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Post by ninathedog on May 30, 2010 16:45:03 GMT 4
Confusion over Gaza aid flotillaPage last updated at 8:59 GMT, Sunday, 30 May 2010 9:59 UK By Jon Donnison BBC News, Gaza City Hundreds of human rights activists aboard a flotilla of ships trying to break Israel's blockade of Gaza say they hope to arrive later on Sunday. But Israel's navy remains adamant that this will not be allowed to happen. There is also confusion about whether the ships are actually moving. The Palestinian territory has been under an Israeli and Egyptian economic blockade for almost three years, with only limited humanitarian aid allowed in. The blockade was imposed after the Islamist movement Hamas - which over the past decade has fired thousands of rockets into Israel - took power in Gaza. Disorganised pictureFor days human rights activists aboard the flotilla of ships have been saying they are due in Gaza soon. They are already three days late. Their press officers say they are on route and will arrive later on Sunday. But live video being streamed from the ships shows they are not moving and are moored somewhere off the coast of Cyprus. Hamas officials in Gaza say they are not expected to arrive on Sunday. So it is a confused and disorganised picture. If and when they do get moving, Israel says the ships will not be allowed to reach Gaza. Its navy still controls Gaza's territorial waters and says it is prepared to use limited force to stop the flotilla. It says the ships will be towed to the nearby Israeli city of Ashdod from where those on board will be deported. There is much political spin being put on the story by both sides. Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniya says any Israeli action to stop the ships will be an act of "piracy". Israeli government press officers have been briefing journalists that the aid flotilla is not necessary. Israel says it allows 15,000 tons of aid into Gaza every week. But the United Nations, which calls the blockade a "medieval siege", says this is only a fraction of what is needed and less than a quarter of what was coming into Gaza before the blockade was enforced. news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10193249.stmFor More Information, please go toFreeGaza.org
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Post by ninathedog on May 30, 2010 21:05:16 GMT 4
Pro-Palestinian aid flotilla sets sail for GazaBy Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 27 mins agoHAIFA, Israel – Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists on Sunday set sail for the Gaza Strip from international waters off the coast of Cyprus, edging closer to an expected naval showdown with Israeli gunships determined to stop them. Huwaida Arraf, one of the organizers, said the six-ship flotilla began the journey toward Gaza on Sunday afternoon after two days of delays. She said they expected to reach Gaza, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) away, on Monday afternoon, and that two more ships expected to follow in "a second wave." She said the flotilla was "fully prepared for the different scenarios" that might arise, and that organizers were hopeful that Israeli authorities would "do what's right" and not stop the convoy. "We fully intend to go to Gaza regardless of any intimidation of threats of violence against us," she said. "They are going to have to forcefully stop us."The flotilla, which includes three cargo ships and three passenger ships, is trying to draw attention to Israel's three-year blockade of the Gaza Strip. The boats are carrying materials that Israel bars from reaching Gaza, like cement and other building materials. The activists say they are also carrying hundreds of electrical-powered wheelchairs, prefabricated homes and water purifiers. Some 700 pro-Palestinian activists are also on the boats, including 1976 Nobel peace laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire, European legislators and an elderly Holocaust survivor. The mission has experienced repeated delays, both due to mechanical problems and a decision by Cyprus to bar any boat from sailing from its shore to Gaza. The ban forced a group of European lawmakers to depart from the breakaway Turkish Cypriot northern part of the island late Saturday. Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade on Gaza after Hamas militants violently seized control of the seaside territory in June 2007. Israel says the measures are needed to prevent Hamas, which has fired thousands of rockets at Israel, from building up its arsenal. But U.N. officials and international aid groups say the blockade has been counterproductive, failing to weaken Hamas while devastating the local economy. In particular, the ban on building materials has prevented Gazans from repairing thousands of homes that were damaged or destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, meant to stop Hamas rocket attacks, early last year. Israel rejects claims that there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying it allows more than enough food and medicine into the territory. They also point to the bustling smuggling industry along Gaza's southern border with Egypt, which has managed to bring consumer goods, gasoline and livestock into the seaside strip. Israel has condemned the flotilla as a provocation and vowed to block it from reaching Gaza. In initial preparations, naval gunships were dispatched Friday to await the ships. Other gunships remained in the northern port of Haifa, waiting for the flotilla to get closer before heading out to sea. Israeli military officials say they hope to resolve the situation peacefully but are prepared for all scenarios. Naval commandos have been training for days in anticipation of the standoff. Military officials, speaking on condition of anonymity under official guidelines, said the forces would likely take over the boats under the cover of darkness.Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said foreigners on the ships would be "sent back to their countries." Activists who did not willingly agree to be deported would be detained. A special detention facility has been set up in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod. Israel says that after a security check, humanitarian aid confiscated from the boats will be transferred to Gaza through authorized channels. It was not clear whether Israel would transfer banned items, like cement. This is the ninth time that the Free Gaza movement has tried to ship in humanitarian aid to Gaza since August 2008.
Israel has let ships through five times, but has blocked them from entering Gaza waters since a three-week military offensive against Gaza's Hamas rulers in January 2009. The flotilla bound for Gaza is the largest to date. At Gaza's tiny port, meant for small fishing boats, Hamas officials, activists and foreign nationals prepared to welcome the flotilla. They sat in some 40 small boats, bobbing in the sea, decorated with the flags of the countries of the pro-Palestinian activists, including Turkey and Algeria. In other boats, Gaza boy scouts played music, while on shore, other activists released balloons with the faces of Palestinian civilians and militants killed in battles with Israeli forces. In Syria, eight Damascus-based Palestinian groups urged Arab and Muslim states to work to support the flotilla, and warned Israel against committing any "foolishness to impede the vessels" "This could create more tension and trigger unpredictable reactions," said the groups, which include Hamas and the militant Islamic Jihad. news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100530/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians................. Update from Free Gaza - Break the Siege[/color] The FreeGaza flotilla is on the move. The boats linked up earlier today, and are on their way after the delays of the last few days. You can follow their progress here: www.witnessgaza.com/or on Twitter here: twitter.com/freegazaorgand there's a great article from Gideon Levy here: www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/gaza-flotilla-drives-israel-into-a-sea-of-stupidity-1.292959Please don't forget to contact the press and your elected representatives wherever you are in the world, urging governments to perform their duty to protect humanitarian missions by protesting to the State of Israel against its stated intentions of using its navy against this peaceful mission of aid and human rights observers. A template letter and suggestions for UK, Israeli and US contacts are below: Action Alert to Help the Flotilla to GazaFrom Gaza Boat Convoy Uk As you may be aware that Israel has confirmed that they will stop the flotilla by any means necessary and news of temporary prision being set up for all individuals that are taking part to provide vital aid to the Palestinans. Now we need your help urgently please send out letters, emails to all addresses below, the more people that are involved the more chance we will get noticed and possibly have a chance to influence someone whom is able to do so for a safe passage for all individuals on the convoy. Template letter:To whom it may concern:
I, (insert your name) am writing this letter to you to express my concern for the safety of the 750 passengers from 50 various countries on board the 9 ships who are sailing towards Gaza today.
Israel have issued several threats indicating that they will stop this flotilla by force, and arrest everyone onboard. This is an extremely worrying development, and these threats to civilians has to be taken very seriously.
I am appealing to you to do all in your power to ensure the safety of these brave individuals, and for the 15,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid onboard.
