Even if anything he says there is true, They still broke international law ans should face consequences. They won't unfortunately, The UN never really does anything in these situations.
Nothing he said was true. By all accounts the IDF stormed the ship shooting at those on board. And his claims that the goods on board were not meant for humanitarian use is a joke. Is suppose he wants to try and pretend that the wheelchairs on board were going to be used to attack Israel and push them into the sea.
And this attack occurred in international waters, and so technically speaking it was an attack on Turkish territory.
International condemnation. I notice that the U.S government has nothing to say:
TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY
We strongly condemn these inhumane practices of Israel. This deplorable incident, which took place in open seas and constitutes a fragrant breach of international law, may lead to irreparable consequences in our bilateral relations.
GRETA BERLIN, FREE GAZA MOVEMENT SPOKESWOMAN
It's disgusting that they have come on board and attacked civilians. We are civilians.
How could the Israeli military attack civilians like this? Do they think that because they can attack Palestinians indiscriminately they can attack anyone?
SAEB EREKAT, CHIEF PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR
What we have seen this morning is a war crime. These were civilian ships carrying civilians and civilian goods - medicine, wheelchairs, food, construction materials - intended for the 1.5 million Palestinians holed up under a cruel and criminal siege by Israel. And for that, many have paid with their lives. What Israel does in Gaza is appalling; no informed and decent human can say otherwise.
The unarmed civilian activists were attacked on foreign vessels while sailing in international waters. This is another incident confirming that Israel acts as a state above the law. The international community must take swift and appropriate action.
SAMI ABU ZUHRI, HAMAS SPOKESMAN
We in Hamas consider the Israeli attack on the freedom flotilla as a great crime and a huge violation of international law. In spite of the great harm suffered by the people who joined this flotilla, we consider that their message has been delivered.
Thanks to these heroes from other countries who showed their solidarity with Gaza, the Israeli siege is now an international issue and we consider that the occupiers, through this crime, are the ones under siege now.
OFFICE OF BARONESS ASHTON, EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
High Representative Catherine Ashton expresses her deep regret at the news of loss of life and violence and extends her sympathies to families of the dead and wounded. On behalf of the European Union, she demands a full enquiry about the circumstances in which this happened.
She reiterates the European Union's position regarding Gaza - the continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counterproductive... She calls for an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the crossing for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.
AMR MOUSSA, ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Arab League's Secretary-General has called for an urgent meeting at the level of representatives to look into this heinous crime committed by Israeli forces against unarmed civilians that left scores of dead and wounded.
The Arab League strongly condemns this terrorist act.
SENIOR UN OFFICIALS ROBERT SERRY AND FILIPPO GRANDI
We are shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on board boats carrying supplies for Gaza, apparently in international waters. We condemn the violence and call for it to stop. The situation is still ongoing and we are awaiting confirmation of what has happened.
We wish to make clear that such tragedies are entirely avoidable if Israel heeds the repeated calls of the international community to end its counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of Gaza.
NAVI PILLAY, UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
To foster longer-term political reconciliation, I urge the government to ensure that an independent investigation of recent events be conducted and all those found responsible for human rights violation are held to account.
BERNARD KOUCHNER, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER
I am profoundly shocked by the tragic consequences of the Israeli military operation against the peace flotilla for Gaza. Nothing can justify the use of violence such as this, which we condemn.
The circumstances of this drama must be fully brought to light and we wish for a thorough inquiry to be put in place without delay.
MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, IRANIAN PRESIDENT
The inhuman action of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people and preventing the humanitarian aid from reaching Gazans does not show this regime's strength, but is a sign of its weakness, and all this brings this sinister and fake regime closer than ever to its end.
MICHEAL MARTIN, IRISH MINSTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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.
ISM London are horrified to learn that Israeli forces killed at least 10, and possibly as many as 19, unarmed peace activists this morning on board the lead ship of the Freedom Flotilla of aid to Gaza last night. The attack took place in international waters.
Many former ISM volunteers are part of the Free Gaza movement; some of them were our friends. Around 28 Britons are thought to be on board the ships and their fate is currently unknown. Almost everyone in ISM London knows someone on the ships. We are currently trying to get a definitive list of names. The names we have so far of UK people on board the flotilla, and presumably in Israeli custody right now:
Alexander Evangelou
Alex Harrison
Denis Healey
Ewa Jasiewicz
Theresa McDermott
Hassan Nowarah
Gehad Sukker
Free Gaza ships were filled with unarmed peace activists, politicians and ordinary people, and the Israeli propaganda that their commandos were attacked are patently absurd.
