In WTF News: Israel Goes Rambo on Gaza Aid Fleet

According to Al-Jazeera (published May 31, 2010):

Israeli forces have attacked a flotilla of aid-carrying ships aiming to break the country’s siege on Gaza. At least 19 people were killed and dozens injured when troops intercepted the convoy of ships dubbed the Freedom Flotilla early on Monday, Israeli radio reported.

The flotilla was attacked in international waters, 65km off the Gaza coast. Avital Leibovich, an Israeli military spokeswoman, confirmed that the attack took place in international waters, saying: “This happened in waters outside of Israeli territory, but we have the right to defend ourselves.”

Footage from the flotilla’s lead vessel, the Mavi Marmara, showed armed Israeli soldiers boarding the ship and helicopters flying overhead.

Al Jazeera’s Jamal Elshayyal, on board the Mavi Marmara, said Israeli troops had used live ammunition during the operation. The Israeli military said four soldiers had been wounded and claimed troops opened fire after “demonstrators onboard attacked the IDF Naval personnel with live fire and light weaponry including knives and clubs”.

Free Gaza Movement, the organisers of the flotilla, however, said the troops opened fire as soon as they stormed the convoy. Our correspondent said that a white surrender flag was raised from the ship and there was no live fire coming from the passengers.

Before losing communication with our correspondent, a voice in Hebrew was clearly heard saying: “Everyone shut up”.

Shortly after, two Israeli naval vessels had flanked the flotilla on either side, but at a distance. Organisers of the flotilla carrying 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid then diverted their ships and slowed down to avoid a confrontation during the night.

Read the full article here
Follow updates to the story via Al-Jazeera’s Middle East Blog
Watch another report of the incident via the Guardian

Every Islamic nation along with the U.N. Security Council are condemning the actions of Israel; while Turkey, Spain, Greece, Denmark and Sweden have summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their respective countries to protest against the deadly assault. France, Russia, China and the UK are calling for the blockade of Gaza to be lifted. The White House declined Tuesday to specifically condemn Israel for its raid on the flotilla headed for Gaza, but said it showed Middle East peace moves were needed “more than ever.” That’s an understatement to say the least…

Turkish activists hold a news conference on board the Mavi Marmara ship in the Mediterranean Sea, late Sunday, shortly before Israeli naval commandos stormed their flotilla

If you’re interested in helping end Israel’s Gaza blockade you can sign a petition here

posted by: Harold Johns III