The UN Security Council has issued a statement calling for an impartial inquiry into Israel's raid on a flotilla of Gaza-bound aid ships.
The statement said the inquiry should be "prompt, impartial, credible and transparent".
The statement was reached after hours of discussion as the council deliberated through the night.
At least nine activists were killed when Israeli commandos stormed the ships in international waters.
Turkey was reluctant to water down its trenchant criticism of Israel while the United States, Israel's closest ally, wanted to temper the language used, says BBC UN correspondent Barbara Plett.
The Security Council requested the immediate release of the ships as well as the civilians held by Israel.
Earlier, Turkey's foreign minister called Israel's actions "murder by a state".
Israel's UN envoy said troops acted in self-defence when activists attacked them, charges the campaigners deny.
"This flotilla was anything but a humanitarian mission," Israel's deputy UN ambassador Daniel Carmon said.
He said the activists had used "knives, clubs and other weapons" to attack the soldiers who boarded the lead boat, the Mavi Marmara.
The campaigners insist the soldiers opened fire without any provocation.
Some of the over 600 protesters on board, including a former US ambassador, are to be deported, while others are being detained and questioned at Beersheva Prison in southern Israel, the BBC's Jon Donnison reports from Gaza.
Israel has imposed an information blackout, making it difficult to gather first-hand accounts from the campaigners.
The ships were carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid in an attempt to break Israel's three-year blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Israel says it will deliver the ships' aid cargo to Gaza later on Tuesday by land.
The Israeli government is now engaged in a public relations battle trying to put across its version of events; it has released navy video pictures showing protesters on board the flotilla beating some of its officers, our correspondent adds.
Later on Tuesday, Nato ambassadors will hold emergency talks at Turkey's request to discuss the raid.
Global protests
The Security Council's emergency session continues behind closed doors at the UN headquarters in New York.
Member states are debating a possible reaction to Israel's killing of the nine pro-Palestinian activists in international waters.
Most of the activists killed are believed to have been Turkish, and Turkey led a chorus of criticism of Israel at the UN.
"In simplest terms, this is tantamount to banditry and piracy. It is murder conducted by a state," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said ahead of the session.
Mr Davutoglu told the BBC that Israel must issue an immediate apology for its storming of the aid ship and repatriate the pro-Palestinian campaigners.
None of the other 15 members of the Security Council was as outspoken in their individual statements, but most called for a full investigation and were critical of Israeli actions.
Many - including veto-wielding members France, Russia and China - also demanded an end to the Israeli blockade on Gaza which the aid ships were trying to break.
Israel's closest ally, the United States, expressed concern, although deputy US ambassador to the UN Alejandro Wolff said it was still not clear what had happened.
"The US is deeply disturbed by the recent violence and regrets the tragic loss of life and injury suffered among those involved in the incident last night, aboard the Gaza-bound ships," he said.
'Deep regret'
US state department spokesman Philip Crowley later said America "deeply regretted" the loss of life and expected a "full and credible" investigation by Israel.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has also called for a full inquiry.
There have been demonstrations against the Israeli operation in cities around the world, and several countries summoned their Israeli ambassadors demanding an explanation for the violence.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned the Israeli "massacre" and declared three days of mourning across the West Bank.
The Arab League has called for an emergency meeting on Tuesday, as Jordan and Egypt - the two Arab states with peace deals with Israel - sharply condemned the violence.
For many critics of Israel - on the streets and in foreign ministries - it is not just about this single incident at sea, serious and deadly though it was, says the BBC's Jeremy Bowen in Jerusalem.
It is about a pattern of violent and disproportionate behaviour, with Israel playing to its own rules rather than international law, our correspondent says.
Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak told the BBC that Israel did not want to harm innocent civilians in Gaza, but had to fight the militant group Hamas which controls Gaza.
Israel imposed the blockade on the Gaza Strip after Hamas took power there in 2007.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he regretted any loss of life, but gave full backing to the action of the Israeli troops.
Mr Netanyahu cut short a visit to Canada to deal with the growing crisis and cancelled a scheduled meeting in Washington with US President Barack Obama on Tuesday.
The six-ship convoy left Cyprus on Sunday to carry 10,000 tonnes of aid to Gaza, despite repeated Israeli warnings that it would not be allowed to reach the territory. It was due to arrive on Monday.
Reports say soldiers boarded the ships about 40 miles (64km) out to sea.
In Tel Aviv, Israel's navy commander said the troops took over five boats without incident and that all of the violence was centred on the Mavi Marmara.
Organisers of the flotilla said at least 30 people were wounded in the incident. Israel says 10 of its soldiers were injured, one seriously.
Israel has escorted the ships to the port of Ashdod and says it will detain or deport the passengers from there.
Israel says it allows about 15,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid into Gaza every week, but the UN says this is less than a quarter of what is needed.
Source:
Monday, May 31, 2010
Rights expert says attacks hard to justify under law
Bethlehem - Ma'an - Human rights experts say the attack on the ship was likely illegal according to international law and the customary law of the sea, noting that Israeli justifications in claims that the activists were armed do not render their actions legal.
"In international waters, the crew of a ship have the right to prevent others from boarding their ship without their permission; including by resorting to force," human rights and international law expert at the Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights in Gaza Mahmoud Abu Rahma told Ma'an.
States can only act within a 12 nautical miles, in the marine zone along their shores, the lawyer said, adding that "States are of course entitled to act in self-defense under certain limitations."
Reports indicate that the Israeli attack on the ship took approximately 34 nautical miles off the shore of the Gaza Strip, rendering the incident an international matter in international waters.
"There are several questions to consider," the Abu Rahma said. "One is whether Gaza is occupied or not. If not, then Israel has absolutely no right to act inside or outside its nautical jurisdiction."
Israel claims that it unilaterally pulled out of Gaza in 2005, and says the move constituted an end to the country's occupation of the coastal enclave. However, the nation maintains a land and sea blockade, along with Egypt, and took control of a 300-meter "buffer zone" along Gaza's parameter, constituting some 20% of the arable land in the Strip.
If indeed Israel insists that it does not occupy Gaza, that the attack was "a serious violation of international law," Abu Rahma said.
The second question, Abu Rahma said, is whether or not Israel acted in self-defense, noting that a legal decision would also depend on whether or not Israel occupies Gaza.
"Self-defense rules limit states right to use military force to situations where there is an actual threat that has already materialized and there is no option to deter it except throughout resort to military force," the lawyer said quoting Article 51 in the UN Charter. "Apparently, we are before a case where a group of civilians are on board of civilian cargo and passenger ships. This is nothing like an imminent military attack that has materialized and requires resorting to military force to deter it," he said.
The third issue determining the legality or illegality of the events, would be under regional and international law enforcement. "Military or police forces may not use force except to the extent necessary to deal with a certain situation," Abu Rahma said, adding that "given the very high number of casualties and injuries, there is a strong suspicion that a high amount of excessive, lethal force has been employed."
The final issue, and perhaps the one with the largest ramifications for Israel, Abu Rahma said, is the issue of the rights and sovereignty of the states under whose flags the ships were sailing when they were attacked, particularly since the incident was in international waters.
Source:
"In international waters, the crew of a ship have the right to prevent others from boarding their ship without their permission; including by resorting to force," human rights and international law expert at the Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights in Gaza Mahmoud Abu Rahma told Ma'an.
States can only act within a 12 nautical miles, in the marine zone along their shores, the lawyer said, adding that "States are of course entitled to act in self-defense under certain limitations."
Reports indicate that the Israeli attack on the ship took approximately 34 nautical miles off the shore of the Gaza Strip, rendering the incident an international matter in international waters.
"There are several questions to consider," the Abu Rahma said. "One is whether Gaza is occupied or not. If not, then Israel has absolutely no right to act inside or outside its nautical jurisdiction."
Israel claims that it unilaterally pulled out of Gaza in 2005, and says the move constituted an end to the country's occupation of the coastal enclave. However, the nation maintains a land and sea blockade, along with Egypt, and took control of a 300-meter "buffer zone" along Gaza's parameter, constituting some 20% of the arable land in the Strip.
If indeed Israel insists that it does not occupy Gaza, that the attack was "a serious violation of international law," Abu Rahma said.
The second question, Abu Rahma said, is whether or not Israel acted in self-defense, noting that a legal decision would also depend on whether or not Israel occupies Gaza.
"Self-defense rules limit states right to use military force to situations where there is an actual threat that has already materialized and there is no option to deter it except throughout resort to military force," the lawyer said quoting Article 51 in the UN Charter. "Apparently, we are before a case where a group of civilians are on board of civilian cargo and passenger ships. This is nothing like an imminent military attack that has materialized and requires resorting to military force to deter it," he said.
The third issue determining the legality or illegality of the events, would be under regional and international law enforcement. "Military or police forces may not use force except to the extent necessary to deal with a certain situation," Abu Rahma said, adding that "given the very high number of casualties and injuries, there is a strong suspicion that a high amount of excessive, lethal force has been employed."
The final issue, and perhaps the one with the largest ramifications for Israel, Abu Rahma said, is the issue of the rights and sovereignty of the states under whose flags the ships were sailing when they were attacked, particularly since the incident was in international waters.
Source:
UN members decry Israeli raid on Gaza aid flotilla
Members of the UN Security Council have condemned Israel ahead of an emergency session over Israel's deadly raid on a flotilla of ships carrying aid to Gaza.
At least nine pro-Palestinian activists, some Turkish, were killed when Israeli commandos stormed the ships in international waters.
Turkey's foreign minister called Israel's actions "murder by a state".
Israel's UN envoy said troops acted in self defence when activists attacked them, charges the campaigners deny.
"This flotilla was anything but a humanitarian mission," Israel's deputy UN ambassador Daniel Carmon said.
He said the activists had used "knives, clubs and other weapons" to attack the soldiers who boarded the ship.
The campaigners insist the soldiers opened fire without any provocation.
International outrage
Most of the activists killed are believed to have been Turkish, and Turkey led a chorus of criticism of Israel at the United Nations in New York.
"In simplest terms this is tantamount to banditry and piracy. It is murder conducted by a state," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.
"A nation state which follows this path has lost its legitimacy as a respectful member of the international community," he added.
None of the other 15 members of the Security Council was so outspoken in their individual statements, issued ahead of a possible official UN Security Council resolution, but most called for a full investigation and were critical of Israeli actions.
Many - including veto-wielding members France, Russia and China - also demanded an end to the Israeli blockade on Gaza which the aid ships were trying to break.
Israel's closest ally, the United States, expressed concern, although deputy US ambassador to the UN, Alejando Wolff, said it was still not clear what had happened.
