Free Gaza Movement latest news

Gaza's Ark: Building Hope

Greta Berlin — Thu, 17 May 2012 23:43:00 +0000

The Canadian Boat to Gaza, in cooperation, with international initiatives in the US, Australia and other countries, is launching a new initiative to challenge the illegal and inhumane Israeli blockade of Gaza, the only Mediterranean port closed to shipping.

This new initiative: Gaza’s Ark, will build a boat in Gaza, using existing resources. A crew of internationals and Palestinians will sail it out of Gaza carrying Palestinian products to fulfill trade deals with international buyers.

Gaza's Ark will be constructed in Gaza by Palestinian hands and expertise, with international assistance.

Gaza's Ark will help revitalize the dwindling ship building industry in Gaza and help ensure the transmission of this disappearing expertise (another effect of the blockade) to the younger generations.

Through Gaza's Ark and trade deals secured between Palestinian producers in Gaza and international businesses and NGOs a channel will be established to export Palestinian products from Gaza that are available despite the blockade.

Gaza's Ark will also provide training to Gaza's sailors in the use of up-to-date electronic sailing equipment and techniques which they have been denied for years as a result of the blockade.

Although it will help in a very limited manner to alleviate Gaza’s unemployment crisis by paying wages to the boat builders and providing business opportunities to traders, Gaza's Ark is not an aid project. It is a peaceful action against the blockade which Israel unilaterally and unreasonably imposes on Gaza.

Gaza’s Ark also stands in solidarity with the Palestinian fishery in Gaza whose ability to operate in territorial waters and to derive a livelihood is threatened by the same Israeli blockade which our campaign is challenging.

Gaza’s Ark challenges the blockade by building hope on the ground in Gaza, and affirms our confidence that the Palestinians of Gaza can rebuild their economy through outbound trade that threatens no-one’s security.

With your support, the work on Gaza's Ark will start this summer. You will be able to follow its progress with regular updates on the web (www.gazaark.org), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/GazaArk) and Twitter (@GazaArk).

You can reach us by email at info@GazaArk.org.

Outing Omer: The Fake Gay “Flotilla Activist”

Free Gaza Team — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:41:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(London, May 4, 2012) Last summer, “Omer” posted a video saying he had been turned down as a passenger on board one of Free Gaza’s boats because he is gay. Within a few days, he was discovered to be a fake, apparently recording his statement coordinated with the Israeli government press office.

Yesterday, Jon Ronson from the Guardian, followed up on this story. “Omer” (who turned out to be an Israeli actor named Mark and had no network of gays and lesbians) again spun his explanation about sending an email to us, then calling us on the phone. As he was pressed, he became more and more confused about the facts.

Like all good journalists, Mr. Ronson had already followed up, asking us if we had ever heard from this man,

Our colleague, Alex, running the London office was contacted. “We have never received an email or a phone call from this man, and we would not have refused his application,” she stated.

The only criteria we have for passengers is that they sign our points of unity. We have welcomed members of the LGBT community on board our boats over the years, and they have been welcomed in Gaza.

More importantly, the Free Gaza movement sees this story, made up by an Israeli actor, as another attempt to ‘pinkwash’ the occupation of Palestine,

Last year, the Tel Aviv tourism board spent $90 million to brand the city as “an international gay vacation destination. Their massive PR efforts are a deliberate strategy to conceal the continuing violations of Palestinians’ human rights behind an image of an open society signified by Israeli gay life.

According to Aeyal Gross, a professor of law at Tel Aviv University, “Gay rights have essentially become a public-relations tool,” even though “conservative and especially religious politicians in Israel remain fiercely homophobic.”

Pinkwashing not only ignores the hard-won gains of Israel’s gay community, it denies the existence of the emerging Palestinian gay movement, with three major organizations: Aswat, Al Qaws and Palestinian Queers for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. These groups clearly state the oppression of Palestinians crosses the boundary of sexuality.

As Haneen Maikay, the director of Al Qaws, has said, “When you go through a checkpoint it does not matter what the sexuality of the soldier is.”

Our criteria for passengers have always been their desire to advocate for the rights of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the illegally blockaded Gaza Strip. And passengers have included Christians, Muslims, Jews, as well as members of the LGBT community and people from over 34 countries.