We?re not surprised that the attacks took place in International waters, or that they were a reckless, murderous over-reaction to unarmed ships carrying medical supplies and building materials.
Israel routinely meets non violent Palestinian protest with lethal violence.
There is a protest later today in London: at Downing Street from 2pm. Please come. UPDATE: PSC have called an earlier protest for 11am at the Foreign Office, King Charles Street, Whitehall. These demos are close together, so please come to both. More details on demos here:http://www.ism-london.org.uk/1705
The contacts for our colleagues on the Free Gaza ships:
It?s currently very hard to reach people on the boats, but please try:
Contact: Huwaida Arraf on board the Challenger 0088 216 5207 2093
Ewa Jasciewica on board the Challenger 0088 163 184 7926
Fatima Mohammed on board the IHH ship 8821636619168
Greta Berlin 00 357 99 18 72 75
Mary Hughes 00 357 96 38 38 09
International condemnation. I notice that the U.S government has nothing to say:
When they do decide to make a statement it'll probably sound something like this: Israel has the right to defend itself, blah, blah, blah.
Don't forget netanyahu is scheduled to meet up with obama on tuesday, maybe they'll make a joint announcement condemning this atrocious act of terrorism, what on earth were they thinking? :?
The suffering is shocking. And nobody will benefit from the radicalism that confinement engenders
On 27 December last year, Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, an overwhelming exercise of military force aimed at silencing the Hamas rockets which had terrorised Israeli towns and villages. The immediate effects of the invasion are well known: 1,400 Palestinians dead, mostly civilians, with many more wounded or displaced; 10 Israeli soldiers and three civilians killed, dozens more injured; and thousands of families in southern Israel forced to flee to other parts of the country. The rocketfire from Gaza into Israel has slowed but has not entirely ceased. Hamas is still in power.
What is less well-known is the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The legacy of Operation Cast Lead is a living nightmare for one and a half million Palestinians squeezed into one of the most overcrowded and wretched stretches of land on the planet. And as Israel and Egypt maintain a near total blockade against Gaza, the misery deepens by the day.
This is not only shocking in humanitarian terms. It is not in Israel's or Egypt's interest, either. Confining people in abject poverty in a tiny slice of territory is a recipe for continued bitterness, fury and radicalism.
And what has the British government and the international community done to lift the blockade? Next to nothing. Tough-sounding declarations are issued at regular intervals but little real pressure is applied. It is a scandal that the international community has sat on its hands in the face of this unfolding crisis.
No doubt the febrile sensitivities of the Middle East have deterred governments, caught between recriminations from both sides. No doubt diplomats have warned that exerting pressure on Israel and Egypt may complicate the peace process.
But surely the consequences of not lifting the blockade are far more grave? How is the peace process served by sickness, mortality rates, mental trauma and malnutrition increasing in Gaza? Is it not in Israel's enlightened self-interest to relieve the humanitarian suffering?
The peace process is in serious trouble right now. Internal Israeli politics limits any meaningful room for manoeuvre, illegal settlement activity in the West Bank continues, and leadership of the Palestinians is divided and incoherent. A two-state solution, long the accepted bedrock of any agreement, is being openly questioned.
But paralysis in the peace process cannot be an excuse for the inhumane treatment of one and a half million people, the majority of them under 18 years old. No peaceful coexistence of any kind is possible as long as this act of collective confinement continues.
According to a recently leaked report by the UN office of the humanitarian co-ordinator, Gaza is undergoing "a process of de-development, which potentially could lead to the complete breakdown of public infrastructure". A report released today by a group of 16 humanitarian and human rights groups further spells out the effects.
Family homes destroyed in the invasion lie as shattered as ever. The embargo on construction materials means they will stay that way. Local hospitals and clinics were left devastated by the invasion, and those suffering health problems wait longer than ever to get out of Gaza for treatment. Many have died waiting. Bed-wetting and nightmares are endemic among children.
Half of those under 30 are unemployed. These young people are trapped in a broken land with little hope of economic opportunity. The blockade's restrictions on Gaza's fishermen mean they can sail only three nautical miles from the coast, impoverishing their families. Meanwhile, 80m litres of raw and partially treated sewage is pumped out into the sea every day.
Most disturbingly of all, the lack of access to materials means that basic water infrastructure simply cannot be repaired or improved; 90 to 95% of Gaza's water fails to meet WHO standards. The extremely high nitrate level in the water supply is leaving thousands of newborn babies at risk of poisoning.
The insistence by some that aid should come into no contact whatsoever, even indirectly, with Hamas means NGOs are prevented from repairing basic water and sanitation facilities in schools.
There is a clear moral imperative for Israel and Egypt to end the blockade, as well as it being in their enlightened self-interest to change course. But if they do not do so of their own volition, it is up to the international community to persuade them otherwise.