"The US is deeply disturbed by the recent violence and regrets the tragic loss of life and injury suffered among those involved in the incident last night, aboard the Gaza bound ships," he said.
"We are working to ascertain the facts. We expect a credible and transparent investigation and strongly urge the Israeli government to investigate the incident fully," he added.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has also called for a full inquiry.
Draft text
Based on the stated positions of Security Council members, it is difficult to see how they can agree on a consensus statement, but that is what they are trying to do now behind closed doors, the BBC's Barbara Plett reports from the UN headquarters.
Diplomats say the draft text condemns the Israeli raid, requests immediate release of the impounded ships, and calls for an international investigation, our correspondent says.
Washington will face pressure to join the international condemnation of Israel, she adds.
There have been demonstrations against the Israeli operation in cities around the world and several countries summoned their Israeli ambassadors demanding an explanation for the violence.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned the Israeli "massacre" and declared three days of mourning across the West Bank.
The Arab League has called for an emergency meeting on Tuesday, as Jordan and Egypt - the two Arab states with peace deals with Israel - sharply condemned the violence.
For many critics of Israel - on the streets and in foreign ministries - it is not just about this single incident at sea, serious and deadly though it was, says the BBC's Jeremy Bowen in Jerusalem.
It is about a pattern of violent and disproportionate behaviour, with Israel playing to its own rules rather than international law, our correspondent says.
Source:
At least nine pro-Palestinian activists, some Turkish, were killed when Israeli commandos stormed the ships in international waters.
Turkey's foreign minister called Israel's actions "murder by a state".
Israel's UN envoy said troops acted in self defence when activists attacked them, charges the campaigners deny.
"This flotilla was anything but a humanitarian mission," Israel's deputy UN ambassador Daniel Carmon said.
He said the activists had used "knives, clubs and other weapons" to attack the soldiers who boarded the ship.
The campaigners insist the soldiers opened fire without any provocation.
International outrage
Most of the activists killed are believed to have been Turkish, and Turkey led a chorus of criticism of Israel at the United Nations in New York.
"In simplest terms this is tantamount to banditry and piracy. It is murder conducted by a state," Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.
"A nation state which follows this path has lost its legitimacy as a respectful member of the international community," he added.
None of the other 15 members of the Security Council was so outspoken in their individual statements, issued ahead of a possible official UN Security Council resolution, but most called for a full investigation and were critical of Israeli actions.
Many - including veto-wielding members France, Russia and China - also demanded an end to the Israeli blockade on Gaza which the aid ships were trying to break.
Israel's closest ally, the United States, expressed concern, although deputy US ambassador to the UN, Alejando Wolff, said it was still not clear what had happened.
"The US is deeply disturbed by the recent violence and regrets the tragic loss of life and injury suffered among those involved in the incident last night, aboard the Gaza bound ships," he said.
"We are working to ascertain the facts. We expect a credible and transparent investigation and strongly urge the Israeli government to investigate the incident fully," he added.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has also called for a full inquiry.
Draft text
Based on the stated positions of Security Council members, it is difficult to see how they can agree on a consensus statement, but that is what they are trying to do now behind closed doors, the BBC's Barbara Plett reports from the UN headquarters.
Diplomats say the draft text condemns the Israeli raid, requests immediate release of the impounded ships, and calls for an international investigation, our correspondent says.
Washington will face pressure to join the international condemnation of Israel, she adds.
There have been demonstrations against the Israeli operation in cities around the world and several countries summoned their Israeli ambassadors demanding an explanation for the violence.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has condemned the Israeli "massacre" and declared three days of mourning across the West Bank.
The Arab League has called for an emergency meeting on Tuesday, as Jordan and Egypt - the two Arab states with peace deals with Israel - sharply condemned the violence.
For many critics of Israel - on the streets and in foreign ministries - it is not just about this single incident at sea, serious and deadly though it was, says the BBC's Jeremy Bowen in Jerusalem.
It is about a pattern of violent and disproportionate behaviour, with Israel playing to its own rules rather than international law, our correspondent says.
Source:
Reaction from around the world to Israel's attack:
Statement from the Turkish foreign ministry
The interception on the convoy is unacceptable ... Israel will have to bear the consequences of its actions.
We strongly condemn it and await an immediate explanation.
By targeting innocent civilians, Israel has once again clearly displayed that does not value human lives and peaceful initiatives.
We forcefully condemn these inhumane activities by Israel.
The incident that occurred in open sea which is a gross breach of international law, could cause irrevocable consequences for our relations.
We wish to express our condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased, and swift recovery to the wounded.
Ismail Haniya, Hamas leader in Gaza
The government of Hamas call on Palestinians to carry out a total strike in Gaza and West Bank to show solidarity and protest the Israeli crimes.
We request emergency session for the UN Security Council, Arab League and Islamic Conference and we demand the Palestinian Authority to stop all forms of negotiations.
The government decided to grant those on board Freedom ships the medal of honour.
We appeal to the UN to withdraw from the Quartet.
The government has decided to name the May 31 "the freedom day". We demand the Arab League to carry out all decisions to stop the siege of Gaza.
We say to those heroes that the essence of your honourable blood has reached us before the aids you are carrying to us.
We salute everyone on board the Freedom ships.
Salam Fayad, Palestinian prime minister
Israel went beyond all that could be expected.
This [attack] is a transgression against all international covenants and norms and it must be confronted by all international forums.
Statement from the Palestinian presidency
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemns the crime perpetrated by the occupation authorities against international solidarity activists aboard the Freedom Flotilla.
The Palestinian leadership is closely following the developments and the President calls on the United Nations to confront Israel, which is disregarding all international laws and norms.
The attack on the Flotilla is an attack against humanity.
This incident will have grave consequences in the region and the world.
Statement from the Arab League
Secretary General Amr Moussa has called for an emergency meeting at the League's headquarters in Cairo on June 1.
The attack clearly shows Israel's aggressive nature and its disrespect to international and humanitarian rules and laws.
We call on the international community to take immediate steps against Israel, a rogue state that practices all forms of terrorism and piracy, and instigates tension and instability in the region and in the middle of the Mediterranean sea.
Saad Hariri, Lebanese prime minister
The Israeli attack on the aid convoy is a dangerous and crazy step that will exacerbate tensions in the region.
Lebanon firmly denounces this attack and calls on the international community, notably major powers ... to take action in order to end this continued violation of human rights and threat to international peace.
Spokesperson for EU's foreign policy chief
High Representative Catherine Ashton expresses her deep regret at the news of loss of life and violence and extends her sympathies to families of the dead and wounded.
On behalf of the European Union she demands a full enquiry about the circumstances in which this happened.
The continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counter-productive. She calls for an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the crossing for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.
Guido Westerwelle, German foreign minister
I am deeply concerned about the events last night in the waters off Gaza ... These are disconcerting initial reports.
The foreign ministry is now working to establish the full facts of what happened.
Diego Lopez Garrido, Spain's secretary of state for EU affairs
The Israeli storming of a flotilla of activist ships heading for Gaza is unacceptable and very serious event.
We have have summoned the Israeli ambassador [to Spain] to give us explanations and, of course, we will investigate and will start handling this matter immediately.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian president
[The attack was an] inhuman Zionist regime action against Gazans.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Emir of Qatar
The Israeli act of piracy against Arab and foreign activists who tried to break an non humanitarian unjust siege imposed on our fellow citizens in Gaza Strip, for no reason but they exercised their democratic right of choice.
The crimes purportrated this morning against the civilians supporting the Palestinians remind us of the unjust siege the open bleeding wound in the Strip; and all those who preach freedom, justice and democracy are required now to move and act to break this siege so the bloods of those free men do not go down the drains.
This is also message addressed to the Arab states who were brought to the moment of justice by those free men on board.
Micheal Martin, Irish foreign affairs minister
I am gravely concerned at the reports emerging of the storming of a Turkish ship this morning by Israeli commandos.
My department is seeking to establish the full facts of what has occurred and confirm the safety of the eight Irish nationals who sailed with the
Turkish-led flotilla.
The reports of up to 15 people killed and 50 injured, if confirmed, would constitute a totally unacceptable response by the Israeli military to what was a humanitarian mission attempting to deliver much needed supplies to the people of Gaza.
Statement from Britain's Stop The War Coalition
The action should see Israel condemned under international law.
Israel has repeatedly flouted law and public opinion worldwide in its treatment of the Palestinians.
The decision by Israel to attack the flotilla with such loss of human life shows it is arrogant and deadly intent in opposing any aid to the Palestinians.
Navi Pillay, UN high commissioner for human rights
I am shocked by reports that humanitarian aid was met with violence early this morning reportedly causing death and injury as the boat convoy approached the Gaza coast.
The blockade keeps undermining human rights on a daily basis.
The current situation falls far short of what is necessary for the population to lead normal and dignified lives.
I condemn once again the indiscriminate firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel.
Franco Frattini, Italian foreign minister
Italy deplores the loss of civilian life in Israel's raid on a flotilla of aid ships bound for Gaza.
Statement from the UN Relief and Works Agency
We are shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on board boats carrying supplies for Gaza, apparently in international waters.
Such tragedies are entirely avoidable if Israel heeds the repeated calls of the international community to end its counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of Gaza.
William Hague, British foreign secretary
I deplore the loss of life during the interception of the Gaza Flotilla. Our embassy is in urgent contact with the Israeli government. We are asking for more information and urgent access to any UK nationals involved.
We have consistently advised against attempting to access Gaza in this way, because of the risks involved. But at the same time, there is a clear need for Israel to act with restraint and in line with international obligations. It will be important to establish the facts about this incident, and especially whether enough was done to prevent deaths and injuries.
This news underlines the need to lift the restrictions on access to Gaza, in line with UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1860. The closure is unacceptable and counter-productive.
There can be no better response from the international community to this tragedy than to achieve urgently a durable resolution to the Gaza crisis.
I call on the government of Israel to open the crossings to allow unfettered access for aid to Gaza, and address the serious concerns about the deterioration in the humanitarian and economic situation and about the effect on a generation of young Palestinians.
We'll be live-blogging the aftermath of this incident throughout the day; keep checking back for international reaction.
Source:
The interception on the convoy is unacceptable ... Israel will have to bear the consequences of its actions.
We strongly condemn it and await an immediate explanation.
By targeting innocent civilians, Israel has once again clearly displayed that does not value human lives and peaceful initiatives.
We forcefully condemn these inhumane activities by Israel.
The incident that occurred in open sea which is a gross breach of international law, could cause irrevocable consequences for our relations.
We wish to express our condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased, and swift recovery to the wounded.
Ismail Haniya, Hamas leader in Gaza
The government of Hamas call on Palestinians to carry out a total strike in Gaza and West Bank to show solidarity and protest the Israeli crimes.
