Naval War College Review – The immunity of hospital ships from attack is firmly established in international law; they have long enjoyed a ìsafety in vulnerabilityî rooted in their humanitarian purposes, universally respected by principled belligerents. But to a terrorist their white paint, red crosses or crescents, and special signals simply make them conspicuous and attractive ìsoftî targets. It is time to consider effective defensive armament for themóor failing that, abandoning their protected status.

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