The EU has huge economic influence over Israel, and it believes the blockade must be lifted. At the same time as exercising leverage over Hamas, it should make clear that the web of preferential agreements which now exists between the EU and Israel – from Israeli access to EU research and development funds to recently improved access for Israeli agricultural products – will be brought into question if there is no rapid progress.
Equally, the US, as by far the largest bilateral donor to Egypt, should press President Mubarak to allow in the humanitarian and reconstruction materials that are so desperately needed.
What will be the state of Gaza's drinking water by next December? Of the health of its children? Of the economy? The attitude of its people towards Egypt and Israel? The risk of waiting another year is too great. Gordon Brown and the international community must urgently declare that enough is enough. The blockade must end.
Brian Cowen An Taoiseach (Irish version of the Prime Minister)is calling for an international investigation. Only decent thing he's done since coming into power.
Good to see the majority of international figures are speaking out against it.
all the US are saying is they're 'looking into it'. Typical.
Brian Cowen An Taoiseach (Irish version of the Prime Minister)is calling for an international investigation. Only decent thing he's done since coming into power.
Good to see the majority of international figures are speaking out against it.
this is the first time i ever said this in public, but the jews are fucking cowards, and if i get bannned from this message board for it then tell those that gave a shit about me that i went out standing up for what i believed in....
I will tell them you went out a racist.
You don't get to paint an entire people with the same brush. You don't even get to paint all Israelis with the same brush. My family is Jewish, my cousins live in Israel, and I'm disgusted by this and I think the statement Israel issued would be laughable if the situation weren't so f'ing tragic. And I know many American Jews who will be equally heartbroken by this, as they have been by Israel's actions in the past.
Anyway, this was awful news to wake up to, I was hoping these ships would be allowed through.
You don't get to paint an entire people with the same brush. You don't even get to paint all Israelis with the same brush. My family is Jewish, my cousins live in Israel, and I'm disgusted by this and I think the statement Israel issued would be laughable if the situation weren't so f'ing tragic. And I know many American Jews who will be equally heartbroken by this, as they have been by Israel's actions in the past.
Anyway, this was awful news to wake up to, I was hoping these ships would be allowed through.
Couldn't have said it any better myself. I am really disappointed by how Israel handled this situation, but I fail to see how overt racism is going to help solve the problem. And the rest of you who said nothing in response to an overtly racist remark like that should be a bit ashamed of yourselves too. I assume you guys don't condone painting an entire people with the same brush, as you've spend so much time trying to dissuade people from calling you anti-semites. You just got a chance to prove the allegation false, and you did nothing.
Right now outside the Israelian empacy in Athens there is war...
wtf the israelin goverment thinking by doing it..
"...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
With the white flag being raised, the army still continued shooting....
from the moment they attack they dont give a fuck about white flags...
the normal all those years about gaza was israaelian shoot warning on air for put fear the ships..wtf now...
"...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
Walked nearby the demonstrations in London. Would have liked to particpate but didn't as I was with my daughter and one never knows how these things turn out.
There is sufficient outrage worldwide. I'm hoping that some good will come out of this, ie nations will have no other option but force the hands of Israel in the 'reopening' of Gaza and not just giving them a little tut tut for a change. I'm not going to hold my breath though.
they have in Greek tv now live a representative of israelian army,he speak Greek..they say the people in the boat attack to israelin soldiers and shoot first with the gun they steal from soldiers and after the israelian shoots..nice..what a joke..
"...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
Walked nearby the demonstrations in London. Would have liked to particpate but didn't as I was with my daughter and one never knows how these things turn out.
There is sufficient outrage worldwide. I'm hoping that some good will come out of this, ie nations will have no other option but force the hands of Israel in the 'reopening' of Gaza and not just giving them a little tut tut for a change. I'm not going to hold my breath though.
the only good is they attack turkey ship..and turkia knows how to shake things up
"...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
they have in Greek tv now live a representative of israelian army,he speak Greek..they say the people in the boat attack to israelin soldiers and shoot first with the gun they steal from soldiers and after the israelian shoots..nice..what a joke..
Ah but D... it would seem that the IDF went with paintball guns. See the post in the other thread. :roll:
I'll chime in mr bornagain. And I'll stand by what I say. FUCK U Israeli government, FUCK U all of humanity who allowed this shit to happen. I dnt give a shit who's Jewish, who's Muslim and who's Christian. This has nothing to do with religion now. This about HUMANITY at it's lowest! It's really funny how in America arabs are viewed as terrorists with a BROAD stroke of the paint brush. For the Israeli people who agree with there governments actions, I say to u FUCK U to. For those who are actually doing something about it with there voices or by any means, I applaud you for atleast showing me some care. NO ONE can defend this act! I dnt give a shit if you have family there or not. This act was complete bullshit and how can you not exspect for people to be outraged.
