Federation of Young European Greens

Press Release: Young European Greens Condemn Israel’s Attack on “Freedom Flotilla”

Tuesday, 01 June 2010

The spokespersons of the Federation of Young European Greens, Delfina Rossi and Sebastian Power, deplore the Israeli military attack on the Gaza aid ships.

On Sunday night 30/31 May 2010, Israeli naval commandos boarded a ship in international waters carrying aid to the besieged Gaza strip. They opened fire, killing many civilians. Yet again, this demonstrates a shocking disregard for human life and gross violation of international law.

The international flotilla was attempting to break the illegal siege the Israeli government and military have imposed on Gaza by bringing desperately needed essential resources for rebuilding the city after the offensive 18 months ago devastated Gaza. The flotilla was also bringing humanitarian aid such as medical equipment and wheelchairs. Palestinians in Gaza are living in some of the most appalling conditions anywhere in the world.

Many people internationally are supporting the flotilla. Among the passengers on the ships were women, children, the elderly, doctors, nurses, teachers, the Irish Nobel peace laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire, an MEP and the Swedish author Henning Mankell.

Delfina and Sebastian commented:

“We were deeply shocked and outraged by this brutal attack on civilians. We offer our heartfelt sympathy for the families of the victims and those wounded in the attack.

Israel’s recent military activities have been characterised by the bombing of civilian infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and buildings of humanitarian organisations during last year’s offensive on Gaza which the UN Goldstone Commission report considers a possible “war crime”.

We therefore call for an immediate ban on arms exports to Israel and for the Israeli government and military to end the illegal and inhumane blockade of Gaza, allowing food and medical supplies, as well as construction materials to enter to allow the Palestinian people a decent way of living.

We call for a full and penetrating inquiry undertaken by the United Nations to investigate the circumstances of this. Another internal “investigation” is simply not good enough.

This attack was a major step back for efforts to bring peace to the region. We urge European states to intensify the pressure on the Israeli government to commit to the peace process.

We fully support the progressive movements within Israel and hope they can continue to contribute towards ending Israeli government and military aggression. Their voices are vital in demonstrating a peaceful path for the state of Israel.

Finally, the Israeli government and military must cease permanently all hostilities with the Palestinian peoples and to resume diplomatic negotiations into finding an equitable and workable solution for peace in the Middle East.”

[ENDS]

Contact:
Maria Delfina Rossi, Spokesperson of FYEG, +34 666320831
Sebastian Power, Spokesperson of FYEG, +44 7886543863

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