The situation in Gaza is the greatest humanitarian disaster in our time, and it is not only my duty, but the duty of every person worldwide to play their part in making sure the illegal siege on Gaza is lifted.
1.5 million people have been suffering daily due to the effects of this Israeli imposed siege, and the time has come for the world to stand up and say, “Enough Is Enough”.
Will you add your voice to this appeal, or will you sit idly by and allow Israel to not only attack and imprison this flotilla, but to continue the slow genocide of the Palestinian’s in Gaza?
Awaiting your response,
(insert your name )
E mail addresses in groups of 50: leader@http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;libdems.org.uk,danny@highlandhttp://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;libdems.org.uk, info@normanbaker.org.uk,info@berwicklibdems.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;org.uk,gordon.birtwistle.bly@gmail.com,info@middorsethttp://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;libdems.org.uk,office@tauntonhttp://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;libdems.org.uk,info@malcolmbruce.org.uk,paul@paulburstow.org.uk,info@solihullmeriden-http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;libdems.org.uk,info@vincentcable.org.uk,fife_office@mingcampbell.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;org.uk,alistair.for.the.isles@googlemail.com,mike_crockart@hotmail.com,edward@edwarddavey.co.uk,lynne@lynnefeatherstone.org,don@donfoster.co.uk,andrewgeorgeppc@live.co.uk,stephen@stephengilbert.org.uk,duncan@duncanhames.org.uk,email@mikehanthingy.co.uk,Nick4NorthDevon@hotmail.co.uk,david@davidheath.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;co.uk,john.hemming@jhc.co.uk, martin@martinhorwood.net,simon@simonhughes.org.uk,chris@chrishuhne.org.uk, info@cheadle-http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;libdems.org.uk,contact@julianhuppert.org.uk,charles@highlandhttp://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;libdems.org.uk,norman@normanlamb.org.uk,enquiries@yeovil-http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;libdems.org.uk,info@john-http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;leech.org.uk,stephen@stephenlloyd.org.uk,michaelmoorebrs2010@gmail.com,info@gregmulholland.org,enquiries@andrewstunell.org.uk, info@brent-http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;libdems.org.uk, steve@stevewebb.org.uk,info@jennywillott.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;org.uk,david.ward@fsmail.net, president@whitehouse.gov Israeli e mail addresses: INFO@NEWYORK.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;MFA.GOV.IL,INFO@WASHINGTON.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;MFA.GOV.IL,INFO@MONTREAL.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;MFA.GOV.IL,INFO@BRUSSELS.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;MFA.GOV.IL,PM_ENG2@http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;pmo.gov.il,pniot@mod.gov.il,sar@mfa.gov.il,info@education.gov.il,mancal@justice.gov.il,pniot@moh.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;health.gov.il,sar@moin.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;gov.il,lishka.sar@moital.gov.il,sar@mot.gov.il,sar@mops.gov.il, info@moia.gov.il,info@ng.http://www.facebook.com/l/869d5;pmo.gov.il,pniot@mni.gov.il,pniot@sviva.gov.il,ministerts PLEASE NOTE: the Whitehouse now use a form so, you need to send it via the website. www.facebook.com/l/869d5;www.whitehouse.gov/contact/....... source:email from www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=2365573794 .................... As American as Apple PieWritten by Greta Berlin | 30 May 2010 Posted in Press releasesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE(Cyprus, May 30, 2010) The Free Gaza Movement now has two boats included in the Freedom Flotilla that is on its way to deliver 10,000 tons of supplies to the imprisoned people of Gaza. The third boat is being repaired. Our two passengers boats, Challenger 1 and Challenger II, had mechanical problems on Friday, May 28, and were pulled into ports in Cyprus. After Cypriot port authoriies on the Greek side denied our request to pull in for repairs, our boat, Challenger 1 limped into the port of Famagusta, on the Turkish side of Cyprus. Both boats are flagged and registered in the United States, which means they are U.S. territory. Therefore we expect the U.S. government to intervene* if U.S. property is wrongly confiscated by Israeli authorities as they have threatened. Israel has yet to return the Spriit of Humanity, registered under a Greek flag. Please contact the American State Department and ask them what their plans are in case this happens. They can be contacted at Telephone No. (202) 647-4000 (24-hour number) or publicaffairs@panet.us.state.gov This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Contact: Audrey Bomse, 00 357 96 48 98 05 Greta Berlin, 00 357 99 18 72 75 www.freegaza.org/
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Post by ninathedog on May 31, 2010 9:38:58 GMT 4
Reports: Israeli ships attack aid flotilla, 2 deadBy Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press Writer – 49 mins agoHAIFA, Israel – Israeli warships attacked at least one of six ships carrying pro-Palestinian activists and aid for the blockaded Gaza Strip, killing at least two and wounding an unknown number of people on board, an Arabic satellite news channel and a Turkish TV network reported early Monday. The Israeli military spokesman's office denied that its forces attacked the boats but said they would enforce the decision to keep them away from Gaza. However, other security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to report on the military operation, confirmed that activists were wounded, but did not give numbers. They said the troops faced resistance and that soldiers were under orders only to use fire if their lives were in danger. The al-Jazeera satellite channel reported by telephone from the Turkish ship leading the flotilla that Israeli navy forces fired at the ship and boarded it, wounding the captain. The Turkish NTV network also reported an Israeli takeover with gunfire, and that at least two people were killed. The al-Jazeera broadcast ended with a voice shouting in Hebrew, "Everybody shut up!" A Turkish website showed video of pandemonium on board one of the ships, with activists in orange life jackets running around as some tried to help an activist apparently unconscious on the deck. The site also showed video of an Israeli helicopter flying overhead and Israeli warships nearby. The reports came just after daybreak, with the flotilla still well away from the Gaza shore. Israel had declared it would not allow the ships to reach Gaza. Al-Jazeera footage showed soldiers descending from helicopters on ropes onto a ship and two men, apparently wounded, being carried away. A violent takeover would deal yet another blow to Israel's international standing, already tarnished by war crimes accusations in Gaza and its three-year-old blockade of the impoverished Palestinian territory.Greek activists said people on board one of the ships in the flotilla told them that Israeli forces boarded two other boats — one Greek, another Turkish — from helicopters and inflatable speedboats and took them over. They said the attack took place in international waters 80 miles (128 kilometers) from the Gaza coast and that the boat had refused to obey the Israeli navy's orders to halt. Shortly after, activists on board the ship told them that Israeli commandos had boarded the Greek boat and that the last words they heard before the connection was cut were, "They're boarding the ship using hooks, we're under arrest." The head of the Gaza Hamas government, Ismail Haniyeh, condemned the "brutal" Israeli attack. "We call on the Secretary-General of the U.N., Ban Ki-moon, to shoulder his responsibilities to protect the safety of the solidarity groups who were on board these ships and to secure their way to Gaza," Haniyeh told The Associated Press. Turkish television stations said police blocked dozens of stone-throwing protesters who tried to storm the Israeli consulate in Istanbul. The CNN-Turk and NTV televisions showed dozens of angry protesters scuffling with Turkish police and shouting, "Damn Israel." On Sunday, Huwaida Arraf, one of the organizers, said the six-ship flotilla began the journey from international waters off the coast of Cyprus on Sunday afternoon after two days of delays. She said they expected to reach Gaza, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) away, on Monday afternoon, and that two more ships would follow in "a second wave." The flotilla was "fully prepared for the different scenarios" that might arise, and organizers were hopeful that Israeli authorities would "do what's right" and not stop the convoy, she said. "We fully intend to go to Gaza regardless of any intimidation or threats of violence against us," she said. "They are going to have to forcefully stop us." After nightfall Sunday, three Israeli navy missile boats left their base in Haifa, steaming out to sea to confront the activists' ships. Two hours later, Israel Radio broadcast a recording of one of the missile boats warning the flotilla not to approach Gaza. "If you ignore this order and enter the blockaded area, the Israeli navy will be forced to take all the necessary measures in order to enforce this blockade," the radio message continued. Al-Jazeera also reported that the ships changed course to try to avoid a nighttime confrontation, preferring a daylight showdown for better publicity. The flotilla, which includes three cargo ships and three passenger ships, is trying to draw attention to Israel's blockade of Gaza. The boats are carrying items that Israel bars from reaching Gaza, like cement and other building materials. The activists said they also were carrying hundreds of electric-powered wheelchairs, prefabricated homes and water purifiers. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said that after a security check, permitted humanitarian aid confiscated from the boats will be transferred to Gaza through authorized channels. However, Israel would not transfer items it has banned from Gaza under its blockade rules. Palmor said that for example, cement would be allowed only if it is tied to a specific project. This is the ninth time that the Free Gaza movement has tried to ship in humanitarian aid to Gaza since August 2008. Israel has let ships through five times, but has blocked them from entering Gaza waters since a three-week military offensive against Gaza's Hamas rulers in January 2009. The flotilla bound for Gaza is the largest to date. Some 700 pro-Palestinian activists are on the boats, including 1976 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire of Northern Ireland, European legislators and an elderly Holocaust survivor.The mission has experienced repeated delays, both due to mechanical problems and a decision by Cyprus to bar any boat from sailing from its shore to Gaza. The ban forced a group of European lawmakers to depart from the breakaway Turkish Cypriot northern part of the island late Saturday. Israel and Egypt imposed the blockade on Gaza after Hamas militants violently seized control of the seaside territory in June 2007. Israel says the measures are needed to prevent Hamas, which has fired thousands of rockets at Israel, from building up its arsenal. But U.N. officials and international aid groups say the blockade has been counterproductive, failing to weaken the Islamic militant group while devastating the local economy. In particular, the ban on building materials has prevented Gazans from repairing thousands of homes that were damaged or destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, meant to stop Hamas rocket attacks, early last year. Israel rejects claims of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, saying it allows more than enough food and medicine into the territory. The Israelis also point to the bustling smuggling industry along Gaza's southern border with Egypt, which has managed to bring consumer goods, gasoline and livestock into the seaside strip. ___ Associated Press writer Menalaos Hadjicostis contributed to this report from Nicosia, Cyprus.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100531/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians
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Post by nodstar on May 31, 2010 14:59:18 GMT 4
Deaths as Israeli forces storm Gaza aid ship[/size] Page last updated at 10:22 GMT, Monday, 31 May 2010 11:22 UK click on this link to see various pieces of live footage of this event news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10195838.stmTurkish TV footage appeared to show Israeli troops on board More than 10 people have been killed after Israeli commandos stormed a convoy of ships carrying aid to the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army says. Armed forces boarded the largest vessel overnight, clashing with some of the 500 people on board. It happened about 40 miles (64 km) out to sea, in international waters. Israel says its soldiers were shot at and attacked with weapons; the activists say Israeli troops came on board shooting. There has been widespread condemnation of the violence, while the European Union has called for an inquiry to establish what happened. 'Guns and knives' The six-ship flotilla, carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid, left the coast of Cyprus on Sunday and had been due to arrive in Gaza on Monday. Israel says its soldiers boarded the lead ship in the early hours but were attacked with axes, knives, bars and at least two guns. ANALYSIS Continue reading the main story Jonathan Marcus Jonathan Marcus BBC diplomatic correspondent This was always going to be a high-risk operation for Israel both in terms of reputation and diplomatic repercussions. Taking over vessels at sea is no easy task, even if the units carrying out the mission are well-trained, and it is especially difficult if the people already on board the vessels resist. The full details of what happened will emerge in time, but in political terms the damage has already been done. The deaths threaten to make what was always going to be a potential public relations disaster for Israel into a fully-fledged calamity. "Unfortunately this group were dead-set on confrontation," Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev told the BBC. "Live fire was used against our forces. They initiated the violence, that's 100% clear," he said. Organisers of the flotilla said at least 30 people were wounded in the incident. Israel says 10 of its soldiers were injured, one seriously. A leader of Israel's Islamic Movement, Raed Salah, who was on board, was among those hurt. Audrey Bomse, a spokesperson for the Free Gaza Movement, which is behind the convoy, told the BBC Israel's actions were disproportionate. "We were not going to pose any violent resistance. The only resistance that there might be would be passive resistance such as physically blocking the steering room, or blocking the engine room downstairs, so that they couldn't get taken over. But that was just symbolic resistance." She said there was "absolutely no evidence of live fire". Israel is towing the boats to the port of Ashdod and says it will deport the passengers from there. It says it will deliver the ships' aid to Gaza. Condemnation Turkish TV pictures taken on board the Turkish ship leading the flotilla appeared to show Israeli soldiers fighting to control passengers. GAZA AID CONVOY Continue reading the main story Mavi Marmara just before it left Istanbul on 22 May * Consists of three cargo ships and three passenger ships * Casualties reported on the Mavi Marmara passenger ferry * Mavi Marmara is one of three ships provided by Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH), a Turkish aid organisation with links to the Turkish government * Other ships are organised by the Free Gaza Movement, an international coalition of activist groups * Up to 600 mostly Turkish passengers, tonnes of cement and at least two journalists on board the Mavi Marmara The footage showed a number of people, apparently injured, lying on the ground. A woman was seen holding a blood-stained stretcher. Al-Jazeera TV reported from the same ship that Israeli navy forces had opened fire and boarded the vessel, wounding the captain. The Al-Jazeera broadcast ended with a voice shouting in Hebrew, saying: "Everybody shut up!" Israel's deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said his country "regrets any loss of life and did everything to avoid this outcome". He accused the convoy of a "premeditated and outrageous provocation", describing the flotilla as an "armada of hate". Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Israel's actions, saying it had committed a massacre. Most of the people on board the boats were Turkish. Turkey accused Israel of "targeting innocent civilians". "We strongly denounce Israel's inhumane interception," it said, warning of "irreparable consequences" to the two countries' relations. Danny Ayalon, Israeli deputy foreign minister: "The organisers' intent was violent." Turkey was Israel's closest Muslim ally but relations have deteriorated over the past few years. In Turkey, thousands of protesters demonstrated against Israel in Istanbul, while several countries have summoned Israeli ambassadors to seek an explanation as to what happened. Greece has withdrawn from joint military exercises with Israel in protest at the raid on the flotilla. Blockade Israel had repeatedly said it would stop the boats, calling the campaign a "provocation intended to delegitimise Israel". Israel and Egypt tightened a blockade of Gaza after the Islamist movement Hamas took power there in 2007. Israel says it allows about 15,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid into Gaza every week. But the United Nations says this is less than a quarter of what is needed. The incident comes a day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to meet US President Barack Obama in Washington after one of the most strained periods in US-Israeli relations in years.