Shit before the war in Iraq, there was protests everywhere in the world including here. I marched in NYC with fellow Christians, Jews, atheists, and Muslims. If the Jewish people IN Israel cared then they'd do the same thing. Enough of this shit already! Enough killings, enough fucking lies already!! Dnt you have souls? Hearts? So we punish people cuz they were born palestinan? Did they ever ask there parents to be born? Nobody does! But we treat people different because they're Arabs or Muslims or palestinians or fucking anything!!!! My aunts married to a Palestinian and I have 5 cousins from there marriage. So I have reasons to BITCH to. Fuck! Enough already!!!! You fucken people are cousins, share the fucken land!!! And to you god, where are you???? Must be some great vacation you're on!!!!!!
they have in Greek tv now live a representative of israelian army,he speak Greek..they say the people in the boat attack to israelin soldiers and shoot first with the gun they steal from soldiers and after the israelian shoots..nice..what a joke..
Ah but D... it would seem that the IDF went with paintball guns. See the post in the other thread. :roll:
Edit: Big mistake messing with Turkey.....
paintball??what color they use??must called murderblue,cos those killing people..
"...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
I'll chime in mr bornagain. And I'll stand by what I say. FUCK U Israeli government, FUCK U all of humanity who allowed this shit to happen. I dnt give a shit who's Jewish, who's Muslim and who's Christian. This has nothing to do with religion now. This about HUMANITY at it's lowest! It's really funny how in America arabs are viewed as terrorists with a BROAD stroke of the paint brush. For the Israeli people who agree with there governments actions, I say to u FUCK U to. For those who are actually doing something about it with there voices or by any means, I applaud you for atleast showing me some care. NO ONE can defend this act! I dnt give a shit if you have family there or not. This act was complete bullshit and how can you not exspect for people to be outraged.
Shit before the war in Iraq, there was protests everywhere in the world including here. I marched in NYC with fellow Christians, Jews, atheists, and Muslims. If the Jewish people IN Israel cared then they'd do the same thing. Enough of this shit already! Enough killings, enough fucking lies already!! Dnt you have souls? Hearts? So we punish people cuz they were born palestinan? Did they ever ask there parents to be born? Nobody does! But we treat people different because they're Arabs or Muslims or palestinians or fucking anything!!!! My aunts married to a Palestinian and I have 5 cousins from there marriage. So I have reasons to BITCH to. Fuck! Enough already!!!! You fucken people are cousins, share the fucken land!!! And to you god, where are you???? Must be some great vacation you're on!!!!!!
I can agree with a lot of this post, actually. Not sure who in this thread is defending what Israel did. I'm sure as shit not. I just didn't care for the Jew remark. That's as bad as what people were saying about all Arabs after 9-11. Its wrong either way, that was my point. If people want to hurl all kinds of insults at the Israeli government, well, I guess that's one thing. Jews is a tad broad, don't you think?
I can agree with a lot of this post, actually. Not sure who in this thread is defending what Israel did. I'm sure as shit not. I just didn't care for the Jew remark. That's as bad as what people were saying about all Arabs after 9-11. Its wrong either way, that was my point. If people want to hurl all kinds of insults at the Israeli government, well, I guess that's one thing. Jews is a tad broad, don't you think?
i think we've been on this board long enough to apply a little "context" to people's posts ... many of us say israeli but that doesn't necessarily mean all of israel ... to nitpick at that point in this juncture seems to me to be a distraction of sorts ...
i think we've been on this board long enough to apply a little "context" to people's posts ... many of us say israeli but that doesn't necessarily mean all of israel ... to nitpick at that point in this juncture seems to me to be a distraction of sorts ...
I take umbrage at the view that michelle and I provided a "distraction" by taking offense at a blanket remark about Jews, sorry. I can agree that the topic is best dropped now, however. It need not be beaten to death. I am fully behind the notion of protesting Israeli actions here, and the thread should certainly focus on that.