Contact: Audrey Bomse 44 (0)7861560932.

Ewa Jasiewicz 44 (0) 7749 421 576

Greta Berlin 33 (0) 607 374 512

Gaza “More Dire Than Ever”

Free Gaza Team — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:38:00 +0000

April 11, 2012

During the Israeli “Operation Cast Lead” in Dec. 2008 – Jan. 2009, Dr. Gilbert was one of only two outside doctors in Gaza. Last week the International Criminal Court, to the protests of Amnesty International and other groups, stated it would not issue prosecutions for the Israeli Operation. Recently Gilbert, co-author of “Eyes in Gaza,” returned to Gaza and is now on a 10-day speaking tour in the U.S.

Gilbert said today: “The Israeli Operation Cast Lead killed 1.400 people in Gaza, struck 58 mosques and 280 schools. I’m sad to say from my visit to Gaza earlier this year, the situation is now more dire than ever. The Israeli siege effectively prohibits the rebuilding of Gaza — the import of concrete, of window panes, the availability of travel for medical care for the population. I’ve worked in other desperate situations in other places and Gaza is unique in a number of respects. It’s a captive population — usually if civilians are being attacked, there’s a safe place they can take refuge and then come back to their homes when the fighting has stopped. That doesn’t exist for the people in Gaza since they are effectively imprisoned by the Israeli siege. It’s an incredibly young population and a very poor population with nearly 80 percent unemployment, largely because of the Israeli siege, which is an illegal form of collective punishment. Anemia and protein deficiency are widespread.

http://www.accuracy.org/news-releases/

I have returned from Beit Hanoun. A terrible day.

Free Gaza Movement — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:39:00 +0000

I spent the early afternoon at a demonstration attended by several thousand people. The Hamas authorities refused to allow the people to march to the border, and clashes broke out with the police. .

When we finally found a way to get around the Hamas cordon, we found shabob (Kids from roughly the age of 12 to 25) at Erez Crossing. They were throwing stones at the Israeli side of the crossing. Tires were on fire and several kids were pulling the concertina wire away from the crossing. Ever so often, the Israeli soldiers in the watchtower would shoot one or two of them. So far, 1 dead, Mahmud Zakut, age 20 shot, several in critical condition. I put down my camera to try and help with casualties, but as each kid got shot a huge chaotic crowd formed around them as they were rushed to motorcycles which ferried them to the Palestinian side of the crossing and waiting ambulances.

The rock throwing continues, the casualties will go up. Thinking about oppression & resistance. Thinking about peace, Johnny Barber

They Will Never Beg

Free Gaza Team — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 21:22:00 +0000

We don't usualy post blogs, but this one from Audacity of Hope passenger, Johnny Barber, is eloquent and timely. He is currently in Gaza as a photojournalist and puts a face and a family to the murdered men, women and children from last week.

http://onebrightpearl-jb.blogspot.fr/2012/03/hey-will-never-beg.html

Adalah Reveals: Israeli Military Order Prohibiting Ships and Individuals from Entering Gaza was ...

Free Gaza Movement — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 05:49:00 +0000

ADALAH PRESS RELEASE
15 February 2012

Comes in Response to Supreme Court Petition Demanding Criminal Indictment of MK Zoabi for her Participation in the Flotilla

On 14 February 2012, Adalah revealed that the Israeli military order prohibiting ships and individuals from traveling to the Gaza Strip was issued after the Gaza Freedom Flotilla left Turkish shores. Adalah disclosed that the order was issued on 28 May 2010 while the ships were already in international waters. Therefore, there was no legal impediment to the ships arrival in Gaza or any legal basis for their seizure. Adalah received a copy of the military order, signed by Commander of the Israeli Navy Eliezar Marom, through a representative of detainees that joined the Freedom Flotilla from the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel.

The information is part of Adalah's response on behalf of MK Haneen Zoabi to a Supreme Court petition filed last month by far-right Knesset member Michael Ben Ari and right-wing activist Itamar Ben-Gvir. MK Ben Ari's petition demands that the Attorney General criminally indict MK Zoabi for her participation in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in May 2010.