We request emergency session for the UN Security Council, Arab League and Islamic Conference and we demand the Palestinian Authority to stop all forms of negotiations.
The government decided to grant those on board Freedom ships the medal of honour.
We appeal to the UN to withdraw from the Quartet.
The government has decided to name the May 31 "the freedom day". We demand the Arab League to carry out all decisions to stop the siege of Gaza.
We say to those heroes that the essence of your honourable blood has reached us before the aids you are carrying to us.
We salute everyone on board the Freedom ships.
Salam Fayad, Palestinian prime minister
Israel went beyond all that could be expected.
This [attack] is a transgression against all international covenants and norms and it must be confronted by all international forums.
Statement from the Palestinian presidency
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemns the crime perpetrated by the occupation authorities against international solidarity activists aboard the Freedom Flotilla.
The Palestinian leadership is closely following the developments and the President calls on the United Nations to confront Israel, which is disregarding all international laws and norms.
The attack on the Flotilla is an attack against humanity.
This incident will have grave consequences in the region and the world.
Statement from the Arab League
Secretary General Amr Moussa has called for an emergency meeting at the League's headquarters in Cairo on June 1.
The attack clearly shows Israel's aggressive nature and its disrespect to international and humanitarian rules and laws.
We call on the international community to take immediate steps against Israel, a rogue state that practices all forms of terrorism and piracy, and instigates tension and instability in the region and in the middle of the Mediterranean sea.
Saad Hariri, Lebanese prime minister
The Israeli attack on the aid convoy is a dangerous and crazy step that will exacerbate tensions in the region.
Lebanon firmly denounces this attack and calls on the international community, notably major powers ... to take action in order to end this continued violation of human rights and threat to international peace.
Spokesperson for EU's foreign policy chief
High Representative Catherine Ashton expresses her deep regret at the news of loss of life and violence and extends her sympathies to families of the dead and wounded.
On behalf of the European Union she demands a full enquiry about the circumstances in which this happened.
The continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counter-productive. She calls for an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the crossing for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.
Guido Westerwelle, German foreign minister
I am deeply concerned about the events last night in the waters off Gaza ... These are disconcerting initial reports.
The foreign ministry is now working to establish the full facts of what happened.
Diego Lopez Garrido, Spain's secretary of state for EU affairs
The Israeli storming of a flotilla of activist ships heading for Gaza is unacceptable and very serious event.
We have have summoned the Israeli ambassador [to Spain] to give us explanations and, of course, we will investigate and will start handling this matter immediately.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iranian president
[The attack was an] inhuman Zionist regime action against Gazans.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, Emir of Qatar
The Israeli act of piracy against Arab and foreign activists who tried to break an non humanitarian unjust siege imposed on our fellow citizens in Gaza Strip, for no reason but they exercised their democratic right of choice.
The crimes purportrated this morning against the civilians supporting the Palestinians remind us of the unjust siege the open bleeding wound in the Strip; and all those who preach freedom, justice and democracy are required now to move and act to break this siege so the bloods of those free men do not go down the drains.
This is also message addressed to the Arab states who were brought to the moment of justice by those free men on board.
Micheal Martin, Irish foreign affairs minister
I am gravely concerned at the reports emerging of the storming of a Turkish ship this morning by Israeli commandos.
My department is seeking to establish the full facts of what has occurred and confirm the safety of the eight Irish nationals who sailed with the
Turkish-led flotilla.
The reports of up to 15 people killed and 50 injured, if confirmed, would constitute a totally unacceptable response by the Israeli military to what was a humanitarian mission attempting to deliver much needed supplies to the people of Gaza.
Statement from Britain's Stop The War Coalition
The action should see Israel condemned under international law.
Israel has repeatedly flouted law and public opinion worldwide in its treatment of the Palestinians.
The decision by Israel to attack the flotilla with such loss of human life shows it is arrogant and deadly intent in opposing any aid to the Palestinians.
Navi Pillay, UN high commissioner for human rights
I am shocked by reports that humanitarian aid was met with violence early this morning reportedly causing death and injury as the boat convoy approached the Gaza coast.
The blockade keeps undermining human rights on a daily basis.
The current situation falls far short of what is necessary for the population to lead normal and dignified lives.
I condemn once again the indiscriminate firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel.
Franco Frattini, Italian foreign minister
Italy deplores the loss of civilian life in Israel's raid on a flotilla of aid ships bound for Gaza.
Statement from the UN Relief and Works Agency
We are shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on board boats carrying supplies for Gaza, apparently in international waters.
Such tragedies are entirely avoidable if Israel heeds the repeated calls of the international community to end its counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of Gaza.
William Hague, British foreign secretary
I deplore the loss of life during the interception of the Gaza Flotilla. Our embassy is in urgent contact with the Israeli government. We are asking for more information and urgent access to any UK nationals involved.
We have consistently advised against attempting to access Gaza in this way, because of the risks involved. But at the same time, there is a clear need for Israel to act with restraint and in line with international obligations. It will be important to establish the facts about this incident, and especially whether enough was done to prevent deaths and injuries.
This news underlines the need to lift the restrictions on access to Gaza, in line with UN Security Council resolution (UNSCR) 1860. The closure is unacceptable and counter-productive.
There can be no better response from the international community to this tragedy than to achieve urgently a durable resolution to the Gaza crisis.
I call on the government of Israel to open the crossings to allow unfettered access for aid to Gaza, and address the serious concerns about the deterioration in the humanitarian and economic situation and about the effect on a generation of young Palestinians.
We'll be live-blogging the aftermath of this incident throughout the day; keep checking back for international reaction.
Source:
UN Security Council to hold emergency session over Gaza flotilla deaths
UN calls for full inquiry after Israel Navy commandos storm international aid boat; European Union condemns incident; White House 'deeply regrets' loss of life on Gaza flotilla.
By Shlomo Shamir, Haaretz Service and News Agencies
The United Nations Security Council will meet on Monday afternoon for an emergency session to discuss Israel's storming of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, Security Council diplomats told Reuters
Diplomats said the meeting would start at 1 P.M., New York time but they gave no further details.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a full investigation and expressed shock at Israel's storming of the flotilla.
"It is vital that there is a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place. I believe Israel must urgently provide a full explanation," he said at a press conference in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.
The White House on Monday said it "deeply regretted" the loss of life and injuries sustained in the clashes after Israel Navy troops stormed a convoy of international activists bringing aid to the Gaza Strip, leaving at least 10 people dead.
"The United States deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained, and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy," said White House spokesman William Burton.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his imminent trip to Washington, where he had been invited to meet with President Barack Obama, in the wake of the incident.
France became the first European nation to respond to the early morning's events. Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he was "profoundly shocked".
Many of the activists aboard the protest ships were European nationals and analysts have predicted a harsh diplomatic response from the European Union and its member states.
The European Union demanded an inquiry into the incident, with member nations voicing their own individual calls on the matter over the course of the day.
Germany, one of Israel's most loyal allies, expressed shock at the deadly interception and questioned whether the action by Israeli commandos was proportionate.
Two members of the Bundestag lower house of parliament were among five Germans on board the ships, the foreign ministry said.
"The German government is shocked by events in the international waters by Gaza," government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm told a regular news conference, adding the government was seeking further clarification about the incident.
"Every German government supports unconditionally Israel's right to self defense," said Wilhelm. But he added that Israeli actions should to correspond to what he described as the "basic principle" of proportionality.
"A first look does not speak in favor of this basic principle being adhered to," he said. Berlin would await further details before judging the incident, he added.
Italy also condemned the killing of civilians during Israel's storming of the aid flotilla as "very grave" and asked for an EU investigation to ascertain the facts.
"I deplore in the strongest terms the killing of civilians. This is certainly a grave act," said Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.
Referring to the European Commission, he said it was "indispensable that there be an inquest to ascertain the facts, which are still not clear."
He also said he had asked the Israeli ambassador for clarification and hoped that it would not hurt efforts on the part of Israel and Turkey to cooperate in the search for Middle East peace.
Britain said on Monday that it was in urgent contact with the Israeli government to establish the facts about the interception of the Gaza flotilla while it "deplored" the loss of life in the incident.
"We have consistently advised against attempting to access Gaza in this way because of the risks involved," Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement.
"But, at the same time, there is a clear need for Israel to act with restraint and in line with international obligations," he added.
Hague said Britain had asked Israel for more information and urgent access to any British nationals involved.
"It would be important to establish the facts about this incident and especially whether enough was done to prevent death and injuries," said Hague.
Source:
By Shlomo Shamir, Haaretz Service and News Agencies
The United Nations Security Council will meet on Monday afternoon for an emergency session to discuss Israel's storming of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, Security Council diplomats told Reuters
Diplomats said the meeting would start at 1 P.M., New York time but they gave no further details.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a full investigation and expressed shock at Israel's storming of the flotilla.
"It is vital that there is a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place. I believe Israel must urgently provide a full explanation," he said at a press conference in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.
The White House on Monday said it "deeply regretted" the loss of life and injuries sustained in the clashes after Israel Navy troops stormed a convoy of international activists bringing aid to the Gaza Strip, leaving at least 10 people dead.
"The United States deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained, and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy," said White House spokesman William Burton.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled his imminent trip to Washington, where he had been invited to meet with President Barack Obama, in the wake of the incident.
France became the first European nation to respond to the early morning's events. Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he was "profoundly shocked".
Many of the activists aboard the protest ships were European nationals and analysts have predicted a harsh diplomatic response from the European Union and its member states.
The European Union demanded an inquiry into the incident, with member nations voicing their own individual calls on the matter over the course of the day.
Germany, one of Israel's most loyal allies, expressed shock at the deadly interception and questioned whether the action by Israeli commandos was proportionate.
Two members of the Bundestag lower house of parliament were among five Germans on board the ships, the foreign ministry said.
"The German government is shocked by events in the international waters by Gaza," government spokesman Ulrich Wilhelm told a regular news conference, adding the government was seeking further clarification about the incident.
"Every German government supports unconditionally Israel's right to self defense," said Wilhelm. But he added that Israeli actions should to correspond to what he described as the "basic principle" of proportionality.
"A first look does not speak in favor of this basic principle being adhered to," he said. Berlin would await further details before judging the incident, he added.
Italy also condemned the killing of civilians during Israel's storming of the aid flotilla as "very grave" and asked for an EU investigation to ascertain the facts.
"I deplore in the strongest terms the killing of civilians. This is certainly a grave act," said Foreign Minister Franco Frattini.
Referring to the European Commission, he said it was "indispensable that there be an inquest to ascertain the facts, which are still not clear."