I take umbrage at the view that michelle and I provided a "distraction" by taking offense at a blanket remark about Jews, sorry. I can agree that the topic is best dropped now, however. It need not be beaten to death. I am fully behind the notion of protesting Israeli actions here, and the thread should certainly focus on that.
sorry ... maybe distraction wasn't the operative word ... just simply that with some context - i think it's a non-issue
I take umbrage at the view that michelle and I provided a "distraction" by taking offense at a blanket remark about Jews, sorry. I can agree that the topic is best dropped now, however. It need not be beaten to death. I am fully behind the notion of protesting Israeli actions here, and the thread should certainly focus on that.
sorry ... maybe distraction wasn't the operative word ... just simply that with some context - i think it's a non-issue
Fair enough. But as a thought experiment, would it be a non-issue if someone jumped on here the next time terrorists attack civilians and went on a rant about all the "dirty ragheads"? Context ... The person is shocked and horrified, and people say things like that under emotional circumstances. Or is a racist statement still a racist statement, and largely unnecessary?
Sorry, I broke my promise to let it drop. Seriously, though. I don't see the difference, and you KNOW that someone making racist remarks about Palestinians would get blasted on here, and rightfully so. The same standard around no racist remarks should apply to all groups, or else everyone should be allowed a little leeway when things get emotional. Maybe I am mistaken and people do get leeway ... I don't think I've ever gone on a racist rant on here to test the theory.
Fair enough. But as a thought experiment, would it be a non-issue if someone jumped on here the next time terrorists attack civilians and went on a rant about all the "dirty ragheads"? Context ... The person is shocked and horrified, and people say things like that under emotional circumstances. Or is a racist statement still a racist statement, and largely unnecessary?
Sorry, I broke my promise to let it drop. Seriously, though. I don't see the difference, and you KNOW that someone making racist remarks about Palestinians would get blasted on here, and rightfully so. The same standard around no racist remarks should apply to all groups, or else everyone should be allowed a little leeway when things get emotional. Maybe I am mistaken and people do get leeway ... I don't think I've ever gone on a racist rant on here to test the theory.
there is defnitely a double standard and bias on this forum ... in this particular case - i'm not sure i can classify it as racist tho ... a generalization maybe ... but "jews are all fucking cowards" is clearly a sweeping generalization ... for me racist would be "all jews are murderers" or something to that effect ... unless the word "jew" is considered a racial slur!?
as for me i see bad action,killing innocent is so bad.,no matter the nationality..bad things happen everywhere..is stupid to believe israelian are all bad people..
"...Dimitri...He talks to me...'.."The Ghost of Greece..".
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
there is defnitely a double standard and bias on this forum ... in this particular case - i'm not sure i can classify it as racist tho ... a generalization maybe ... but "jews are all fucking cowards" is clearly a sweeping generalization ... for me racist would be "all jews are murderers" or something to that effect ... unless the word "jew" is considered a racial slur!?
I see your point, and I guess it hinges on how offensive the word coward is (I think its a major insult but that's just me), and whether it is reasonable to make a sweeping generalization about a specific group of people that is both demonstrably untrue and clearly derogatory in nature. Anyhow ...
Couldn't have said it any better myself. I am really disappointed by how Israel handled this situation, but I fail to see how overt racism is going to help solve the problem. And the rest of you who said nothing in response to an overtly racist remark like that should be a bit ashamed of yourselves too. I assume you guys don't condone painting an entire people with the same brush, as you've spend so much time trying to dissuade people from calling you anti-semites. You just got a chance to prove the allegation false, and you did nothing.
Save your righteous indignation. I'm sure you'd rather be called some names than slaughtered in cold blood by IDF thugs. You've spent two pages of this thread complaining about someone calling the Jews cowards after 10 civilian aid workers were murdered by Israeli Jews. I think it's pretty clear where your priorities lie.
Gimmesometruth has been posting on this message board for a long time. We all know he's not racist. He made his comment out of anger at what happened on those boats yesterday. Stop trying to stir shit up and deflect attention from the thread topic.
Comments
Nothing he said was true. By all accounts the IDF stormed the ship shooting at those on board. And his claims that the goods on board were not meant for humanitarian use is a joke. Is suppose he wants to try and pretend that the wheelchairs on board were going to be used to attack Israel and push them into the sea.
And this attack occurred in international waters, and so technically speaking it was an attack on Turkish territory.
TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY
We strongly condemn these inhumane practices of Israel. This deplorable incident, which took place in open seas and constitutes a fragrant breach of international law, may lead to irreparable consequences in our bilateral relations.
GRETA BERLIN, FREE GAZA MOVEMENT SPOKESWOMAN
It's disgusting that they have come on board and attacked civilians. We are civilians.
How could the Israeli military attack civilians like this? Do they think that because they can attack Palestinians indiscriminately they can attack anyone?
SAEB EREKAT, CHIEF PALESTINIAN NEGOTIATOR
What we have seen this morning is a war crime. These were civilian ships carrying civilians and civilian goods - medicine, wheelchairs, food, construction materials - intended for the 1.5 million Palestinians holed up under a cruel and criminal siege by Israel. And for that, many have paid with their lives. What Israel does in Gaza is appalling; no informed and decent human can say otherwise.