The Attorney General closed the investigation into the alleged offenceof illegal entry into Gaza by Israeli citizens, including MK Zoabi, on 22 December 2011. The AG decided to drop the case following "significant evidence-based and legal difficulties that were discovered in regard to proving the basis of the offense, as well as legal questions regarding the jurisdiction of Israeli penal law on crimes committed abroad."1

The General Director of Adalah, Attorney Hassan Jabareen, argued in the response that the petitioners are ignorant of the facts, including that the military order was issued after the flotilla's departure. They are also unaware, he argued, that MK Zoabi enjoys parliamentary immunity that applies to all of her political activities – in and out of the Knesset - while she serves as a public elected official. He added that the petition does not address the fact that the ships were attacked and seized in international waters in an area that is not subject to Israeli domestic criminal law. In addition, the petitioners failed to produce any evidence for their claim that MK Zoabi used violence against any person during the seizure of the Mavi Marmara ship.

Case Citation: HCJ 9733/11. Ben Ari et al v. Attorney General et al. (Hebrew)

U.S.-Backed Bahraini Forces Arrest and Deport Two American Peace Activists Acting as Human ...

Free Gaza Team — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:54:00 +0000

On Saturday, Bahrain arrested and deported two U.S. human rights lawyers, Huwaida Arraf, chair of the Free Gaaz movement and Radhika Sainath, for their role in recent protests. They were deported Sunday and returned to New York last night. Both Arraf and Sainath are human rights lawyers and members of the Witness Bahrain initiative, which places international observers in the country in the hopes of preventing violence by security forces.

Their arrest comes just ahead of the one-year anniversary of the popular uprising against the U.S.-backed monarchy.

http://www.democracynow.org/2012/2/13/us_backed_bahraini_forces_arrest_and

American Citizens Deported from Bahrain for Human Rights Work:

Free Gaza Team — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Government Cracks Down on International Witnesses as Bahrainis Prepare for Return to Pearl Roundabout

For immediate release

Contact:

Adam Shapiro +353-85-236-0262 (UK/Ireland)
Jessica Rafael: +973-3345-1787 (in Bahrain)

February 12, 2011

(Manama) – Radhika Sainath and Huwaida Arraf, chair of the Free Gaza movement, were arrested yesterday while filming police repression of a peaceful demonstration in Manama, have been deported by the Bahraini government.

At approximately 10:00 am on Sunday, February 12, Ms Sainath and Ms Arraf were put on a plane for New York via London, less than fifteen hours after being taken into custody by Bahraini riot police.

The two women, both US citizens, were arrested on Saturday during a peaceful protest near the Standard Chartered Bank in downtown Manama. Protesters had marched into the city center to assert a presence of nonviolent, peaceful protest leading up to the 1-year anniversary of the Arab Spring movement in Bahrain for equality and democracy.

Both were charged with being present at a gathering of “more than five people with intent to riot,” illegal assembly and engaging in “acts other than tourist acts” while on a tourist visa. Their cameras and computers were confiscated and searched, and police photographed personal information including credit cards and journals.

As the February 14 anniversary approaches, Bahraini authorities have become more aggressive about excluding journalists, human rights observers and other internationals from the country, leading many to fear a brutal crackdown. Radhika and Huwaida are a part of the Witness Bahrain initiative (www.witnessbahrain.org), which arrived in Bahrain in response to a call by Bahraini democracy activists for international observers.

Yesterday, the Bahraini government also blocked access to the website of Witness Bahrain and announced that other members of the group were being sought by police so they could be deported as well.

Radhika and Huwaida will be available for interviews in the coming week to discuss what they witnessed in Bahrain.

Witness Bahrain includes activists from Iowa, Northern California (Sonoma County), San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, Minneapolis, Western Massachusetts, and Richmond, Virginia.

Open Letter from Gaza: Three Years after the Massacre, Justice or Nothing!

Free Gaza Movement — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 04:44:00 +0000

Open Letter from Gaza: Three Years after the Massacre, Justice or Nothing!

Tuesday, 27^th December, 2011

Besieged Gaza, Occupied Palestine

We, Palestinians of Gaza, 3 years on from the 22-day long massacre in Israel’s operation ‘Cast Lead’, are calling on international civil society to make 2012 the year when solidarity with us in Palestine captures the spark of the revolutions around the Arab world and never looks back. On this anniversary we demand an international liberation movement that eventually leads to just that, liberation for us Palestinians from 63 years of brutal military occupation and ethnic cleansing that pours shame on any organisation or government claiming to endorse universal human rights.

