Israel Announces Death of Lt Col Eli Ginsburg, Mastermind of “Mavi Marmara” Raid

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — A few hours ago, the Israeli Defense Forces announced the deaths of another 16 of its soldiers in battles with Hamas fighters at various locations in the southern areas of the country that border the Gaza Strip.

 In total, 72 Israeli soldiers have been killed in battles with Palestinian fighters over the past two days.

One of the 16 soldiers killed was identified as Lieutenant Colonel Eli Ginsburg, a 42-year-old senior officer in the Israeli Navy’s commando unit, “Shayetet 13.”

The Israeli Navy’s secretive commando unit, “Shayetet 13,” is among the most classified units in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

This highly secretive commando unit has reportedly participated in every conflict and war involving the country, highlighting its significance within the Israeli military.

“Shayetet 13” specializes in executing missions such as maritime-to-land covert operations, counter-terrorism, sabotage, gathering maritime intelligence, hostage rescue, and boarding enemy vessels.

Turkish media “welcomed” Ginsburg’s death as soon as it was reported today, stating that he was one of the Israeli soldiers responsible for the raid on the humanitarian aid ship “Mavi Marmara.”

Lieutenant Colonel Eli Ginsburg was reportedly killed in a battle with members of the Hamas al-Qassam Brigades.

He is reported to be one of Israel’s top commando unit members, having received the most bravery medals due to his participation in various missions and operations of his commando unit.

The Mavi Marmara had sailed from Turkey to the Gaza Strip in an attempt to break the blockade imposed by Israel on the Palestinian territory.

 

The bloody incident involving Israeli commandos boarding the humanitarian ship occurred at 4 a.m. (local time) on May 31, 2010, in international waters.

Israeli commandos were lowered onto the humanitarian vessel by helicopter, and Zodiac rubber boats were also used by the commandos to board the “Mavi Marmara.”

Turkish media claimed that Ginsburg was one of the key figures in the violent Israeli commando raid on the “Mavi Marmara,” which resulted in the deaths of 10 of its passengers, nine of whom were Turkish citizens.

One of the victims was shot in the head by an Israeli commando.

Following the bloody incident, Turkish investigators conducted an investigation in which they found more than 250 bullet impact marks fired by Israeli commandos.

 

The ship, carrying international humanitarian aid for the people of the Gaza Strip, was also carrying more than 500 passengers of various nationalities and international media personnel, including individuals from Malaysia.

In addition to the death of Lieutenant Colonel Eli Ginsburg, the Israeli military also stated that several members of the “Sayeret Matkal” commando unit were killed in operations against Palestinian fighters. — DSA

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