The unarmed civilian activists were attacked on foreign vessels while sailing in international waters. This is another incident confirming that Israel acts as a state above the law. The international community must take swift and appropriate action.
SAMI ABU ZUHRI, HAMAS SPOKESMAN
We in Hamas consider the Israeli attack on the freedom flotilla as a great crime and a huge violation of international law. In spite of the great harm suffered by the people who joined this flotilla, we consider that their message has been delivered.
Thanks to these heroes from other countries who showed their solidarity with Gaza, the Israeli siege is now an international issue and we consider that the occupiers, through this crime, are the ones under siege now.
OFFICE OF BARONESS ASHTON, EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
High Representative Catherine Ashton expresses her deep regret at the news of loss of life and violence and extends her sympathies to families of the dead and wounded. On behalf of the European Union, she demands a full enquiry about the circumstances in which this happened.
She reiterates the European Union's position regarding Gaza - the continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counterproductive... She calls for an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of the crossing for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.
AMR MOUSSA, ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY-GENERAL
The Arab League's Secretary-General has called for an urgent meeting at the level of representatives to look into this heinous crime committed by Israeli forces against unarmed civilians that left scores of dead and wounded.
The Arab League strongly condemns this terrorist act.
SENIOR UN OFFICIALS ROBERT SERRY AND FILIPPO GRANDI
We are shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on board boats carrying supplies for Gaza, apparently in international waters. We condemn the violence and call for it to stop. The situation is still ongoing and we are awaiting confirmation of what has happened.
We wish to make clear that such tragedies are entirely avoidable if Israel heeds the repeated calls of the international community to end its counterproductive and unacceptable blockade of Gaza.
NAVI PILLAY, UN HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
To foster longer-term political reconciliation, I urge the government to ensure that an independent investigation of recent events be conducted and all those found responsible for human rights violation are held to account.
BERNARD KOUCHNER, FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER
I am profoundly shocked by the tragic consequences of the Israeli military operation against the peace flotilla for Gaza. Nothing can justify the use of violence such as this, which we condemn.
The circumstances of this drama must be fully brought to light and we wish for a thorough inquiry to be put in place without delay.
MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD, IRANIAN PRESIDENT
The inhuman action of the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people and preventing the humanitarian aid from reaching Gazans does not show this regime's strength, but is a sign of its weakness, and all this brings this sinister and fake regime closer than ever to its end.
MICHEAL MARTIN, IRISH MINSTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
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.
ISM London are horrified to learn that Israeli forces killed at least 10, and possibly as many as 19, unarmed peace activists this morning on board the lead ship of the Freedom Flotilla of aid to Gaza last night. The attack took place in international waters.
Many former ISM volunteers are part of the Free Gaza movement; some of them were our friends. Around 28 Britons are thought to be on board the ships and their fate is currently unknown. Almost everyone in ISM London knows someone on the ships. We are currently trying to get a definitive list of names. The names we have so far of UK people on board the flotilla, and presumably in Israeli custody right now:
Alexander Evangelou
Alex Harrison
Denis Healey
Ewa Jasiewicz
Theresa McDermott
Hassan Nowarah
Gehad Sukker
Free Gaza ships were filled with unarmed peace activists, politicians and ordinary people, and the Israeli propaganda that their commandos were attacked are patently absurd.
We?re not surprised that the attacks took place in International waters, or that they were a reckless, murderous over-reaction to unarmed ships carrying medical supplies and building materials.
Israel routinely meets non violent Palestinian protest with lethal violence.
There is a protest later today in London: at Downing Street from 2pm. Please come. UPDATE: PSC have called an earlier protest for 11am at the Foreign Office, King Charles Street, Whitehall. These demos are close together, so please come to both. More details on demos here: http://www.ism-london.org.uk/1705
The contacts for our colleagues on the Free Gaza ships:
http://www.witnessgaza.com/
ISM London: 07913 067 189
It?s currently very hard to reach people on the boats, but please try:
Contact: Huwaida Arraf on board the Challenger 0088 216 5207 2093
Ewa Jasciewica on board the Challenger 0088 163 184 7926
Fatima Mohammed on board the IHH ship 8821636619168
Greta Berlin 00 357 99 18 72 75
Mary Hughes 00 357 96 38 38 09
When they do decide to make a statement it'll probably sound something like this: Israel has the right to defend itself, blah, blah, blah.