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Post by nodstar on May 31, 2010 15:05:48 GMT 4
I have a lot to say about this ... but it would not be fit for public consumption I am so proud to say that there are Australians in that flotilla and so deeply horrified by this incident .. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies go out to the families of those brave people who tried to get aid past the Israeli blockade and were killed in the process,innocent civilians WHEN is this going to stop ? WHEN is Israel going to stay in its own neighborhood ? WHEN are the people of Gaza going to be allowed BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS ? Peace Out Nodstar*
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Post by ninathedog on May 31, 2010 17:57:27 GMT 4
Israel boat raid sparks condemnations, protestsBy Selcan Hacaoglu And Lee Keath, Associated Press Writers – 1 min agoANKARA, Turkey – Turkey withdrew its ambassador to Israel and called for an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council as criticism and condemnations arose across Europe and the Arab world Monday over Israel's deadly commando raid on ships taking humanitarian aid to the blockaded Gaza Strip. The raid, in which at least 10 pro-Palestinian activists, most of them Turks, were killed, was a new blow to Israel's international standing at a time when the West — including the United States — have grown frustrated with its stance in the peace process. The bloodshed particularly hurts its relations with Turkey, which was once a close regional ally of Israel but has become increasingly critical of it.Around 10,000 Turks marched in protest from the Israeli consulate in Istanbul to a main square, chanting, "Murderous Israel you will drown in the blood you shed!" The protesters earlier tried to storm the Consulate building but were blocked by police. The flotilla of six ships, carrying some 700 activists, was sponsored in part by a Turkish organization. Around 1,000 protested in Jordan's capital, Amman, calling for their government to cut diplomatic ties with Israel. Smaller protests erupted in capitals across the Middle East as well as in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, the Greek city of Thessaloniki and the Pakistani city of Karachi. Palestinian youths protesting the raid scuffled with Israeli soldiers, throwing bottles and stones at them, at a checkpoint north of Jerusalem, as senior Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat called the Israeli raid a "war crime." Israel says the activists attacked its commandos as they boarded the six ships taking tons of supplies to Gaza, while the flotilla's organizers say the Israeli forces opened fire first. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the violence, saying, "I am shocked by reports of killing of people in boats carrying supply to Gaza. I heard the ships were in international water. That is very bad." He called for a "thorough investigation." The White House issued a cautious reaction, saying "The United States deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained, and is currently working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy." The European Union's foreign affairs chief, Catherine Ashton, said the bloc was deeply concerned and she called on Israel to carry out an inquiry. British Foreign Secretary William Hague deplored the killings and called for an end to the Gaza blockade.
Spain and France condemned what they called the disproportionate use of force. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle called for an immediate investigation into the matter by a neutral party but was careful not to directly place blame. He said that the German embassy was seeking information on six German citizens believed to have been aboard the ships. Greece suspended a military exercise with Israel and postponed a visit by Israel's air force chief. Greece, Egypt, Sweden, Spain and Denmark summoned Israel's ambassadors demanding explanations for the violence.
The Gulf Cooperation Countries condemned Israel's "heinous crime" on the Gaza ships, which it said was "pre-planned" by the Israeli government. But the strongest reaction came from Turkey. Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc called Israel's actions "piracy" and said Turkey is withdrawing its ambassador on Monday as well as canceling three joint military drills and calling on the U.N. Security Council to convene in an emergency session about Israel. Turkey is currently a member of the council. "I strongly condemn the use of force by Israeli military forces on an aid convoy composed of 32 countries, including Turkey," Arinc said. "This attack must not remain unanswered." He also said a Turkish youth soccer team currently in Israel would be brought home.The raid also brought heightened attention to Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip, imposed after the Palestinian militant group Hamas seized control of the tiny Mediterranean territory in 2007. The blockade — along with Israel's fierce offensive against Gaza in the winter of 2008-2009 to stop Hamas rocket fire — has fueled anti-Israeli sentiment around the Arab world. The president of Iran, a key supporter of Hamas, called the raid "an inhuman act.""All in all, these (actions) only bring closer the end of the miserable and false regime" in Israel, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said, according to state TV. The Cairo-based Arab League called an emergency session for Tuesday to address the attack, as the two only Arab states with peace deals with Israel — Jordan and Egypt — sharply condemned the violence. Jordan's information minister, Nabil al-Sharif, called it a "heinous crime" and called for the lifting of the blockade on Gaza. The incident also put Egypt in a tight position. The only Arab country bordering the Gaza Strip, it has helped enforce the blockade by cracking down on smuggling tunnels that are a key source of goods to Gaza's 1.5 million people and by rejecting pressure that it open its border crossing. The Egyptian government has said it cannot open the border since there is no agreement on restoring European monitors who left during the Hamas takeover. Egypt's Foreign Ministry said the violence underlines how Gaza "remains under total Israeli occupation," and it called "for the immediate lifting of the Israeli siege on Gaza." In Beirut, about 500 Palestinian and Lebanese activists protested in front of the U.N. headquarters, setting Israeli flags on fire. "The only solution with the usurping entity is resistance. This entity only understands the language of force," Hezbollah lawmaker Nawar al-Saheli told the crowd. In neighboring Syria, more than 200 Syrian and Palestinian protesters staged a sit-in before the offices of the United Nations to denounce the Israeli raid. ____ Keath reported from Cairo. AP correspondents from around the Mideast and Europe contributed to this report.news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100531/ap_on_re_eu/gaza_ships_protest
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Post by ninathedog on May 31, 2010 18:09:57 GMT 4
reporting up to TWENTY deadGaza Flotilla Attacked: Israeli troops storm aid ships, up to 20 killed www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZenysNLAfc8Footage of the initial storming of the Free Gaza ship HERE -- news.yahoo.com/video/world-15749633/20096330It appears that the captain of the ship is shot while he is calling for calm amongst the passengers. He is saying "come down and take your seats, come down and take your seats" when a gunshot is heard. The captain(?) is then silent and a voice speaking Hebrew takes the microphone. >> edit Civilians Under Attack by IsraelWritten by Free Gaza Team | 31 May 2010 Posted in Press releases(Cyprus, June 1, 2010, 6:30 am) Under darkness of night, Israeli commandoes dropped from a helicopter onto the Turkish passenger ship, Mavi Marmara, and began to shoot the moment their feet hit the deck. They fired directly into the crowd of civilians asleep. According to the live video from the ship, two have been killed, and 31 injured. Al Jazeera has just confirmed the numbers. Streaming video shows the Israeli soldiers shooting at civilians, and our last SPOT beacon said, “HELP, we are being contacted by the Israelis.” We know nothing about the other five boats. Israel says they are taking over the boats. The coalition of Free Gaza Movement (FG), European Campaign to End the Siege of Gaza (ECESG), Insani Yardim Vakfi (IHH), the Perdana Global Peace Organisation , Ship to Gaza Greece, Ship to Gaza Sweden, and the International Committee to Lift the Siege on Gaza appeal to the international community to demand that Israel stop their brutal attack on civilians delivering vitally needed aid to the imprisoned Palestinians of Gaza and permit the ships to continue on their way. The attack has happened in international waters, 75 miles off the coast of Israel, in direct violation of international law.
