ICAHD-USA stands in strong support of the Freedom Flotilla, which was violently attacked overnight as its ships headed for Gaza carrying thousands of tons of humanitarian relief supplies.
Reports indicate that anywhere from 10 to 20 passengers were killed and many more injured when Israeli forces stormed the boats in international waters. This grave breach of well-established international law in response to an expressly non-violent effort is the latest in a long list of the Israeli government’s disproportionate use of force leading to violations of human rights. Israel has not only once again transgressed international law, but also the bounds of moral law.
We express our heartbreak and sympathy for the families of those killed and injured.
What more will it take before the U.S. and the international community truly call Israel to account for its unconscionable actions towards Palestinians and their supporters? ICAHD-USA joins with all those around the world demanding that Israel be held accountable. We particularly look to the U.S. government, which supports Israel with billions of our tax dollars, to both rebuke Israel for this most recent abuse of military power and demand an end to the inhumane blockade on Gaza.
TAKE ACTION
From our friends at the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation:
- Organize an emergency protest against Israel’s attack on the humanitarian flotilla. Find events near you and post your event details – http://gazafreedommarch.org/cms/en/flotilla/protest.aspx
- Contact the U.S. Mission to the United Nations at 212-415-4062 right away and demand that U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice vote to support a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israel’s action and initiating an investigation.
In addition, you can call / email with the following message (or create one of your own):
The Israeli military has attacked a humanitarian relief ship headed to Gaza, killing and injuring many innocent civilians. The Israeli government continues to breach international law, U.S. law, and moral law. Enough is enough. I say no more — no more of my tax dollars for Israel until the Israeli government ends the blockade on Gaza, stops settlement expansion, and reaches a just negotiation that ends the Occupation.
- US State Department Comment line at 202-647-6575 or its office of Israeli and Palestinian affairs at 202-647-2268.
- Your member of Congress at 202-224-3121 (live switchboard will direct you to your Congressperson’s office).
- The White House opinion line at 202-456-1111, the switchboard at 202-456-1414, or email http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact.