He also said he had asked the Israeli ambassador for clarification and hoped that it would not hurt efforts on the part of Israel and Turkey to cooperate in the search for Middle East peace.
Britain said on Monday that it was in urgent contact with the Israeli government to establish the facts about the interception of the Gaza flotilla while it "deplored" the loss of life in the incident.
"We have consistently advised against attempting to access Gaza in this way because of the risks involved," Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement.
"But, at the same time, there is a clear need for Israel to act with restraint and in line with international obligations," he added.
Hague said Britain had asked Israel for more information and urgent access to any British nationals involved.
"It would be important to establish the facts about this incident and especially whether enough was done to prevent death and injuries," said Hague.
Source:
UPDATES on Flotilla Attack
I was checking MAJU'S blog and found that he has more information on what is going on as to updates and protests being planned. If anyone is interested please check out his blog. I do not know what to say. The cold blooded killers need to be stopped. Israel is out of control. Time for the world to stand up and put a stop to this senseless killings they are doing. If it means the end of Israel, so be it.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Israel attacks Gaza aid fleet (16 reportedly killed)
Israeli forces have attacked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships aiming to break the country's siege on Gaza.
Up to 16 people were killed and dozens injured when troops stormed the Freedom Flotilla early on Monday, the Israeli Army Radio said.
The flotilla was attacked in international waters, 65km off the Gaza coast.
Footage from the flotilla's lead vessel, the Mavi Marmara, showed armed Israeli soldiers boarding the ship and helicopters flying overhead.
Al Jazeera's Jamal Elshayyal, on board the Mavi Marmara, said Israeli troops had used live ammunition during the operation.
The Israeli Army Radio said soldiers opened fire "after confronting those on board carrying sharp objects".
Free Gaza Movement, the organisers of the flotilla, however, said the troops opened fire as soon as they stormed the ships.
They also said the ships were now being towed to the Israeli town of Haifa, instead of Ashdod to avoid waiting journalists.
Earlier, the Israeli navy had contacted the captain of the Mavi Marmara, asking him to identify himself and say where the ship was headed.
Israeli intervention
Shortly after, two Israeli naval vessels had flanked the flotilla on either side, but at a distance.
Organisers of the flotilla carrying 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid then diverted their ships and slowed down to avoid a confrontation during the night.
They also issued all passengers life jackets and asked them to remain below deck.
Al Jazeera’s Ayman Mohyeldin, reporting from Jerusalem, said the Israeli action was surprising.
"All the images being shown from the activists on board those ships show clearly that they were civilians and peaceful in nature, with medical supplies on board. So it will surprise many in the international community to learn what could have possibly led to this type of confrontation," he said.
Protests
Condemnation has been quick to pour in after the Israeli action.
Israeli police have been put on a heightened state of alert across the country to prevent any civil disturbances.
Thousands of Turkish protesters tried to storm the Israeli consulate in Istanbul soon after the news of the operation broke. The protesters shouted "Damn Israel" as police blocked them.
Turkey is also reported to have summoned the Israeli ambassador to lodge a protest.
Meanwhile, Ismail Haniya, the Hamas leader in Gaza, has dubbed the Israeli action as "barbaric".
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists, including a Nobel laureate and several European legislators, are with the flotilla, aiming to reach Gaza in defiance of an Israeli embargo.
But Israel has said it will not allow the flotilla to reach the Gaza Strip and vowed to stop the six ships from reaching the coastal Palestinian territory.
The flotilla had set sail from a port in Cyprus on Sunday and aimed to reach Gaza by Monday morning.
Israel said the boats were embarking on "an act of provocation" against the Israeli military, rather than providing aid, and that it had issued warrants to prohibit their entrance to Gaza.
It asserted that the flotilla would be breaking international law by landing in Gaza, a claim the organisers rejected.
Source: Al Jazeera and agencies
Up to 16 people were killed and dozens injured when troops stormed the Freedom Flotilla early on Monday, the Israeli Army Radio said.
The flotilla was attacked in international waters, 65km off the Gaza coast.
Footage from the flotilla's lead vessel, the Mavi Marmara, showed armed Israeli soldiers boarding the ship and helicopters flying overhead.
Al Jazeera's Jamal Elshayyal, on board the Mavi Marmara, said Israeli troops had used live ammunition during the operation.
The Israeli Army Radio said soldiers opened fire "after confronting those on board carrying sharp objects".
Free Gaza Movement, the organisers of the flotilla, however, said the troops opened fire as soon as they stormed the ships.
They also said the ships were now being towed to the Israeli town of Haifa, instead of Ashdod to avoid waiting journalists.
Earlier, the Israeli navy had contacted the captain of the Mavi Marmara, asking him to identify himself and say where the ship was headed.
Israeli intervention
Shortly after, two Israeli naval vessels had flanked the flotilla on either side, but at a distance.
Organisers of the flotilla carrying 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid then diverted their ships and slowed down to avoid a confrontation during the night.
They also issued all passengers life jackets and asked them to remain below deck.
Al Jazeera’s Ayman Mohyeldin, reporting from Jerusalem, said the Israeli action was surprising.
"All the images being shown from the activists on board those ships show clearly that they were civilians and peaceful in nature, with medical supplies on board. So it will surprise many in the international community to learn what could have possibly led to this type of confrontation," he said.
Protests
Condemnation has been quick to pour in after the Israeli action.
Israeli police have been put on a heightened state of alert across the country to prevent any civil disturbances.
Thousands of Turkish protesters tried to storm the Israeli consulate in Istanbul soon after the news of the operation broke. The protesters shouted "Damn Israel" as police blocked them.
Turkey is also reported to have summoned the Israeli ambassador to lodge a protest.
Meanwhile, Ismail Haniya, the Hamas leader in Gaza, has dubbed the Israeli action as "barbaric".
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists, including a Nobel laureate and several European legislators, are with the flotilla, aiming to reach Gaza in defiance of an Israeli embargo.
But Israel has said it will not allow the flotilla to reach the Gaza Strip and vowed to stop the six ships from reaching the coastal Palestinian territory.
The flotilla had set sail from a port in Cyprus on Sunday and aimed to reach Gaza by Monday morning.
Israel said the boats were embarking on "an act of provocation" against the Israeli military, rather than providing aid, and that it had issued warrants to prohibit their entrance to Gaza.
It asserted that the flotilla would be breaking international law by landing in Gaza, a claim the organisers rejected.
Source: Al Jazeera and agencies
Report: At least 10 activists killed as Israel Navy opens fire on Gaza aid flotilla
These cowards must love killing and wounding unarmed civilians. I bet if someone pointed a gun at them they would cry like a baby.
Over 60 pro-Palestinian campaigners wounded after six-ship convoy sailing for Gaza Strip ignored Israel's order to turn back, Turkish news reports.
Israel Navy troops opened fire on pro-Palestinian activists aboard a six-ship aid flotilla sailing for the Gaza Strip, killing at least 10 and wounding several others after the convoy ignored orders to turn back, Turkey's NTV reported early Monday.
Read More
Over 60 pro-Palestinian campaigners wounded after six-ship convoy sailing for Gaza Strip ignored Israel's order to turn back, Turkish news reports.
Israel Navy troops opened fire on pro-Palestinian activists aboard a six-ship aid flotilla sailing for the Gaza Strip, killing at least 10 and wounding several others after the convoy ignored orders to turn back, Turkey's NTV reported early Monday.
Read More
Protesters try to storm Israeli consulate in Turkey
CNN-Turk and NTV televisions show dozens of angry protesters scuffling with Turkish police guarding consulate building in downtown Istanbul.
Turkish television stations say police have blocked dozens of stone-throwing protesters who tried to storm the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul over Israeli attack on at least one aid ship in international waters.
CNN-Turk and NTV televisions show dozens of angry protesters scuffling with Turkish police, guarding the Consulate in downtown Istanbul.
The protesters shout damn Israel. Turkish state-run television and news agency say the Israeli military operation left at least two dead and 30 wounded.
Source:
Turkish television stations say police have blocked dozens of stone-throwing protesters who tried to storm the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul over Israeli attack on at least one aid ship in international waters.
CNN-Turk and NTV televisions show dozens of angry protesters scuffling with Turkish police, guarding the Consulate in downtown Istanbul.
The protesters shout damn Israel. Turkish state-run television and news agency say the Israeli military operation left at least two dead and 30 wounded.
Source:
Turkish TV: Israel attacks Mavi Marmari, 2 Dead, 30 injured #Flotilla #Gaza
May 30, 2010
1 hour ago URGENT: Turkish TV: Israel attacks Mavi Marmari, 2 Dead, 30 injured #Flotilla #Gaza
Based on the caption of this screenshot from Turkish TV, I can understand the following:
Aid Mission Intervention
Israel attacks Mavi Marmari ship
2 Dead, About 30 injured
People are shouting "we need help"
http://twitter.com/freegazaorg
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7029784.html
Source:
1 hour ago URGENT: Turkish TV: Israel attacks Mavi Marmari, 2 Dead, 30 injured #Flotilla #Gaza
Based on the caption of this screenshot from Turkish TV, I can understand the following:
Aid Mission Intervention
Israel attacks Mavi Marmari ship
2 Dead, About 30 injured
People are shouting "we need help"
http://twitter.com/freegazaorg
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/7029784.html
Source:
Flotilla Welcomed by Israeli War Ships
(Cyprus, May 31, 2010) At 11:00 pm Cyprus time and in international waters off the coast of Israel, the boats were contacted by the Israeli navy. “Who are you and where are you going?” Our reply was that we were part of a flotilla and we were going to Gaza to deliver humanitarian supplies.
On the radar, the boats could see three Israeli war ships shadowing us, and 15 minutes later, a silent aircraft hovered over the flotilla. One of our Hebrew speakers had found Israel’s strategy and posted it to us. It stated, “You will be boarded by highly trained, very efficient and very SILENT commandos. They will use silent inflatable boats to get to our boats and both try to board our boats directly from the inflatables and by dropping divers into the water to climb onto the boats,” so people were preparing for them to come up and over the sides of the ships.
Our SPOT locator has sent out several HELP messages at http://www.witnessgaza.com/.
Lubna Marsawa, Free Gaza’s organizer on the Turkish passenger boat said in outrage, “Very few times in history has a flotilla delivering humanitarian goods been welcomed by military war ships.”
This is a call to the world from the people on the boats. “We are a civilian people doing what our governments have refused to do, challenge Israel’s right to collectively punish 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza by blockading their right to their own sea. This flotilla is bringing construction and educational supplies the people of Gaza and are being met by Israeli warships.”