Contact: * Greta Berlin - +357 99187275 iristulip@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it * Mary Hughes, +357 96 38 38 09 daisydozy@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it * Audrey Bomse, +357 96489805 audreybomse@hotmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it * Dr. Arafat Shoukri, Director, Council for European-Palestinian Relations (CEPR) Tel: +32 2503 5402 M:+44 7908 200 559 arafat@savegaza.eu freegaza.org
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Post by dan on May 31, 2010 18:55:30 GMT 4
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana
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Post by emeraldsun on Jun 1, 2010 9:08:40 GMT 4
As Memorial Day ends let's not forget the veterans who die from dangerous psychiatric treatments and lack of proper help for their psychological wounds... Andrew Tighman, writing in the Marine Corps Times, recently described the investigation of Fred A. Baughman Jr., M.D. into the deaths of military personnel taking multiple psychotropic medications. Baughman was alerted to a series of soldier deaths upon reading a May 2008 article in the Charleston [WV] Gazette titled "Vets Taking Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Drugs Die in Sleep." Baughman, a retired neurologist known previously for his criticism of medication treatments of ADHD and other mental health disorders, suspected that the reported cases could be part of a much larger problem. In the cases of four West Virginia veterans who died in their sleep in 2008 Baughman found that the deaths were not due to overdoses. The veterans were apparently normal upon going to bed, yet all died in their sleep after taking a combination of prescribed medications that included Paxil, Seroquel, and Klonopin. Each case involved a sudden cardiac incident and resulting death. This adds to growing concern about serious adverse effects of psychiatric medications commonly prescribed to emotionally disturbed or traumatized soldiers. Research reported by Ray, et. al in the January 2009 New England Journal of Medicine noted that antipsychotic drugs doubled the risk of sudden cardiac death, while another study disclosed in March 2009 by Whang, et. al. found that antidepressant drugs also increase the rate of sudden cardiac death. A literature review of studies from 2000-2007 titled "Sudden Cardiac Death Secondary to Antidepressant and Antipsychotic Drugs" published in Expert Opinion on Drug Safety; 2008, No. 2, March 2008, pp. 181-191(14), found that "Antipsychotics can increase cardiac risk even at low doses, whereas antidepressants do it generally at high doses or in the setting of drug combinations." In an Army Times article by Gina Cavallaro in February 2009 it was reported that more than 70 soldiers assigned to the Army's warrior transition units had died, with at least 50% of the deaths attributed to natural causes that included a high number of cardiac deaths. In one case investigated by Baughman an Army private was found dead in his barracks at Ft. Carson, Colorado, with sudden cardiac death reported by EMTs on the scene followed later by the death being re-classified as a suicide. Baughman suspects that there is an attempt to cover up the dangers of these psychiatric drugs, as the U.S. military, doctors, and drug manufacturers could be held accountable if it became apparent that these dangerous drug combinations are being used despite published evidence of the hazards. As Memorial Day approaches Americans may wish to demand that veterans of the armed services receive better treatment. Wartime service fosters many deaths and injuries. Those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the mental suffering associated with trauma can be treated in ways that help them heal and resolve their stress and trauma challenges. Energy psychology techniques, EMDR, hypnotherapy, neurolinguistic programming, bodywork psychotherapies, acupuncture, meditation, support groups, and other harmless approaches have allowed many veterans and trauma survivors to regain their sense of security and well-being. Those seeking treatment through the VA (Veteran's Administration) healthcare facilities or other community resources are encouraged to inquire about which treatments are provided. ( I am going to test this statement when I go to the VA next week to ask for some of treatments mentioned)Treatment protocols that rely on medications to suppress symptoms rather than helping resolve trauma in the mind-body system may be all that is offered by many doctors. Fortunately, many therapists in the community do have experience successfully treating PTSD with non-drug therapies, so patients who seek out non-drug therapies can find the help they desire. Link here: www.examiner.com/x-12517-Miami-Holistic-Health-Examiner~y2010m5d26-Memorial-Day-2010-Psychiatric-drugs-triggering-deaths-of-US-soldiers-treated-for-PTSDwww.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=174580
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Post by nodstar on Jun 1, 2010 13:05:02 GMT 4
Australian Journalists held in Isreali custody[/size] Herald editor says journalists safe but being held in Israeli jailPAUL TATNELL June 1, 2010 - 4:39PM www.smh.com.au/national/herald-editor-says-journalists-safe-but-being-held-in-israeli-jail-20100601-wukb.htmlSydney Morning Herald Editor Peter Fray says detained reporter Paul McGeough and photographer Kate Geraghty had every right held to report on the Gaza aid convoy attacked by Israeli commandos. Two Australian journalists are still believed to be in an Israeli prison following their arrest as they reported on a clash between Israeli forces and Palestinian supporters. Herald journalists Paul McGeough and Kate Geraghty were aboard a small flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza when Israeli commandos attacked it. They have not been in contact since the attack. Sydney Morning Herald editor Peter Fray told a press conference this afternoon he understood chief correspondent McGeough and photographer Geraghty were both safe but had declined to be deported immediately. Advertisement: Story continues below Held ... Kate Geraghty and Paul McGeough. Held ... Kate Geraghty and Paul McGeough. He understood they were being detained in Beersheva and Israeli authorities had assured the Herald they were being treated well. Fray said the newspaper had not spoken to either journalist since 11.53am yesterday. "The Sydney Morning Herald stands for the highest quality journalism and for the right to report without fear or favour," he said. "This right has been part of the Herald since it first published almost 180 years ago. "Part of our role is to bear witness. This is why we sent two of our most experienced foreign correspondents, Paul McGeough and Kate Geraghty, to report on the flotilla's efforts to reach Gaza. "Paul, an acknowledged authority on the Middle East, and Kate, one of the country's finest news photographers, were there as witnesses, to bring the story of the flotilla to Australia and to the rest of the world. "They had every right to do so. We ask that Israel respect their right to do their jobs. "We also ask for the return of our equipment and footage of the Israeli intervention." Fray said the two journalists were not aboard the Turkish boat on which Israel forces and pro-Palestinians clashed with deadly consequences, but on a smaller boat, the MV Samoud. McGeough and Geraghty are expected to have consular access later today or overnight our time, Fray said "We remain concerned for them on behalf of their many colleagues, friends and family," Fray said. "We have been assured by Israeli authorities that they are being treated well. "We would like to thank Australian and Irish authorities for all their assistance over the past 36 hours." Fray was asked if the correspondent was in any way aligned with the Free Gaza movement. "McGeough is one of the finest journalists the country has ever produced," Fray said. "He's an acknowledged expert on the Middle East. He is not aligned with the flotilla." Fray said he had received a call from the Prime Minister and had been in contact with the families of the detained journalists. "Kate's mother is concerned but she's taken our assurances ... she's very relieved that Kate is OK." Fray said he had visited Israel and that there was a great deal of press freedom in the country. "I hope they respect the freedom of Kate and Paul to do their job," he said.