We will never forget the hurt of 3 years ago, the criminal onslaught that we lived through, the blood of over 1400 murdered men, women and hundreds of children running through the streets of Gaza, between the rubble, soaking our beds and etched on our minds. We will never forget. For they are still dead, and thousands more are still maimed. ^[1]

We will never forget the last 63 years during which our land, homes, olive groves, lemon trees and cherished way of life was taken away from us, while Israeli soldiers held our fathers’ faces in the sands, imprisoned them, or shot them in front of us. We will not forget the sickening cowardice of the international community that has allowed and enabled this ethnic cleansing of our people, subjecting us to Israel’s racist Zionist vision that defines us, the indigenous people of Palestine, as the undesired ‘ethnic group’ for the region.

The US continues to ‘reward’ Israel with 6 billion dollars of tax-payers money while the EU increases its trade and diplomatic relations. For the Israeli apartheid regime this translates as the green light to unleash the 4^th most powerful military on us to ‘do its worst’ against our civilian population, of which over half in Gaza are children and over 2 thirds are UN registered refugees.

In recent years, civil society and solidarity movements throughout the world have grown in their support for us, especially in 2011. As the world wakes up, the prospect of life without Israeli occupation and its system of race-based subjugation becomes more than a dream. We demand simply, human rights that anyone else would expect. This year, the first taste of liberation in the Western controlled Arab world arrived in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. Many of those who took to the streets moved beyond their fear of being killed or tortured, facing up to the despotic, Western-backed regimes in the name of freedom for their families, communities and compatriots.

We will never forget them too, as we have lived much of our lives beyond this fear, our resilience against Israeli apartheid growing as the solidarity movements around the world grow. No longer under the boot of Western governments we urge the Arab street to do what the Israeli Apartheid Regime fears the most, to unite and build against them, the state that has violated more United Nations resolutions than any other. The siege breaking attempts into Gaza must continue, the second Free Gaza Flotilla exposed again the brutal and merciless edge of Israel’s hermetic siege.

In Europe and America the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS)^[2] movement is reaching the mainstream. Huge victories have included campaigns against waste and transport infrastructure firm Veolia who build transport routes on Israeli occupied lands^[3].Inspired and supported by Nobel Prize winner and anti apartheid hero Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the University of Johannesburg ended its collaboration with Ben Gurion University in Israel.^[4] Other University campuses are pursuing boycott campaigns and major European Trade Unions have broken ties with Israeli Trade Unions. And a growing number of conscientious artists and singers are refusing to perform in Israel.

All over Israeli internet sites and in government policy are attempts to deter the growing BDS movement^,[5] an international strategy that succeeded against a similarly well-armed, Western affiliated apartheid regime in South Africa.

The effect worldwide of the Gaza massacres 3 years ago was a catalyst for a huge rise in worldwide solidarity and action in support of Palestine, just as the South African Sharpeville massacre was for South African blacks in 1960^.

Our call this year will accept no compromise. We call upon all Palestine solidarity groups and all international civil society organizations to demand:

· An end to the siege that has been imposed on the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza Strip as a result of their exercise of democratic choice.

· The protection of civilian lives and property, as stipulated in International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law such as The Fourth Geneva Convention.

· The immediate release of all political prisoners.

· That Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip be immediately provided with financial and material support to cope with the immense hardship that they are experiencing

· An end to occupation, Apartheid and other war crimes with immediate reparations and compensation for all destruction carried out by the Israeli Occupation Forces in Gaza.

For us, the sacrifices for resisting have often meant imprisonment, torture, collective punishment and death. Outside, the risks are lower, but with great possibility. We call on you to Boycott Divest and Sanction, join the many International Trade Unions, Universities, Supermarkets and artists and writers who refuse to entertain Apartheid Israel. Speak out for Palestine, for Gaza, and crucially ACT. There has never been a time when mobilizations are gaining such support. 1994 was the year of South Africa when Apartheid was thrown into the dustbin of history; with your support we can make 2012 the year of free Palestine!

THE TIME IS NOW!