Contact: Huwaida Arraf on board the Challenger 0088 216 5207 2093
Ewa Jasciewica on board the Challenger 0088 163 184 7926
Fatima Mohammed on board the IHH ship 8821636619168
Greta Berlin 00 357 99 18 72 75
Mary Hughes 00 357 96 38 38 09
Check out this site, find the Israeli embassy nearest you and let them know how you feel.
http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/Israel
--
Greta Berlin, Co-Founder
+357 99 18 72 75
witnessgaza.com
http://www.freegaza.org/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/freegaza
On the radar, the boats could see three Israeli war ships shadowing us, and 15 minutes later, a silent aircraft hovered over the flotilla. One of our Hebrew speakers had found Israel’s strategy and posted it to us. It stated, “You will be boarded by highly trained, very efficient and very SILENT commandos. They will use silent inflatable boats to get to our boats and both try to board our boats directly from the inflatables and by dropping divers into the water to climb onto the boats,” so people were preparing for them to come up and over the sides of the ships.
Our SPOT locator has sent out several HELP messages at http://www.witnessgaza.com/.
Lubna Marsawa, Free Gaza’s organizer on the Turkish passenger boat said in outrage, “Very few times in history has a flotilla delivering humanitarian goods been welcomed by military war ships.”
This is a call to the world from the people on the boats. “We are a civilian people doing what our governments have refused to do, challenge Israel’s right to collectively punish 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza by blockading their right to their own sea. This flotilla is bringing construction and educational supplies the people of Gaza and are being met by Israeli warships.”
Contact: Huwaida Arraf on board the Challenger 0088 216 5207 2093
Ewa Jasciewica on board the Challenger 0088 163 184 7926
Fatima Mohammed on board the IHH ship 8821636619168
Greta Berlin 00 357 99 18 72 75
Mary Hughes 00 357 96 38 38 09
Check out this site, find the Israeli embassy nearest you and let them know how you feel.
http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/Israel
--
Greta Berlin, Co-Founder
+357 99 18 72 75
witnessgaza.com
http://www.freegaza.org/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/freegaza
Freedom Flotilla to Hold Memorial Service for US Sailors Slain by Israel in 1967
Subject: [GazaFriends] Freedom Flotilla to Hold Memorial Service for US Sailors Slain by Israel in 1967
To: gazafriends@lists.riseup.net
Date: Sunday, May 30, 2010, 8:54 AM
Freedom Flotilla to Hold Memorial Service for US Sailors Slain by Israel in 1967
U.S.S. Liberty Survivor Joe Meadors to Honor Slain Shipmates
On Sunday, May 30, 2010, participants in the international flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip will hold a memorial service at sea to commemorate the 34 Americans killed and 173 injured in Israel's 1967 attack on the U.S.S. Liberty.
Joe Meadors, a signalman on the Navy surveillance ship 43 years ago and a member of the Free Palestine Movement delegation to the flotilla, will lead the ceremony in honor of his crewmates. The service will be held aboard the Sfendoni, a ship contributed to the Freedom Flotilla by the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza. It is scheduled to be held in international waters about 30 miles off the coast of Gaza, near the site of the deadly incident.
Mr. Meadors believes that while the facts of that day in 1967 may never be fully acknowledged, the men who died should not be forgotten. "I am sailing again in the Eastern Mediterranean," he said, "to remember the brave heroes from the Liberty and the forgotten 1.5 million people trapped in Gaza."
Among the passengers joining Mr. Meadors will be Ambassador Edward L. Peck, former State Department Chief of Mission in Iraq and Mauritania, Deputy Director of the Cabinet Task Force on Terrorism at the Reagan White House, and State Department Liaison Officer to the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. Explaining his presence on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, Amb. Peck stated that, "I have been on several trips to the Middle East to promote a resolution but I wanted to do something tangible instead of just talking."
Gaza has been under an Israeli-led blockade since 2006. Amnesty International, in its latest Annual Human Rights Report (May 26, 2010) stated that Israel's siege on Gaza has "deepened the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Mass unemployment, extreme poverty, food insecurity and food price rises caused by shortages have left four out of five Gazans dependent on humanitarian aid. The scope of the blockade and statements made by Israeli officials about its purpose showed that it was being imposed as a form of collective punishment of Gazans, a flagrant violation of international law."
The Freedom Flotilla carries 10,000 tons of relief and developmental aid to Gaza. These supplies are being delivered by a coalition of international civil society and human rights organizations directly to the people of Gaza, using only international waters and the coastal waters immediately off of Gaza for passage. The flotilla is expected to arrive in Gaza late Monday morning.
Activists determined to reach Gaza after boats ‘tampered with’
NICOSIA (AFP) - Hundreds of activists at sea in the eastern Mediterranean were determined on Saturday to break Israel's Gaza blockade after their boats were "tampered with", an organiser of the aid operation said.
Israel, which has branded the operation illegal, has warned that its navy will intercept the vessels.
Two of the seven boats involved were "tampered with", forcing one to drop out and the other to pull into port in Turkish-held north Cyprus for repairs, said Elize Ernshire of the Free Gaza Movement which organised the flotilla.
"We are more determined than ever. These actions can be frustrating but in the end they are not going to stop us," she told AFP.
"These boats had no previous mechanical problems and had undergone full [mechanical] surveys," Ernshire said, declining to elaborate on the damage. A statement would be issued at a later date.
One of the damaged boats transferred its passengers at sea.
The other pulled into Famagusta in the Turkish-held sector of the island and headed back out late Saturday afternoon to rejoin the flotilla, Turkish Cypriot politician Teberruken Ulucay at the port told AFP.
Ernshire said the flotilla of cargo and passenger ships was located 120 nautical miles from the Gaza coast and would head off toward the Palestinian territory late on Saturday, aiming to arrive at around noon on Sunday.
Five European MPs are among the activists, she said. However, another five would not be on the boats that had been due to leave on Friday but were delayed due to a lack of cooperation by Greek Cypriot authorities.
Organisers had been kept “under close scrutiny” while on land in Cyprus by helicopters and intelligence agents, she added. “For a humanitarian operation, this was a real eye opener.”
The six remaining boats in the flotilla regrouped in international waters are loaded with thousands of tonnes of supplies. Organisers said an eighth ship, which left from Ireland, would travel towards Gaza separately.
“The Cypriot government does not want us to leave from Cyprus. I can only assume pressure was put on them,” said Audrey Bomse, another member of the Free Gaza Movement.
A Cypriot government official said Nicosia had not received any formal request from the Palestinian Authority for humanitarian aid and that it was not in the divided island’s interests to assist the operation.
Bomse said the involvement of Famagusta had led to the withdrawal of Greek and Greek Cypriot politicians from the operation, but MPs from Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Sweden were still on board the boats.
Greece and Cyprus regard the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where Famagusta is the main port, as an illegal entity.
Earlier this week, Israel told the ambassadors of Cyprus, Turkey, Greece and Ireland - the countries from which the ships set sail - that the flotilla would be breaking international law.
With its naval forces at the ready, Israel plans to intercept the vessels and detain the hundreds of people aboard in the Israeli port of Ashdod before deporting them.
Organisers dismissed the Israeli charge that their blockade-busting bid is illegal.
“Most despicably of all, Israel claims that we are violating international law by sailing unarmed ships carrying humanitarian aid to a people desperately in need,” the Free Gaza Movement said.
Israel imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized power in the impoverished, overcrowded Palestinian territory.
Because of the blockade, only limited reconstruction has been possible in the wake of a devastating 22-day offensive Israel launched on December 27, 2008.
Pro-Palestinian activists have landed in Gaza five times, with another three attempts unsuccessful since their first such sea voyage in August 2008.
To date, the aid has been largely symbolic, but organisers say the flotilla now under way is laden with 10,000 tonnes of aid, ranging from pre-fabricated homes to pencils.
ctivdetermined to reach Gaza after boats ‘tampered’
Ernshire said the flotilla of cargo and passenger ships was located 120 nautical miles from the Gaza coast and would head off toward the Palestinian territory late on Saturday, aiming to arrive at around noon on Sunday.
Five European MPs are among the activists, she said. However, another five would not be on the boats that had been due to leave on Friday but were delayed due to a lack of cooperation by Greek Cypriot authorities.
Organisers had been kept "under close scrutiny" while on land in Cyprus by helicopters and intelligence agents, she added. "For a humanitarian operation, this was a real eye opener."
The six remaining boats in the flotilla regrouped in international waters are loaded with thousands of tonnes of supplies. Organisers said an eighth ship, which left from Ireland, would travel toward Gaza separately.
"The Cypriot government does not want us to leave from Cyprus. I can only assume pressure was put on them," said Audrey Bomse, another member of the Free Gaza Movement.
A Cypriot government official said Nicosia had not received any formal request from the Palestinian Authority for humanitarian aid and that it was not in the divided island's interests to assist the operation.
Bomse said the involvement of Famagusta had led to the withdrawal of Greek and Greek Cypriot politicians from the operation, but MPs from Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Sweden were still on board the boats.
Greece and Cyprus regard the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where Famagusta is the main port, as an illegal entity.
Earlier this week, Israel told the ambassadors of Cyprus, Turkey, Greece and Ireland – the countries from which the ships set sail – that the flotilla would be breaking international law.
With its naval forces at the ready, Israel plans to intercept the vessels and detain the hundreds of people aboard in the Israeli port of Ashdod before deporting them.
Organisers dismissed the Israeli charge that their blockade-busting bid is illegal.
"Most despicably of all, Israel claims that we are violating international law by sailing unarmed ships carrying humanitarian aid to a people desperately in need," the Free Gaza Movement said.
Israel imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized power in the impoverished, overcrowded Palestinian territory.
Because of the blockade, only limited reconstruction has been possible in the wake of a devastating 22-day offensive Israel launched on December 27, 2008.
Pro-Palestinian activists have landed in Gaza five times, with another three attempts unsuccessful since their first such sea voyage in August 2008.
To date, the aid has been largely symbolic, but organisers say the flotilla now under way is laden with 10,000 tonnes of aid, ranging from pre-fabricated homes to pencils.
30 May 2010
Source:
Israel, which has branded the operation illegal, has warned that its navy will intercept the vessels.
Two of the seven boats involved were "tampered with", forcing one to drop out and the other to pull into port in Turkish-held north Cyprus for repairs, said Elize Ernshire of the Free Gaza Movement which organised the flotilla.
"We are more determined than ever. These actions can be frustrating but in the end they are not going to stop us," she told AFP.
"These boats had no previous mechanical problems and had undergone full [mechanical] surveys," Ernshire said, declining to elaborate on the damage. A statement would be issued at a later date.
One of the damaged boats transferred its passengers at sea.
The other pulled into Famagusta in the Turkish-held sector of the island and headed back out late Saturday afternoon to rejoin the flotilla, Turkish Cypriot politician Teberruken Ulucay at the port told AFP.
