Israel’s unprecedented act of international piracy and mass murder in the eastern Mediterranean Sea has been met with a firestorm of condemnation throughout the world. Here is just a small sample of the rage that is being expressed by governments, organisations and individuals across the globe:-
“By targeting innocent civilians, Israel has once again clearly displayed that [it] does not value human lives and peaceful initiatives.”
Turkish foreign ministry
“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.”
Ismail Haniyeh, Palestinian Prime Minister
“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.”
Michael Martin, Irish foreign affairs minister
“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.”
Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
“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.”
United Nations Relief and Works Agency
“This crime is one of the most dastardly attacks on humanitarian aid workers in recent times and amidst the wreckage of the Freedom Flottila is what remains of Israel’s reputation as a member of the international community.”
George Galloway, former Respect MP for Bethnal, Green & Bow and founder of Viva Palestina
At least nine nations, including France, Spain, Sweden, Greece, Turkey and Egypt have already summoned their Israeli ambassadors demanding an explanation for the hijacking and mass murder.
Predictably enough, White House spokesman Bill Burton’s official statement was essentially meaningless: “[The US] ”deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries sustained. [The Administration is] working to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragedy”.
Meanwhile, Stephen Smith remains in transit and has not yet been able to issue a statement. However, a foreign affairs departmental spokesman gave us a foretaste of the kind of weasel words we can expect from the arch-Zionist foreign minister when he said: ”We are deeply saddened by loss of life following the incident between the Israeli navy and a flotilla of vessels carrying aid and protesters attempting to make its way to Gaza from Cyprus.”
Protests will be happening throughout the country later today (Tuesday) in response to this almost incomprehensible act of international piracy and mass murder. Palestine solidarity groups in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney will be joining us here in Perth in their unreserved condemnation of Israel’s latest crime. Don’t forget our protest starts at 5pm outside Wesley Church on the corner of Hay & William St in the city. Come with placards, banners, friends, family and most of all a determined resolve to finally begin turning back the tide of Zionist State terrorism, Western complicity, government lies, and media propaganda. If there was ever a time to once and for all expose the truth of what is happening in Palestine, that time is now.
Fraternally
Alex Whisson
Convener
Friends of Palestine WA
www.fopwa.org
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Sydney: Protest on Tuesday June 1, 5.30pm, Town Hall, organised by Coalition for Justice and Peace in Palestine.
Melbourne: There will be a protest on Tuesday June 1, 4.30pm corner Burke St Mall & Swanston Street.
Perth: A snap protest will be held Tuesday June 1, 5pm, Wesley Church, cnr William & Hay Sts, Perth. Organised by Friends of Palestine.
Brisbane: A protest will be held on Tuesday June 1, 5-7pm, Brisbane Sq, Cnr Queen and George Sts.
Canberra: Tuesday June 1, 5pm, outside Israeli Embassy, 6 Turrana St, Yarralumla. Plus also a rally in Garema Place on Thursday 3 June at 4.00 pm (organised by Australians for Justice and Peace in Palestine)
Newcastle: Tuesday June 1, 4pm, Sharon Grierson’s office, Hunter St
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