List of signatories:

General Union for Public Services Workers

General Union for Health Services Workers

University Teachers' Association

Palestinian Congregation for Lawyers

General Union for Petrochemical and Gas Workers

General Union for Agricultural Workers

Union of Women’s Work Committees

Union of Synergies—Women Unit

The One Democratic State Group

Arab Cultural Forum

Palestinian Students’ Campaign for the Academic Boycott of Israel

Association of Al-Quds Bank for Culture and Info

Palestine Sailing Federation

Palestinian Association for Fishing and Maritime

Palestinian Women Committees

Progressive Students’ Union

Medical Relief Society

The General Society for Rehabilitation

General Union of Palestinian Women

Afaq Jadeeda Cultural Centre for Women and Children

Deir Al-Balah Cultural Centre for Women and Children

Maghazi Cultural Centre for Children

Al-Sahel Centre for Women and Youth

Ghassan Kanfani Kindergartens

Rachel Corrie Centre, Rafah

Rafah Olympia City Sisters

Al Awda Centre, Rafah

Al Awda Hospital, Jabaliya Camp

Ajyal Association, Gaza

General Union of Palestinian Syndicates

Al Karmel Centre, Nuseirat

Local Initiative, Beit Hanoun

Union of Health Work Committees

Red Crescent Society Gaza Strip

Beit Lahiya Cultural Centre

Al Awda Centre, Rafah

References

[1] http://www.dci-pal.org/english/display.cfm?Category Id=1&DocId=917

[2] http://www.bdsmovement.net/call

[3] http://www.bdsmovement.net/2011/veolia-takes-severe-blow-as-it-fails-to-win-485-million-pound-contract-in-west-london-8559

[4]http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/8404451/South-African-university-severs-ties-with-Israel.html

[5] http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/07/13/israel-anti-boycott-bill-stifles-expression

Don't Miss THE RAID, The Untold Story of the Gaza Flotilla

Free Gaza Team — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 20:08:00 +0000

Hello,

THE RAID documentary will be broadcasted in the USA by Link TV. Feel free to spread this information among your friends / contacts.

Thank you very much for everybody, who made this film possible.

Tuesday, December 6th, Wednesday, December 7th, 4:00 pm, 9:00 am

Saturday, December 10th, 9:00 pm

Kind regards, Marcello Faraggi

More details on :

http://www.linktv.org/video/7103/special-the-raid-the-untold-story-of-the-gaza-flotilla-promo

and

http://www.linktv.org/programs/the-raid

Special: The Raid - The Untold Story of the Gaza Flotilla

In May 2010, a six-boat flotilla, carrying more than 700 civilians from almost 40 countries, set sail to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

But as international waters were overtaken by the Israeli Navy, what started as a humanitarian effort soon became an international tragedy ending with nine of the activists dead.

The fallout from the attack triggered protests across the Middle East and Europe, along with a shattering of diplomatic ties between former allies Israel and Turkey. Yet Israel defended its decision, claiming the activist were armed and dangerous. But they also made sure to confiscate or destroy all recording devices from the boat.

So what really happened on the Mavi Marmara? Who else was on the other ships? What kind of humanitarian aid did the cargo ships really load?

Thanks to exclusive footage and tapes which were hidden from the Israeli Navy, this film shows the untold story.

17 Israeli Warships Surround and Force collision between Freedom Waves boats--Water Cannons ...

Free Gaza Movement — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:29:00 +0000

Published on Monday, November 14, 2011

by Kit Kittredge

Why I wanted to Challenge the Israeli Naval Blockade of Gaza

In the overland five trips I have made to Gaza since March, 2009, I have seen the disastrous effect of the brutal Israeli land and sea blockade has had on the Palestinian people. I have seen the terrible level of destruction that the 2008-2009 Israeli attack wrecked on Gaza, in which 1,400 Palestinians were killed in the 22 day attack, 5,000 were wounded and 50,000 were made homeless. I was on the Gaza Freedom March in 2009 and I was a passenger on the US Boat to Gaza, the “Audacity of Hope” that was forbidden from sailing June, 2011 by the Greek government on behalf of the Israeli government.