Ernshire said the flotilla of cargo and passenger ships was located 120 nautical miles from the Gaza coast and would head off toward the Palestinian territory late on Saturday, aiming to arrive at around noon on Sunday.
Five European MPs are among the activists, she said. However, another five would not be on the boats that had been due to leave on Friday but were delayed due to a lack of cooperation by Greek Cypriot authorities.
Organisers had been kept “under close scrutiny” while on land in Cyprus by helicopters and intelligence agents, she added. “For a humanitarian operation, this was a real eye opener.”
The six remaining boats in the flotilla regrouped in international waters are loaded with thousands of tonnes of supplies. Organisers said an eighth ship, which left from Ireland, would travel towards Gaza separately.
“The Cypriot government does not want us to leave from Cyprus. I can only assume pressure was put on them,” said Audrey Bomse, another member of the Free Gaza Movement.
A Cypriot government official said Nicosia had not received any formal request from the Palestinian Authority for humanitarian aid and that it was not in the divided island’s interests to assist the operation.
Bomse said the involvement of Famagusta had led to the withdrawal of Greek and Greek Cypriot politicians from the operation, but MPs from Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Sweden were still on board the boats.
Greece and Cyprus regard the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where Famagusta is the main port, as an illegal entity.
Earlier this week, Israel told the ambassadors of Cyprus, Turkey, Greece and Ireland - the countries from which the ships set sail - that the flotilla would be breaking international law.
With its naval forces at the ready, Israel plans to intercept the vessels and detain the hundreds of people aboard in the Israeli port of Ashdod before deporting them.
Organisers dismissed the Israeli charge that their blockade-busting bid is illegal.
“Most despicably of all, Israel claims that we are violating international law by sailing unarmed ships carrying humanitarian aid to a people desperately in need,” the Free Gaza Movement said.
Israel imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized power in the impoverished, overcrowded Palestinian territory.
Because of the blockade, only limited reconstruction has been possible in the wake of a devastating 22-day offensive Israel launched on December 27, 2008.
Pro-Palestinian activists have landed in Gaza five times, with another three attempts unsuccessful since their first such sea voyage in August 2008.
To date, the aid has been largely symbolic, but organisers say the flotilla now under way is laden with 10,000 tonnes of aid, ranging from pre-fabricated homes to pencils.
ctivdetermined to reach Gaza after boats ‘tampered’
Ernshire said the flotilla of cargo and passenger ships was located 120 nautical miles from the Gaza coast and would head off toward the Palestinian territory late on Saturday, aiming to arrive at around noon on Sunday.
Five European MPs are among the activists, she said. However, another five would not be on the boats that had been due to leave on Friday but were delayed due to a lack of cooperation by Greek Cypriot authorities.
Organisers had been kept "under close scrutiny" while on land in Cyprus by helicopters and intelligence agents, she added. "For a humanitarian operation, this was a real eye opener."
The six remaining boats in the flotilla regrouped in international waters are loaded with thousands of tonnes of supplies. Organisers said an eighth ship, which left from Ireland, would travel toward Gaza separately.
"The Cypriot government does not want us to leave from Cyprus. I can only assume pressure was put on them," said Audrey Bomse, another member of the Free Gaza Movement.
A Cypriot government official said Nicosia had not received any formal request from the Palestinian Authority for humanitarian aid and that it was not in the divided island's interests to assist the operation.
Bomse said the involvement of Famagusta had led to the withdrawal of Greek and Greek Cypriot politicians from the operation, but MPs from Bulgaria, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Sweden were still on board the boats.
Greece and Cyprus regard the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, where Famagusta is the main port, as an illegal entity.
Earlier this week, Israel told the ambassadors of Cyprus, Turkey, Greece and Ireland – the countries from which the ships set sail – that the flotilla would be breaking international law.
With its naval forces at the ready, Israel plans to intercept the vessels and detain the hundreds of people aboard in the Israeli port of Ashdod before deporting them.
Organisers dismissed the Israeli charge that their blockade-busting bid is illegal.
"Most despicably of all, Israel claims that we are violating international law by sailing unarmed ships carrying humanitarian aid to a people desperately in need," the Free Gaza Movement said.
Israel imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas seized power in the impoverished, overcrowded Palestinian territory.
Because of the blockade, only limited reconstruction has been possible in the wake of a devastating 22-day offensive Israel launched on December 27, 2008.
Pro-Palestinian activists have landed in Gaza five times, with another three attempts unsuccessful since their first such sea voyage in August 2008.
To date, the aid has been largely symbolic, but organisers say the flotilla now under way is laden with 10,000 tonnes of aid, ranging from pre-fabricated homes to pencils.
30 May 2010
Source:
Saturday, May 29, 2010
'Freedom Flotilla' Updates (Breaking the Seige of Gaza)
From: Irish
Subject: [GazaFriends] ANCHORED IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
To: "gazafriends"
Date: Saturday, May 29, 2010, 9:42 PM
by fatima mohammadi
If allowed in, this will be my third humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza. Each convoy has had its difficulties and its joys. The difficulty of this current convoy is that nearly 800 volunteers aboard 6 ships areattempting to enter the besieged strip through International waters –a completely legal activity – despite constant threats by the Israeli government to block, arrest and deport the entire convoy. These threats have two effects in my opinion: 1) they highlight the severity and depth of the siege that Israel has imposed on Gaza for nearly four
years, showing Israel to be the vicious occupier and instigator of hostility in the region that we know them to be and 2) they strengthen the resolve of volunteers around the world, on this convoy and beyond,who are aware of the plight of the Palestinians and who actively seeka resolution to the unjust occupation and continued colonization of Palestine. Of course, the joy of this convoy is the real potential it has to finally end the siege on Gaza if it gains enough international support and attention in the upcoming hours.
Currently, we are anchored in the Mediterranean Sea about a 6 hour sail from Cyprus, where we have been awaiting two final ships. A Greek ship carrying members of Parliament from half a dozen European countries has just arrived, and the Irish boat, the MV Rachel Corrie follows shortly. We will soon set sail toward Gaza, straight towards the threats of Israel to stop us at all costs, including by use of force. Rest assured, however, regardless of their tactics to stop us –force or delay – we will not turn back nor will we allow Israel to board our ships. (The ships are now on their way.)
It is imperative to reiterate that this is an unarmed humanitarian aid convoy carrying the better part of one thousand volunteers from 1½ years of age to 88 years of age, from more than 30 countries. We have the official support of the governments of France, Mexico, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Italy and the European Union. Unfortunately, my own country is not on that list...the United States. As they are a stall-worth supporter of Israel, that is hardly surprising.
What is surprising, however, is that although I was the only American on board as an IHH participant, I have been joined by a few US citizens from the Free Gaza movement and discovered that we are 11 in all - including ex-military and government personnel, dual citizens, activists and medical volunteers. Most have been to Gaza at least once and are “used to” dealing with the threats of oppressive regimes anddirect conflict with their police and military forces. And most of us still hope and expect the United States to take an openly supportive role of this convoy and to pressure Israel to allow our convoy into Gaza to deliver aid.
In sum, we, the Americans on board the ships, and the collective “we,” volunteers and people of conscious from around the world, are relying upon the support of our fellow citizens and our respective governments to pressure Israel to 1) allow this humanitarian aid convoy into Gazaand 2) once and for all end this crippling and unjust siege of Gaza.
--
Contact:
Free Gaza movement:
Greta Berlin, Co-Founder - +357 99 18 72 75, irishtulip@gmail.com
Audrey Bomse, Board member +357 96 48 98 05 Audreybomse@hotmail.com
Local Free Gaza movement contacts:
Darlene Wallach - 408-294-5781, darlene@freegaza.org
Donna Wallach - 408-569-6608, donna@freegaza.org
Subject: [GazaFriends] ANCHORED IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
To: "gazafriends"
Date: Saturday, May 29, 2010, 9:42 PM
by fatima mohammadi
If allowed in, this will be my third humanitarian aid convoy to Gaza. Each convoy has had its difficulties and its joys. The difficulty of this current convoy is that nearly 800 volunteers aboard 6 ships areattempting to enter the besieged strip through International waters –a completely legal activity – despite constant threats by the Israeli government to block, arrest and deport the entire convoy. These threats have two effects in my opinion: 1) they highlight the severity and depth of the siege that Israel has imposed on Gaza for nearly four
years, showing Israel to be the vicious occupier and instigator of hostility in the region that we know them to be and 2) they strengthen the resolve of volunteers around the world, on this convoy and beyond,who are aware of the plight of the Palestinians and who actively seeka resolution to the unjust occupation and continued colonization of Palestine. Of course, the joy of this convoy is the real potential it has to finally end the siege on Gaza if it gains enough international support and attention in the upcoming hours.
Currently, we are anchored in the Mediterranean Sea about a 6 hour sail from Cyprus, where we have been awaiting two final ships. A Greek ship carrying members of Parliament from half a dozen European countries has just arrived, and the Irish boat, the MV Rachel Corrie follows shortly. We will soon set sail toward Gaza, straight towards the threats of Israel to stop us at all costs, including by use of force. Rest assured, however, regardless of their tactics to stop us –force or delay – we will not turn back nor will we allow Israel to board our ships. (The ships are now on their way.)
It is imperative to reiterate that this is an unarmed humanitarian aid convoy carrying the better part of one thousand volunteers from 1½ years of age to 88 years of age, from more than 30 countries. We have the official support of the governments of France, Mexico, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Italy and the European Union. Unfortunately, my own country is not on that list...the United States. As they are a stall-worth supporter of Israel, that is hardly surprising.
What is surprising, however, is that although I was the only American on board as an IHH participant, I have been joined by a few US citizens from the Free Gaza movement and discovered that we are 11 in all - including ex-military and government personnel, dual citizens, activists and medical volunteers. Most have been to Gaza at least once and are “used to” dealing with the threats of oppressive regimes anddirect conflict with their police and military forces. And most of us still hope and expect the United States to take an openly supportive role of this convoy and to pressure Israel to allow our convoy into Gaza to deliver aid.
In sum, we, the Americans on board the ships, and the collective “we,” volunteers and people of conscious from around the world, are relying upon the support of our fellow citizens and our respective governments to pressure Israel to 1) allow this humanitarian aid convoy into Gazaand 2) once and for all end this crippling and unjust siege of Gaza.
--
Contact:
Free Gaza movement:
Greta Berlin, Co-Founder - +357 99 18 72 75, irishtulip@gmail.com
Audrey Bomse, Board member +357 96 48 98 05 Audreybomse@hotmail.com
Local Free Gaza movement contacts:
Darlene Wallach - 408-294-5781, darlene@freegaza.org
Donna Wallach - 408-569-6608, donna@freegaza.org
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
IDF vows to block 'Freedom Flotilla' aid convoy to Gaza
haaretz.com
Navy to enforce 20-mile exclusion zone but will offer to deliver activists' cargo to Hamas-ruled territory.
