Press Releases

MADRE Condemns Israel's Killing of Activists Bringing Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

Posted on: Monday, May 31, 2010

Keywords: Gaza, Israel, Peace Building, Palestine

MADRE strongly condemns Israel’s killing of as many as 19 international activists early this morning and the wounding of dozens of others aboard the “Gaza Freedom Flotilla,” a convoy of ships attempting to deliver urgently-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The Israeli navy attacked the ships in international waters off the Gaza coast in order to prevent the delivery of aid. The convoy was comprised of 700 people from over 50 countries, including the UK, Ireland, Algeria, Kuwait, Greece and Turkey. Among the passengers were former US Amb. Edward Peck and retired US Col. Ann Wright, Irish Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Maguire and former UN assistant Secretary General Denis Halliday. Also on board were Members of Parliament from Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Turkey, Malaysia and Palestinian Members of the Israeli Knesset.

Today’s deadly attack is part of a pattern of Israeli war crimes and other grave human rights abuses against civilians, including a mounting crackdown on peaceful activists opposing Israel’s siege of Gaza and occupation of the West Bank.

The international community, including the Obama Administration, has refused to oppose these abuses, giving Israel a green light to act with increasing violence.

Demand an end to Israeli military violence:

Call the US State Department (+1 202-647-4000) and the US Consulate in Jerusalem (+972 2 622 7230) and demand that the Obama Administration fulfill its obligations to enforce international law and provide protection for civilians.

Emergency Protests:

NEW YORK: 3 pm Monday, Times Square. Assemble at 47th St. and 7th Ave.
SAN FRANCISCO: 1 pm Monday, rally (Powell and Market)
WASHINGTON, DC: 3pm Monday, Israeli Embassy (Reno and Van Ness)
CHICAGO: 4.30 pm Tuesday, Israeli Consulate (111 E. Wacker Drive)

« Back to "Press Releases" Next Article »