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Post by nodstar on Jun 1, 2010 19:39:52 GMT 4
Official Statement from NATO[/SIZE] 01 Jun. 2010 www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-B8CAC400-CBD0A042/natolive/news_63983.htm?mode=pressreleasePress Release: (2010) 074 Statement by the Secretary General of NATO on Israeli operation against ships bound for Gaza Today the North Atlantic Council (NAC) met for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the recent Israeli operation against ships bound for Gaza. There was an extensive exchange of views among Allies on all aspects of this tragic event. I would like to express my deep regret over the loss of lives and the other casualties resulting from the use of force during the incident involving the convoy sailing to Gaza. I offer sincere condolences to the families of all victims and condemn the acts which have led to this tragedy. I add my voice to the calls by the United Nations and the European Union for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation into the incident. As a matter of urgency, I also request the immediate release of the detained civilians and ships held by Israel.
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Post by ninathedog on Jun 1, 2010 20:15:46 GMT 4
original source -- www.freegaza.org/Security Council backs call for impartial probe into deadly raid on Gaza aid flotilla1 June 2010 – The Security Council today condemned the acts that led to the deaths of at least 10 civilians after the Israeli military yesterday intercepted a convoy of aid ships bound for Gaza, calling for a “prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation.” Dozens of others were also wounded when Israeli forces took control of the six-ship flotilla in international waters, according to press reports. The convoy was said to have been carrying educational, medical and construction materials, as well as hundreds of activists from different countries. In a presidential statement issued early this morning, the Council said that it “deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force during the Israeli military operation in international waters against the convoy sailing to Gaza. “The Council, in this context, condemns those acts which resulted in the loss of at least 10 civilians and many wounded, and expresses its condolences to their families.” The 15-member body called on Israel to immediately release the ships and the civilians sailing on them, allow the countries involved to retrieve their deceased and wounded, and ensure the delivery of the humanitarian aid aboard the ships to Gaza.The Council stressed that “the situation in Gaza is not sustainable,” again voicing its “grave concern” over the humanitarian situation in the area and emphasizing the need for the regular movement of goods and people. The United Nations has repeatedly spoken out against the closure of Gaza and raised concern over the insufficient flow of material into the area to meet basic needs and spur reconstruction. Mr. Ban cautioned in a recent meeting that the closure “creates unacceptable suffering, hurts forces of moderation and empowers extremists.” The Council today underscored that the only solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is “an agreement negotiated between the parties,” reiterating that “only a two-State solution, with an independent and viable Palestinian State living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel and is other neighbours, could bring peace to the region.” Voicing support for the proximity talks that started between the two sides last month, the Council urged the parties to act with restraint and avoid unilateral and provocative moves. The UN Human Rights Council is also holding a special meeting in Geneva on yesterday’s incident.In the run-up to yesterday’s incident, which was also condemned by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other UN officials, Israel had stated it would not let the vessels reach Gaza. The UN urged last week “that all involved act with a sense of care and responsibility and work for a satisfactory resolution.” www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34871&Cr=gaza&Cr1=............. Secretary-General 'shocked' by deadly raid on Gaza aid flotilla31 May 2010 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed his shock at the deadly military interception on boats loaded with relief supplies headed for Gaza, calling on Israel to fully explain its actions. According to media reports, early this morning in international waters, Israeli intercepted and took control of the six-ship aid convoy, which was carrying hundreds of activists from several countries. At least ten people were killed in serious violence on one or more of the vessels. “I condemn this violence,” Mr. Ban said from Kampala, Uganda, where he presided over the first review conference of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“It is vital that there is a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place,” he said. “I believe Israel must urgently provide a full explanation.”The Security Council held an emergency session today to discuss the incident. Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco told the Council's open meeting that “today's bloodshed would have been avoided if repeated calls on Israel to end the counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of Gaza had been heeded.”
He spotlighted “the scale of unmet needs of Gaza's civilian population,” underlining that “the blockade is unacceptable and counterproductive and must end.”Mr. Fernandez-Taranco noted that today's developments come as indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians began last month. The incident took place “at a time when all efforts should be focused on the need to build trust and advance Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, and nurture regional cooperation in support of peace,” he said. “It is vital that the proximity talks continue.” John Holmes, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, condemned today's “dreadful waste of life over a humanitarian issue,” emphasizing the need to end the blockade of Gaza.
“It has worsened conditions of life for one and a half million Palestinians, deepened poverty and food insecurity, prevented reconstruction, and increased aid dependence by destroying livelihoods and economic activity,” said Mr. Holmes, who also serves as the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. “It has helped only the extremists.”Also speaking out against today's events was UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who emphasized that “nothing can justify the appalling outcome of this operation.”Calling for a probe into the incident, she underscored the need for accountability. “I unequivocally condemn what appears to be disproportionate use of force, resulting in the killing and wounding of so many people attempting to bring much-needed aid to the people of Gaza, who have now been enduring a blockade for more than three years,” Ms. Pillay said.She called on the Israeli Government to heed the “almost unanimous international view that the continued blockade of Gaza is both inhumane and illegal.” The blockade, the High Commissioner pointed out, “lies at the heart of so many of the problems plaguing the Israel-Palestine situation, as does the impression that the Israeli Government treats international law with perpetual disdain.” For his part, Richard Falk, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, said that “Israel is guilty of shocking behavior by using deadly weapons against unarmed civilians on ships that were situated in the high seas where freedom of navigation exists, according to the law of the seas.”He echoed the calls by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for an investigation into today's incident, stressing that it is “essential that those Israelis responsible for this lawless and murderous behavior, including political leaders who issued the orders, be held criminally accountable for their wrongful acts.”
Mr. Falk characterized the blockade of Gaza as a “massive form of collective punishment” that is tantamount to a crime against humanity.