Israel will attempt to block the 'Freedom Flotilla' of pro-Palestinian demonstrators heading toward Gaza with humanitarian supplies, the forum of seven senior ministers decided on Wednesday. Humanitarian cargo, however, would be unloaded and inspected at Ashdod and sent to Gaza via the United Nations.
The flotilla's organizers seek to disrupt Israel's efforts to limit supplies into the Hamas-controlled territory.
After hearing from defense officials, the ministers decided not to allow the ships to dock in Gaza, but to let the cargo through.
The ministers decided that the ships would be directed to Ashdod by force if necessary. The activists would be arrested and expelled from the country. At the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Zvi Hauser was a dissenting voice - he suggested that the ships be allowed to dock in the Strip.
The flotilla is expected to approach Gaza by the weekend. A senior source in Jerusalem said the forum of seven convened to discuss the potential negative media fallout abroad if the navy intercepts the ships. The ministers met before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left on a trip to Europe and North America.
The ministers decided that foreign journalists would be allowed to be present on Israel Navy ships during the operation in a bid to produce more favorable coverage abroad.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak surprised his colleagues at the meeting when he described a suggestion by journalist Eitan Haber, who reportedly proposed that the demonstrators be greeted at Ashdod by women soldiers dressed in white. They would give the activists letters destined for captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, after which their ships would be allowed to sail on to Gaza.
Another participant suggested that a collection of rockets that had been fired at the Sderot area from Gaza be put on display at Ashdod Port for the activists and foreign media to see.
The Israel Defense Forces expects that the ships will refuse to retreat and there will be a confrontation at sea with the navy. The flotilla is thought to be carrying nearly 800 passengers, including 350 Turkish nationals.
Most of the others are from European countries and the Muslim world. Among the passengers are 35 parliamentarians and a number of Israeli Arabs, including the head of the Arab Higher Monitoring Committee, Mohammed Zeidan; the head of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement, Raed Salah; and Knesset member Hanin Zuabi (Balad ).
Source:
Navy to enforce 20-mile exclusion zone but will offer to deliver activists' cargo to Hamas-ruled territory.
Israel will attempt to block the 'Freedom Flotilla' of pro-Palestinian demonstrators heading toward Gaza with humanitarian supplies, the forum of seven senior ministers decided on Wednesday. Humanitarian cargo, however, would be unloaded and inspected at Ashdod and sent to Gaza via the United Nations.
The flotilla's organizers seek to disrupt Israel's efforts to limit supplies into the Hamas-controlled territory.
After hearing from defense officials, the ministers decided not to allow the ships to dock in Gaza, but to let the cargo through.
The ministers decided that the ships would be directed to Ashdod by force if necessary. The activists would be arrested and expelled from the country. At the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Zvi Hauser was a dissenting voice - he suggested that the ships be allowed to dock in the Strip.
The flotilla is expected to approach Gaza by the weekend. A senior source in Jerusalem said the forum of seven convened to discuss the potential negative media fallout abroad if the navy intercepts the ships. The ministers met before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left on a trip to Europe and North America.
The ministers decided that foreign journalists would be allowed to be present on Israel Navy ships during the operation in a bid to produce more favorable coverage abroad.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak surprised his colleagues at the meeting when he described a suggestion by journalist Eitan Haber, who reportedly proposed that the demonstrators be greeted at Ashdod by women soldiers dressed in white. They would give the activists letters destined for captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, after which their ships would be allowed to sail on to Gaza.
Another participant suggested that a collection of rockets that had been fired at the Sderot area from Gaza be put on display at Ashdod Port for the activists and foreign media to see.
The Israel Defense Forces expects that the ships will refuse to retreat and there will be a confrontation at sea with the navy. The flotilla is thought to be carrying nearly 800 passengers, including 350 Turkish nationals.
Most of the others are from European countries and the Muslim world. Among the passengers are 35 parliamentarians and a number of Israeli Arabs, including the head of the Arab Higher Monitoring Committee, Mohammed Zeidan; the head of the northern branch of the Islamic Movement, Raed Salah; and Knesset member Hanin Zuabi (Balad ).
Source:
Monday, May 17, 2010
Israel to Europe: Stop your citizens from sailing to Gaza with aid
haaretz.com
Israel warned a number of European states that it would not permit leftist-organizations planning to sail to the Gaza Strip with international aid to complete their mission.
The director of European affairs for the Foreign Ministry, Naor Gilon, met separately with envoys from Turkey, Greece, Ireland and Sweden to convey the message that any of their citizens intending to set sail for Gaza would be stopped before they could reach the coastal territory.
Describing such mission as provocative and in violation of Israeli law, Gilon told the diplomats: "Israel has not intention of allowing these sailboats in Gaza."
The Foreign Ministry message essentially entails that anybody who tries to sail to Gaza with aid, or who tries to transfer goods into the Hamas-ruled territory, must do so in accordance with procedure.
The diplomats promised to pass the message along to the appropriate sources, said the Foreign Ministry, with some even offering to help prevent their citizens from attempting the mission.
Earlier Monday, Israeli security forces released a Turkish national arrested this month for allegedly belonging to an outlawed Islamic group, and were set to deport him later in the day.
Izzet Shahin, a volunteer for the Turkish NGO Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH), was arrested in the West Bank by the Israel Defense Forces and was then transferred to the Shin Bet for investigation.
IHH, who had been organizing a Gaza aid boat planned to depart at the end of the month, was outlawed in Israel a few years ago.
According to the IHH website, the organization had been organizing a "major initiative…to deliver aid via the sea to the Gaza Strip, which has been under an embargo for over three years."
"Hundreds of concerned people will set out on 10 ships in May to take over 5,000 tons of relief aid and materials to Gaza," the website statement said,
Source:
Israel warned a number of European states that it would not permit leftist-organizations planning to sail to the Gaza Strip with international aid to complete their mission.
The director of European affairs for the Foreign Ministry, Naor Gilon, met separately with envoys from Turkey, Greece, Ireland and Sweden to convey the message that any of their citizens intending to set sail for Gaza would be stopped before they could reach the coastal territory.
Describing such mission as provocative and in violation of Israeli law, Gilon told the diplomats: "Israel has not intention of allowing these sailboats in Gaza."
The Foreign Ministry message essentially entails that anybody who tries to sail to Gaza with aid, or who tries to transfer goods into the Hamas-ruled territory, must do so in accordance with procedure.
The diplomats promised to pass the message along to the appropriate sources, said the Foreign Ministry, with some even offering to help prevent their citizens from attempting the mission.
Earlier Monday, Israeli security forces released a Turkish national arrested this month for allegedly belonging to an outlawed Islamic group, and were set to deport him later in the day.
Izzet Shahin, a volunteer for the Turkish NGO Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH), was arrested in the West Bank by the Israel Defense Forces and was then transferred to the Shin Bet for investigation.
IHH, who had been organizing a Gaza aid boat planned to depart at the end of the month, was outlawed in Israel a few years ago.
According to the IHH website, the organization had been organizing a "major initiative…to deliver aid via the sea to the Gaza Strip, which has been under an embargo for over three years."
"Hundreds of concerned people will set out on 10 ships in May to take over 5,000 tons of relief aid and materials to Gaza," the website statement said,
Source:
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Israel's Intimidation Tactics Won't Stop Us: First Ship Sets Sail for Gaza!
Free Gaza Team
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London – 14 May 2010 – At 22:45 local time tonight, the MV Rachel Corrie, a 1200-ton cargo ship, part of the eight-vessel Freedom Flotilla, set sail from Ireland on its way to the Mediterranean Sea. There, ships from Turkey and Greece will join her, then sail to Gaza.
This past week reports from Israel have indicated that the Israeli authorities will not allow the Freedom Flotilla to reach Gaza with its cargo of much-needed reconstruction material, medical equipment, and school supplies. According to Israeli news sources, clear orders have been issued to prevent the ships from reaching Gaza, even if this necessitates military violence.
The Free Gaza Movement, which has launched eight other sea missions to Gaza, confirms that Israel has tried these kinds of threats and intimidation tactics before in order to try to stop the missions before they start. "They have not deterred us before and will not deter us now," said one of the organizers.
Ship to Gaza -- Sweden, a Freedom Flotilla coalition partner, together with parliamentarian Mehmet Kaplan (Green Party) yesterday asked for an audience with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Carl Bildt, to discuss what measures the Swedish government and the European Union will take to protect the Freedom Flotilla’s peaceful, humanitarian voyage. Earlier this week during a meeting with the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza – another coalition partner, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyib Erdogan expressed his support for "breaking the oppressive siege on the Gaza Strip...which is at the top of Turkey’s list of priorities."
Coalition partners, Ship to Gaza – Greece and the Turkish relief organization IHH, stressed that the ships, passengers, and cargo will be checked at each port of departure, making it clear that we constitute no security threat to Israel.
Israel’s threats to attack unarmed civilians aboard vessels carrying reconstruction aid are outrageous and indicative of the cruel and violent nature of Israel’s policies towards Gaza. The Freedom Flotilla is acting in line with universal principals of human rights and justice in defying a blockade identified as illegal by the UN and other humanitarian organizations. Palestinians in Gaza have a right to the thousands of basic supplies that Israel bans from entering, including cement and schoolbooks, as well as a right to access the outside world. The Freedom Flotilla coalition calls on all signatories to the Fourth Geneva Conventions to pressure Israel to adhere to its obligations under international humanitarian law, to end the lethal blockade on Gaza, and to refrain from attacking this peaceful convoy.
For more information:
Free Gaza Movement – Greta Berlin - +33 607374512
ECESG – Mazen Kahel - +33 1 46 81 12 92
IHH – Ahmet Emin Dag – +90 530 341 1934
Ship to Gaza / Greece – Vangelis Pissias - +30 697 200 9339
Ship to Gaza / Sweden – Dror Feiler - +46702855777
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is comprised of: Free Gaza Movement (FG), European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza (ECESG), Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH), Ship to Gaza Greece, Ship to Gaza Sweden, and the International Committee to Lift the Siege on Gaza, with hundreds of groups and organizations around the world supporting the effort.
http://www.freegaza.org/
http://www.savegaza.eu/
http://www.ihh.org.tr/
http://www.shiptogaza.gr/
http://www.shiptogaza.se/
Source:
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
A Special Place in Hell / A prayer for the Gazan armed only with a flag
By Bradley Burston
From haaretz.com
To my friends in Gaza, with admiration:
God bless the Palestinian who, armed with nothing more than courage, plants a flag.