Don't forget netanyahu is scheduled to meet up with obama on tuesday, maybe they'll make a joint announcement condemning this atrocious act of terrorism, what on earth were they thinking? :?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree ... nick-clegg
Lift the Gaza blockade
Nick Clegg
The Guardian, Tuesday 22 December 2009
The suffering is shocking. And nobody will benefit from the radicalism that confinement engenders
On 27 December last year, Israel launched Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, an overwhelming exercise of military force aimed at silencing the Hamas rockets which had terrorised Israeli towns and villages. The immediate effects of the invasion are well known: 1,400 Palestinians dead, mostly civilians, with many more wounded or displaced; 10 Israeli soldiers and three civilians killed, dozens more injured; and thousands of families in southern Israel forced to flee to other parts of the country. The rocketfire from Gaza into Israel has slowed but has not entirely ceased. Hamas is still in power.
What is less well-known is the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The legacy of Operation Cast Lead is a living nightmare for one and a half million Palestinians squeezed into one of the most overcrowded and wretched stretches of land on the planet. And as Israel and Egypt maintain a near total blockade against Gaza, the misery deepens by the day.
This is not only shocking in humanitarian terms. It is not in Israel's or Egypt's interest, either. Confining people in abject poverty in a tiny slice of territory is a recipe for continued bitterness, fury and radicalism.
And what has the British government and the international community done to lift the blockade? Next to nothing. Tough-sounding declarations are issued at regular intervals but little real pressure is applied. It is a scandal that the international community has sat on its hands in the face of this unfolding crisis.
No doubt the febrile sensitivities of the Middle East have deterred governments, caught between recriminations from both sides. No doubt diplomats have warned that exerting pressure on Israel and Egypt may complicate the peace process.
But surely the consequences of not lifting the blockade are far more grave? How is the peace process served by sickness, mortality rates, mental trauma and malnutrition increasing in Gaza? Is it not in Israel's enlightened self-interest to relieve the humanitarian suffering?
The peace process is in serious trouble right now. Internal Israeli politics limits any meaningful room for manoeuvre, illegal settlement activity in the West Bank continues, and leadership of the Palestinians is divided and incoherent. A two-state solution, long the accepted bedrock of any agreement, is being openly questioned.
But paralysis in the peace process cannot be an excuse for the inhumane treatment of one and a half million people, the majority of them under 18 years old. No peaceful coexistence of any kind is possible as long as this act of collective confinement continues.
According to a recently leaked report by the UN office of the humanitarian co-ordinator, Gaza is undergoing "a process of de-development, which potentially could lead to the complete breakdown of public infrastructure". A report released today by a group of 16 humanitarian and human rights groups further spells out the effects.
Family homes destroyed in the invasion lie as shattered as ever. The embargo on construction materials means they will stay that way. Local hospitals and clinics were left devastated by the invasion, and those suffering health problems wait longer than ever to get out of Gaza for treatment. Many have died waiting. Bed-wetting and nightmares are endemic among children.
Half of those under 30 are unemployed. These young people are trapped in a broken land with little hope of economic opportunity. The blockade's restrictions on Gaza's fishermen mean they can sail only three nautical miles from the coast, impoverishing their families. Meanwhile, 80m litres of raw and partially treated sewage is pumped out into the sea every day.
Most disturbingly of all, the lack of access to materials means that basic water infrastructure simply cannot be repaired or improved; 90 to 95% of Gaza's water fails to meet WHO standards. The extremely high nitrate level in the water supply is leaving thousands of newborn babies at risk of poisoning.
The insistence by some that aid should come into no contact whatsoever, even indirectly, with Hamas means NGOs are prevented from repairing basic water and sanitation facilities in schools.
There is a clear moral imperative for Israel and Egypt to end the blockade, as well as it being in their enlightened self-interest to change course. But if they do not do so of their own volition, it is up to the international community to persuade them otherwise.
The EU has huge economic influence over Israel, and it believes the blockade must be lifted. At the same time as exercising leverage over Hamas, it should make clear that the web of preferential agreements which now exists between the EU and Israel – from Israeli access to EU research and development funds to recently improved access for Israeli agricultural products – will be brought into question if there is no rapid progress.
Equally, the US, as by far the largest bilateral donor to Egypt, should press President Mubarak to allow in the humanitarian and reconstruction materials that are so desperately needed.
What will be the state of Gaza's drinking water by next December? Of the health of its children? Of the economy? The attitude of its people towards Egypt and Israel? The risk of waiting another year is too great. Gordon Brown and the international community must urgently declare that enough is enough. The blockade must end.
Good to see the majority of international figures are speaking out against it.
all the US are saying is they're 'looking into it'. Typical.
Here's why:
http://news.antiwar.com/2010/02/17/us-b ... o-somalia/
Business as usual.