“Unless prompt and decisive action is taken to challenge the Israeli approach to Gaza all of us will be complicit in criminal policies that are challenging the survival of an entire beleaguered community,” he said. www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=34863&Cr=gaza&Cr1=
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Post by ninathedog on Jun 1, 2010 20:41:11 GMT 4
The Freedom Flotilla is travelling to Gaza, see the latest updates and live coverage of the trip on witnessgaza.com (most recent news from Twitter feed posted below following entries from FreeGaza.org)
This is the website of the Free Gaza Movement, a human rights group that in August 2008 sent the first international boats to land in the port of Gaza in 41 years. We want to break the siege of Gaza. We want to raise international awareness about the prison-like closure of the Gaza Strip and pressure the international community to review its sanctions policy and end its support for continued Israeli occupation.We have 2267 guests online Ships and their flagsWritten by Free Gaza Team | 01 June 2010 Posted in Press releases1. Mavi Marmara passenger Flagged in Turkey 2. Sofia cargo ship Flagged in Greece 3. Gazza 1 cargo ship Flagged in Turkey 4. Gazza 2 cargo ship Flagged in Turkey 5. Spendoni passenger Flagged in Greece 6. Challenger 1 Flagged in U.S. ............. Update on Israeli Attack on Humanitarian BoatsWritten by Free Gaza Team | 01 June 2010 Posted in News[Cyprus – 1 June, 2010] The UN Security Council Calls for Impartial, Credible Investigation of Israeli Boat Raid. The raid in international waters, on the aid convoy headed to Gaza left at least 16 civilians dead. After an emergency session wrapped up in the early hours this morning, the council agreed to language condemning the acts that resulted in the deaths and injuries aboard the Turkish vessel Mavi Marmara and the European Campaign’s vessel Spendoni. The Council requested the immediate release of the ships as well as the civilians held by Israel. The council called for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards. The council statement also reemphasized the importance of implementing U.N. resolution 1860, which calls for the unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance to Gaza's 1.5 million residents. The flow of aid has been severely hampered by Israel's three-year blockade on the Gaza Strip. Yesterday, Israeli-licensed attorneys filed two habeas briefs: one is asking for to release the passengers and the boats, so we can continue on our way to Gaza, since it was illegal to stop us in international waters. The other one is asking for information on all of the passengers, because there has been a total blackout on where the passengers are, who was wounded and who was murdered. Lawyers are only being allowed access for three hours every day from 13:00-16:30. They have the names of three Palestinians still in detention: Sheik Salah, Mohammad Zeidan and Lubna Marsawa. Knesset Member Hanin Zoabi (Balad) who participated in the international flotilla to the Gaza Strip said, "It was clear from the size of the force that boarded the ship that the purpose was not only to stop this sail, but to cause the largest possible number of fatalities in order to stop such initiatives in the future." www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3897360,00.html For more information: Free Gaza Movement – Greta Berlin +357 99187275 Free Gaza Movement – Mary Hughes + 357 96 38 38 09 ECESG – Mazen Kahel +33 1 46 81 12 92 IHH – Ahmet Emin Dag +90 530 341 1934 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, The Perdana Global Peace Organization, and the International Committee to Lift the Siege on Gaza, with hundreds of groups and organizations around the world supporting the effort. www.freegaza.org www.savegaza.eu www.ihh.org.trwww.shiptogaza.gr www.shiptogaza.sewww.freegaza.org/................ from twitter feed:search.twitter.com/search?q=&tag=Flotilla&lang=all&from=freegazaorg0.30 seconds Results for #Flotilla from:freegazaorg * freegazaorg: Israel has refused our lawyers contact with passengers. No contact with any of them since 3:30 am yesterday. None. Zero. Zip. #Flotilla about 9 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet 200+ recent retweets * freegazaorg: Information from passengers beginning to come out.From Dutch Consul: Anne covered in bruises,hit by a rubber coated steel bullet #Flotilla 25 minutes ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * Picture_3_normal freegazaorg: Update on Israeli Attack on Humanitarian Boats shar.es/mJivP #Flotilla Read what Knesset member says about Israeli attack about 3 hours ago from ShareThis.com · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: ei: Besieged Palestinians outraged over Israel's attack on Flotilla shar.es/mJkmv #Flotilla about 6 hours ago from ShareThis.com · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: RT @un: #UN Special Rapporteur on the #Gaza aid #flotilla: "Those responsible must be held criminally accountable" bit.ly/bWz1mM (expand) about 18 hours ago from TweetDeck · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: Guardian article on #Flotilla passengers: gu.com/p/2hc58/tw about 18 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: #Flotilla Activists Disembarking at the Ashdod Port, video of the prisoners youtu.be/td8WsdsY0FY about 18 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: Outrage over detaining ships in open sea, violation of international law. White House said "sorry to hear people died." #Flotilla about 21 hours ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: SM Media Office: Physicians for Human Rights sending doctors to Rambam to help and intervene if necessary #Flotilla 1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: One boat in Ashdod, five on the way Contact says "we're surrounded by a large number of riot police, about to start demonstrating"#Flotilla I 1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: Latest: We are waiting to hear news about passengers, dead and wounded. The moment we know, we will post. #Flotilla 1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: Boats are in Ashdod, so are the activists. #Flotilla 1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: ACTION: email to protests at freegaza.org information about all the protests and demonstrations going on worldwide related to the #Flotilla 1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: Haaretz.com: Several casualties in clash between Gaza aid #flotilla, Israel Navy: bit.ly/9ArSa0 (expand) 1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet * freegazaorg: IDF soldiers are taking control of the IHH ship, but live stream is still working. #Flotilla 1 day ago from web · Reply · View Tweet search.twitter.com/search?q=&tag=Flotilla#=all&from=freegazaorg
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Post by ninathedog on Jun 1, 2010 20:51:50 GMT 4
Flotilla AftermathMK Zoabi: Israel wanted highest number of fatalities
Arab Knesset member who participated in Gaza aid flotilla holds press conference says, 'It was clear from size of force that boarded ship that purpose was not to stop sail, but to cause largest number of fatalities to prevent future initiatives'by Sharon Roffe-Ofir Published: 06.01.10, 14:03 / Israel News ynetnews.comKnesset Member Hanin Zoabi, who was on board the Marmara ship when it was raided by Navy fighters, held a press conference in Nazareth on Tuesday, in which she accused Israel of committing crimes during its takeover of the Gaza-bound aid ship. She called for an international inquiry into the incident. Zoabi added, "It was clear from the size of the force that boarded the ship that the purpose was not only to stop this sail, but to cause the largest possible number of fatalities in order to stop such initiatives in the future." She said the flotilla's participants did not have any violent intentions: "Our goal was to break the siege. We had no plans for a confrontation. Israel carried out a provocative military operation. Israel is used to doing as it pleases with the Palestinians. The main problem is not the ship, but the siege." She also demanded the activists held in Beersheba be allowed visitation. "We also demand a UN inquiry commission probe the Israeli claims. This is an international issue, because the passengers were from different nations." Of the raid itself, she said, "I entered the captain's room. He was asked to stop by the Israeli soldiers. He said, 'We are a Turkish ship.' We were 130 miles off. It was 11:30 pm. We saw four Israel vessels, they were at a distance because we were in international waters. At 4:15 am we saw the ships approaching.