The Gazan who, week after week, marches to the front line and without a shred of cover, stands in the face of soldiers, gas guns, machine guns, threats and helmets, warning shots and shots to kill – armed only with conviction and a rectangle of cloth on a stick.
And who, in so doing, plants the seed of an idea.
God bless this new armed struggle.
We have declared a 300 meter wide swath of your land near our fences and walls, a No-Man's Land. You, your flag, the reaction of our soldiers, all of it teaches us that the war between us has turned all of the Holy Land into no man's land.
In acts of great bravery, there is great hope. In acts of non-violent resistance, there is unlimited might.
God protect you from us, and from your own people. You will be scoffed at even as you are shot at. There are people on both sides for whom non-violence causes a sense of unease, a sense of being, forgive me, emasculated.
Teach us to grow up.
Teach us what we have lost. Our sense of shame.
In a place where war now claims many more civilian victims than military, it's about time that the unarmed decided to fight back.
Not with bullets and rocks or warplanes or rockets. Not with bomb belts or drones or missiles or sieges.
Not now, years from now, when we will all have matured, when we will feel shame, when we take responsibility over our killings, as we now feel fury over our dead, history will show that violence was the tool only of those who cannot bear to share this land. Those who make this land unlivable. Those who prefer No Man's Land to a place of life.
Someday, because of you, Gaza will be what it was meant to be. The pearl of Palestine.
And we will be what we were meant to be. Neighbors.
There is no defense against true non-violence.
God bless the villager, the schoolchild, the mother, the hero, armed with nothing more than a flag.
Stand fast. No rocks. You will change every soldier you face. You will change history. You will be the end of this occupation. You will give all of us, life.
Source:
From haaretz.com
To my friends in Gaza, with admiration:
God bless the Palestinian who, armed with nothing more than courage, plants a flag.
The Gazan who, week after week, marches to the front line and without a shred of cover, stands in the face of soldiers, gas guns, machine guns, threats and helmets, warning shots and shots to kill – armed only with conviction and a rectangle of cloth on a stick.
And who, in so doing, plants the seed of an idea.
God bless this new armed struggle.
We have declared a 300 meter wide swath of your land near our fences and walls, a No-Man's Land. You, your flag, the reaction of our soldiers, all of it teaches us that the war between us has turned all of the Holy Land into no man's land.
In acts of great bravery, there is great hope. In acts of non-violent resistance, there is unlimited might.
God protect you from us, and from your own people. You will be scoffed at even as you are shot at. There are people on both sides for whom non-violence causes a sense of unease, a sense of being, forgive me, emasculated.
Teach us to grow up.
Teach us what we have lost. Our sense of shame.
In a place where war now claims many more civilian victims than military, it's about time that the unarmed decided to fight back.
Not with bullets and rocks or warplanes or rockets. Not with bomb belts or drones or missiles or sieges.
Not now, years from now, when we will all have matured, when we will feel shame, when we take responsibility over our killings, as we now feel fury over our dead, history will show that violence was the tool only of those who cannot bear to share this land. Those who make this land unlivable. Those who prefer No Man's Land to a place of life.
Someday, because of you, Gaza will be what it was meant to be. The pearl of Palestine.
And we will be what we were meant to be. Neighbors.
There is no defense against true non-violence.
God bless the villager, the schoolchild, the mother, the hero, armed with nothing more than a flag.
Stand fast. No rocks. You will change every soldier you face. You will change history. You will be the end of this occupation. You will give all of us, life.
Source:
Monday, May 3, 2010
Details of Gaza blockade revealed in court case
BBC News has seen documents, submitted to an Israeli Court, which give more detail than ever before about how and why Israel maintains its Gaza blockade.
In one document, Israel describes the import curbs as "a central pillar in the armed conflict with Hamas".
It also confirms estimates were made of how many calories Gazans need, but says these were not used for policy-making.
Israel says the blockade is to pressure Hamas, which does not recognise Israel and backs attacks on its citizens.
Three years ago, after the Islamist Hamas movement seized power, Israel and Egypt tightened their closure of Gaza's borders, leaving the territory's 1.5 million inhabitants facing acute shortages.
But Israel has never published a list of banned items, saying it approves requests on a case-by-case basis.
Items allowed have changed over time, which has left humanitarian organisations and commercial importers constantly attempting to guess what will be approved.
The court case has been brought by the Israeli human rights group, Gisha.
The group has been trying, for more than a year, using freedom of information legislation, to squeeze information from the state about what exactly is allowed for import to Gaza, and why.
In January, Gisha, took the Israeli authorities to court, to try to force them to provide the information.
Gisha's director, Sari Bashi, says she is no security expert, "but preventing children from receiving toys, preventing manufacturers from getting raw materials - I don't see how that's responsive to Israeli security needs."
And she says that some of the prohibitions appear to be absurdly arbitrary: "I certainly don't understand why cinnamon is permitted, but coriander is forbidden. Is there something more dangerous about coriander? Is coriander more critical to Gaza's economy than cinnamon? This is a policy that appears to make no sense."
She argues that if there is a logic behind such decisions, the military should reveal what it is.
'Conflict against Hamas'
Now, after several months' waiting, the state has given its response to the court, in a written submission, seen by the BBC.
It throws a small pool of light on the process behind the blockade.
The overall rationale is set out, in bold type: "The limitation on the transfer of goods is a central pillar in the means at the disposal of the State of Israel in the armed conflict between it and Hamas."
The Israeli authorities also confirm the existence of four documents related to how the blockade works: how they process requests for imports into Gaza, how they monitor the shortages within Gaza, their approved list of what is allowed in, and a document entitled "Food Consumption in the Gaza Strip - Red Lines" which sets out the minimum calorie intake needed by Gaza's million and a half inhabitants, according to their age and sex.
This paper was however, the state insists, just a draft power-point presentation, used for "internal planning work", which "never served as a basis for the policy of the authority".
But while the first three documents promise a great deal of detail, that detail is not delivered.
In each case, the state argues that disclosure of what is allowed in and why would, in their words, "damage national security and harm foreign relations".
It offers, instead, to reveal the contents of the documents to the court in a private session with the judge.
'Collective punishment'
The lack of clarity causes immense frustration not just among Gazans, but among aid groups, diplomats, and the United Nations - which has described Israel's blockade as "collective punishment"
The problem, they say, is not just the shortages themselves, but the unpredictability and changing nature of what is permitted for import.
Israeli officials have said, in the past, that they are concerned that building materials in particular could be misappropriated by Hamas for military ends.
But some Israeli commentators - even those who advocate a tough stance against Hamas - say that the strategy behind the much wider blockade is ill-defined, and harmful to Israel's international standing.
The BBC has received information from reliable sources that there are currently 81 items that are approved for import - from kidney beans to tinned meat - and as of March, shoes.
Among the large range of goods currently forbidden are jam, chocolate, wood for furniture, fruit juice, textiles, and plastic toys.
The 13-page submission by the Israeli authorities to the Tel Aviv District Court raises more questions than it answers.
It does set the context for the blockade: in what Israel considers to be its existential conflict with Hamas.
But it will not satisfy those noisily calling for Israel to be more open about one of its most contentious policies.
Source:
In one document, Israel describes the import curbs as "a central pillar in the armed conflict with Hamas".
It also confirms estimates were made of how many calories Gazans need, but says these were not used for policy-making.
Israel says the blockade is to pressure Hamas, which does not recognise Israel and backs attacks on its citizens.
Three years ago, after the Islamist Hamas movement seized power, Israel and Egypt tightened their closure of Gaza's borders, leaving the territory's 1.5 million inhabitants facing acute shortages.
But Israel has never published a list of banned items, saying it approves requests on a case-by-case basis.
Items allowed have changed over time, which has left humanitarian organisations and commercial importers constantly attempting to guess what will be approved.
The court case has been brought by the Israeli human rights group, Gisha.
The group has been trying, for more than a year, using freedom of information legislation, to squeeze information from the state about what exactly is allowed for import to Gaza, and why.
In January, Gisha, took the Israeli authorities to court, to try to force them to provide the information.
Gisha's director, Sari Bashi, says she is no security expert, "but preventing children from receiving toys, preventing manufacturers from getting raw materials - I don't see how that's responsive to Israeli security needs."
And she says that some of the prohibitions appear to be absurdly arbitrary: "I certainly don't understand why cinnamon is permitted, but coriander is forbidden. Is there something more dangerous about coriander? Is coriander more critical to Gaza's economy than cinnamon? This is a policy that appears to make no sense."
She argues that if there is a logic behind such decisions, the military should reveal what it is.
'Conflict against Hamas'
Now, after several months' waiting, the state has given its response to the court, in a written submission, seen by the BBC.
It throws a small pool of light on the process behind the blockade.
The overall rationale is set out, in bold type: "The limitation on the transfer of goods is a central pillar in the means at the disposal of the State of Israel in the armed conflict between it and Hamas."
The Israeli authorities also confirm the existence of four documents related to how the blockade works: how they process requests for imports into Gaza, how they monitor the shortages within Gaza, their approved list of what is allowed in, and a document entitled "Food Consumption in the Gaza Strip - Red Lines" which sets out the minimum calorie intake needed by Gaza's million and a half inhabitants, according to their age and sex.
This paper was however, the state insists, just a draft power-point presentation, used for "internal planning work", which "never served as a basis for the policy of the authority".
But while the first three documents promise a great deal of detail, that detail is not delivered.
In each case, the state argues that disclosure of what is allowed in and why would, in their words, "damage national security and harm foreign relations".
It offers, instead, to reveal the contents of the documents to the court in a private session with the judge.
'Collective punishment'
The lack of clarity causes immense frustration not just among Gazans, but among aid groups, diplomats, and the United Nations - which has described Israel's blockade as "collective punishment"
The problem, they say, is not just the shortages themselves, but the unpredictability and changing nature of what is permitted for import.
Israeli officials have said, in the past, that they are concerned that building materials in particular could be misappropriated by Hamas for military ends.
But some Israeli commentators - even those who advocate a tough stance against Hamas - say that the strategy behind the much wider blockade is ill-defined, and harmful to Israel's international standing.
The BBC has received information from reliable sources that there are currently 81 items that are approved for import - from kidney beans to tinned meat - and as of March, shoes.
Among the large range of goods currently forbidden are jam, chocolate, wood for furniture, fruit juice, textiles, and plastic toys.
The 13-page submission by the Israeli authorities to the Tel Aviv District Court raises more questions than it answers.
It does set the context for the blockade: in what Israel considers to be its existential conflict with Hamas.
But it will not satisfy those noisily calling for Israel to be more open about one of its most contentious policies.
Source:
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