining the customary law of naval blockade and its application in contemporary conflicts, including the Gaza Strip. The article asserts that the fundamental principles of blockade law, established in the 19th and early 20th centuries, remain largely unchanged despite modern humanitarian concerns. It highlights that naval blockades continue to be viewed by states as a significant method of warfare. The analysis uses three case studies: Russian and Ukrainian operations in the Black Sea, Israel's naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, and the U.S. Navy's blockade of Iran. Regarding Gaza, the institute notes that from a traditional blockade law perspective, Israel's operation satisfies requirements of declaration, notification, and effectiveness, and is directed against a territory from which hostilities are conducted. However, it also acknowledges that the Gaza blockade raises fundamental questions about its compatibility with international humanitari...