"They were dinghies and choppers. At 4:30 am the forces landed quickly. I did not hear any warning from the ships, because noise was coming from the ships and the choppers. Within 10 minutes there were already three bodies. The entire operation took about an hour."She denied any resistance from the ship's passengers. "There was not a single passenger who raised a club. We put on our life vests. From where I was standing, I didn't see any clubs or anything of the sort. There were gunshots, I don't know if they were live bullets or not. There were gunshots fired from the ships in our direction. (correction to her statement: video actually does show what appears to be at least one passenger clubbing a soldier) "A clear message was being sent to us, for us to know that our lives were in danger. We convened that we were not interested in a confrontation. What we saw was five bodies. There were only civilians and there were no weapons. There was a sense that I may not come out of it alive. Israel spoke of a provocation, but there was no provocation." Zoabi was released to her home Tuesday morning after being questioned. Three other Israeli Arabs who were on the sail faced a remand hearing at the Ashkelon Magistrate's Court. Shortly before the takeover, Zoabi said, "We are part of the Palestinian people. They are trying to break us. The ships took us by surprise and started to call out to us. For four years, no one spoke about Gaza. Only in this past week did the entire world get to the war crimes of Israel, a country that occupies and violates basic humanitarian rights." Roee Nahmias contributed to this reportwww.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3897396,00.html source: twitter.com/georgegalloway
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Post by ninathedog on Jun 1, 2010 21:23:17 GMT 4
As a side note, googling USS RACHEL CORRIE brought up a BBC documentary on the USS LIBERTY -- youtube.com/watch?v=sXe0sr5gIyABBC - Dead in the Water - The Attack on the USS Liberty 1of7 .............. Martin demands entry for Irish aid shipby PAMELA NEWENHAM IrishTimes.com - Last Updated: Tuesday, June 1, 2010, 18:16 Nobel peace prize winner Mairead Maguire pictured beside the 'MV Rachel Corrie' before it left Dundalk for Gaza last month. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA WireNobelRELATED: * Seven Irish citizens held in Israel after raid on convoy | 01/06/2010 * Israel deports activists as UN seeks impartial inquiry | 01/06/2010 Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has called on Israel to allow Irish humanitarian ship, the MV Rachel Corrie, pass through its military blockade of Gaza.The cargo vessel is ploughing ahead with its attempt to deliver aid to Gaza despite yesterday’s deadly attack by the Israeli navy on a Gaza-bound flotilla. The Israeli army has warned that it will be stopped if it attempts to enter Israeli waters. The Rachel Corrie, which has five Irish nationals and five Malaysians aboard, is due to arrive in Gazan waters over the coming days, a spokeswoman for the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign said. It became separated from the main aid flotilla after being delayed for 48 hours in Malta due to logistical reasons, and is currently off the coast of Libya.Mr Martin, who called Israeli Ambassador Dr Zion Evrony to account yesterday, said the boat should be allowed through peacefully. “The Rachel Corrie, the Irish ship on which citizens of Ireland are on ... can be shadowed in, but unimpeded, given what has happened and the need to diffuse the situation rapidly and allow them to discharge their goods,” he said. Mr Martin said Israel was also obliged to respect its international obligations under the Vienna Convention and ensure Irish citizens have access to full consular support. He also expressed his condolences to the Turkish government and the families of the people killed when Israeli commandos raided the Turkish registered Mavi Marmara aid ship in international waters as it travelled from Cyprus, killing nine people. The Government has called for a full independent international inquiry, preferably under the auspices of the United Nations. Five Irish campaigners - including leading activists Dr Fintan Lane and Fiachra Ó Luain - are being held in the Be’er Sheva detention camp, from where they face deportation. Dr Lane and Mr Ó Luain were on board Free Gaza boat Challenger 1 which was boarded by Israeli forces. Mr Ó Luain’s father, Joseph Bangert, said he supported his son’s actions. "He marches to a different drummer than most of us,” he told RTÉ today. “I’m sure he is sticking it to them. I think they have a Trojan horse on their hands". Two Irish people, including activist Shane Dillon, have been deported and are expected at Dublin airport late tonight. The Irish ambassador in Tel Aviv was given permission to meet Mr Dillon at Ben Gurion Airport before his departure. It is understood Mr Dillon said he was treated well. Officials have been waiting to see the other detained Irish citizens during the day. Nobel laureate Maireád Corrigan-Maguire, former UN assistant secretary general Denis Halliday, film maker Fiona Thompson and husband and wife Derek and Jenny Graham are the Irish nationals on board the Rachel Corrie. Speaking from the ship today, Mr Graham said the vessel was carrying educational materials, construction materials, medical equipment and some toys. “Everything aboard has been inspected in Ireland,” he said. “We would hope to have safe passage through.” Ms Maguire said none of the aid ships carry arms and are "purely humanitarian". She said it was necessary for the vessel to complete its mission to assure the people of Gaza the world does care. “Could you imagine if that happened to the 1.5 million people in Northern Ireland? The world would be absolutely crying out that this stop immediately." Free Gaza Movement activist Greta Berlin, who is based in Cyprus, said the group wanted to break Israel's blockade of Gaza. "Our mission has not changed and this is not going to be the last flotilla."However, an Israeli marine lieutenant, who was not identified, told Israel's army radio his unit was prepared to block the Rachel Corrie. "We as a unit are studying, and we will carry out professional investigations to reach conclusions," the lieutenant said, referring to yesterday's confrontation. "And we will also be ready for the Rachel Corrie ," he added. Fine Gael foreign affairs spokesman Billy Timmins and Labour’s Michael D Higgins today called for the safe passage of the vessel, while Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin called on Taoiseach Brian Cowen to initiate a trade boycott of Israel at national and EU level. www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2010/0601/breaking33.htmlsource: www.dailykos.com/story/2010/6/1/111035/2833 ....... Rachel Corrie Continues to Gaza: Will Obama Let Israel Attack?by Robert Naiman robert-naiman.dailykos.com/ Tue Jun 01, 2010 at 08:48:37 AM PDTHow do you know when someone is serious about pursuing a strategy of nonviolent resistance until victory for justice is achieved?
When they refuse to turn back in the face of state violence. d**n the commandos. Full speed ahead.The Irish Times reports: The MV Rachel Corrie is ploughing ahead with its attempt to deliver aid to Gaza despite yesterday's attack by the Israeli navy on Gaza-bound ship the Mavi Marmara.
The cargo ship, which has four Irish nationals and five Malaysians aboard, is due to arrive in Gazan waters tomorrow, a spokeswoman for the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign said.
The vessel became separated from the main aid flotilla after being delayed for 48 hours in Cyprus due to logistical reasons.
Nobel laureate Maireád Corrigan-Maguire, former UN assistant secretary general Denis Halliday, and husband and wife Derek and Jenny Graham are the Irish nationals on board.
Speaking from the ship today, Mr Graham said the vessel was carrying educational materials, construction materials and some toys. "Everything aboard has been inspected in Ireland," he said. "We would hope to have safe passage through." Might the Israeli military attack the Rachel Corrie, as the Israeli military attacked the Mavi Marmara? Would the Obama Administration permit such an Israeli attack on the Rachel Corrie, as the Obama Administration permitted the Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara? Note that in particular, under international law, an Israeli military attack on the Rachel Corrie in international waters would be an attack on the government and people of Ireland, because the Rachel Corrie is an Irish-flagged vessel. As former British Ambassador Craig Murray recently wrote:
To attack a foreign flagged vessel in international waters is illegal. It is not piracy, as the Israeli vessels carried a military commission. It is rather an act of illegal warfare.
Because the incident took place on the high seas does not mean however that international law is the only applicable law. The Law of the Sea is quite plain that, when an incident takes place on a ship on the high seas (outside anybody's territorial waters) the applicable law is that of the flag state of the ship on which the incident occurred. In legal terms, the Turkish ship was Turkish territory.
There are therefore two clear legal possibilities.
Possibility one is that the Israeli commandos were acting on behalf of the government of Israel in killing the activists on the ships. In that case Israel is in a position of war with Turkey, and the act falls under international jurisdiction as a war crime.
Possibility two is that, if the killings were not authorised Israeli military action, they were acts of murder under Turkish jurisdiction. If Israel does not consider itself in a position of war with Turkey, then it must hand over the commandos involved for trial in Turkey under Turkish law. One presumes that Michael Higgins, the foreign affairs spokesman of the Irish Labour Party, is well aware of these considerations, and that his statement about Irish government policy noted in the Irish Times article should be read in this light: Labour foreign affairs spokesman Michael D Higgins today called on the Government to demand safe passage for the MV Rachel Corrie .
In a statement, he said some of those on the vessel had contacted him earlier today and had stressed they wanted to avoid conflict and to be allowed unload their cargo to help the residents of the Gaza Strip.
"The Minister for Foreign Affairs . . . must make it clear that any assault on the Rachel Corrie would be regarded as a hostile act against Ireland and a clear breach of international law that could not be ignored by this country," Mr Higgins said.
In cities around the United States today, Americans will be protesting against the Israeli government attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. While protesting the attack on the Mavi Marmara, Americans should demand that the Obama Administration act to guarantee safe passage for the Rachel Corrie to reach Gaza. www.dailykos.com/story/2010/6/1/111035/2833
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