Here's The Guardian's live coverage of the attack and its repercussions:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/20 ... gaza-ships
+1.
I will tell them you went out a racist.
You don't get to paint an entire people with the same brush. You don't even get to paint all Israelis with the same brush. My family is Jewish, my cousins live in Israel, and I'm disgusted by this and I think the statement Israel issued would be laughable if the situation weren't so f'ing tragic. And I know many American Jews who will be equally heartbroken by this, as they have been by Israel's actions in the past.
Anyway, this was awful news to wake up to, I was hoping these ships would be allowed through.
Couldn't have said it any better myself. I am really disappointed by how Israel handled this situation, but I fail to see how overt racism is going to help solve the problem. And the rest of you who said nothing in response to an overtly racist remark like that should be a bit ashamed of yourselves too. I assume you guys don't condone painting an entire people with the same brush, as you've spend so much time trying to dissuade people from calling you anti-semites. You just got a chance to prove the allegation false, and you did nothing.
wtf the israelin goverment thinking by doing it..
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
the normal all those years about gaza was israaelian shoot warning on air for put fear the ships..wtf now...
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
There is sufficient outrage worldwide. I'm hoping that some good will come out of this, ie nations will have no other option but force the hands of Israel in the 'reopening' of Gaza and not just giving them a little tut tut for a change. I'm not going to hold my breath though.
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
Ah but D... it would seem that the IDF went with paintball guns. See the post in the other thread. :roll:
Edit: Big mistake messing with Turkey.....
Shit before the war in Iraq, there was protests everywhere in the world including here. I marched in NYC with fellow Christians, Jews, atheists, and Muslims. If the Jewish people IN Israel cared then they'd do the same thing. Enough of this shit already! Enough killings, enough fucking lies already!! Dnt you have souls? Hearts? So we punish people cuz they were born palestinan? Did they ever ask there parents to be born? Nobody does! But we treat people different because they're Arabs or Muslims or palestinians or fucking anything!!!! My aunts married to a Palestinian and I have 5 cousins from there marriage. So I have reasons to BITCH to. Fuck! Enough already!!!! You fucken people are cousins, share the fucken land!!! And to you god, where are you???? Must be some great vacation you're on!!!!!!
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
I can agree with a lot of this post, actually. Not sure who in this thread is defending what Israel did. I'm sure as shit not. I just didn't care for the Jew remark. That's as bad as what people were saying about all Arabs after 9-11. Its wrong either way, that was my point. If people want to hurl all kinds of insults at the Israeli government, well, I guess that's one thing. Jews is a tad broad, don't you think?
i think we've been on this board long enough to apply a little "context" to people's posts ... many of us say israeli but that doesn't necessarily mean all of israel ... to nitpick at that point in this juncture seems to me to be a distraction of sorts ...
I take umbrage at the view that michelle and I provided a "distraction" by taking offense at a blanket remark about Jews, sorry. I can agree that the topic is best dropped now, however. It need not be beaten to death. I am fully behind the notion of protesting Israeli actions here, and the thread should certainly focus on that.
sorry ... maybe distraction wasn't the operative word ... just simply that with some context - i think it's a non-issue
Fair enough. But as a thought experiment, would it be a non-issue if someone jumped on here the next time terrorists attack civilians and went on a rant about all the "dirty ragheads"? Context ... The person is shocked and horrified, and people say things like that under emotional circumstances. Or is a racist statement still a racist statement, and largely unnecessary?
Sorry, I broke my promise to let it drop.
there is defnitely a double standard and bias on this forum ... in this particular case - i'm not sure i can classify it as racist tho ... a generalization maybe ... but "jews are all fucking cowards" is clearly a sweeping generalization ... for me racist would be "all jews are murderers" or something to that effect ... unless the word "jew" is considered a racial slur!?
"..That's One Happy Fuckin Ghost.."
“..That came up on the Pillow Case...This is for the Greek, With Our Apologies.....”
I see your point, and I guess it hinges on how offensive the word coward is (I think its a major insult but that's just me), and whether it is reasonable to make a sweeping generalization about a specific group of people that is both demonstrably untrue and clearly derogatory in nature. Anyhow ...
Save your righteous indignation. I'm sure you'd rather be called some names than slaughtered in cold blood by IDF thugs. You've spent two pages of this thread complaining about someone calling the Jews cowards after 10 civilian aid workers were murdered by Israeli Jews. I think it's pretty clear where your priorities lie.
Gimmesometruth has been posting on this message board for a long time. We all know he's not racist. He made his comment out of anger at what happened on those boats yesterday. Stop trying to stir shit up and deflect attention from the thread topic.