As one of two American citizens on the Gaza “Freedom Waves,” I represented hundreds of thousands of Americans who are challenging Israeli and US policies concerning Palestine. We are using a variety of methods to let Israeli government officials know that international citizen activists are not going to stop challenging their policies. Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions programs, international citizens who attempt to protection Palestinians as the farm, fish and go to school, students confronting Israeli officials as they speak around the world and flotillas and waves of boats are part of the international effort. I am very proud to be a part of this movement.

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/11/14-6

ISRAELIS PREVENT IRISH ACTIVISTS FROM BOARDING FLIGHT HOME

Free Gaza Movement — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:56:00 +0000

Irish Ship to Gaza

For Immediate Release: Thursday 10 November 2011, 9:45 am

For more information, contact:

Laurence Davis 086 360 5053 (Outside of Ireland, add +353 and drop the 0)

Claudia Saba 086 393 8821

The seven Irish human rights activists due home in Ireland this afternoon at 2:25 pm were at the last minute prevented from boarding their flight out of Ben Gurion airport by Israeli armed guards. They had been taken last night to a holding cell and were ready to board their 7:40 am flight to London this morning when at the last minute they were prevented from doing so by Israeli security forces and returned to Givon prison. All seven are now being detained indefinitely, with no further news available from Israeli authorities or the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs about when they will be released.

An Irish Ship to Gaza shore team coordinator spoke briefly on the phone with Fintan Lane before communication was abruptly cut off. Lane said: “This is a deliberate and calculated attempt by the Israelis to break our spirit. It won’t succeed.”

Lane also reported that the seven had been subject to “continuous harassment and repeated, humiliating body searches” and were shackled and “denied sleep”.

Gay Lawlor, Zoe Lawlor’s brother, spoke briefly with Zoe, who described what was happening as “sheer malice” on the part of the Israelis.

The families of the detainees are phoning member of the Irish Ship to Gaza shore team this morning in great distress.

Laurence Davis, Irish Ship to Gaza spokesperson, commented: “We are outraged by this latest attempt by the Israeli authorities to break the morale of the human rights activists, their families and their supporters, all of whom had been looking forward to the homecoming this afternoon in Dublin. This is yet another example of the cruelty and arrogance that the Palestinians face every day.”

Irish Ship to Gaza spokesperson Claudia Saba added: “It is particularly distressing for the families to learn that their loved ones won’t be coming home as they had expected, and distressing that they have no update as to what exactly is happening or when they will be finally freed.”

ENDS

Canadians face two months of incarceration in Israel without trial

Free Gaza Movement — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:18:00 +0000

For Immediate Release – Wednesday, November 9, 2011

For more information:

English inquiries: Wendy Goldsmith, Canadian Boat to Gaza, 519-619-6766

Dylan Penner, Canadian Boat to Gaza, 613-859-6996

French inquiries: Denis Kosseim, Canadian Boat to Gaza, 514-923-5594

Yesterday, Freedom Waves to Gaza activists detained in Israel – including Canadians David Heap and Ehab Lotayef – came before a judge and were told they could be held in prison for 2 months without charges or trial.

To avoid this, the judge told them, they must sign a statement that they entered Israel ‘voluntarily’ and 'illegally’ despite being violently kidnapped from international waters and taken to Israel against their will while trying to reach Gaza. While a handful of Freedom Waves to Gaza participants have been deported – including Canadian Karen DeVito – 18 activists and journalists have now been in Israeli prison for 5 days with no end in sight. DeVito is available for interviews.

The Israeli military forcibly commandeered the boats Tahrir and MV Saoirse that journalists and activists were travelling on as part of the Freedom Waves initiative and brought them to Ashdod port in Israel.

American journalist Jihan Hafiz was on the Canadian boat Tahrir, and was among those detained by Israel despite her press credentials. Israeli authorities ordered her and others not to talk about “anything negative or political” during their brief phone calls to home from Israeli detention. This censorship explains why some details are only just coming out now. She reported Tuesday about her experience during the Israeli takeover of the Irish and Canadian boats:

“There were three warships [...] four Zodiacs, four water cannon boats, as well as four regular gunboats. All of the commandos on all of these boats were heavily armed. It looked like they were taking on an army of a foreign country.”

She added: “Two water cannons started to pour lots of water into the Irish boat, which flooded it, blew their sockets, and cut off all the electricity. And so, at that point, the Irish delegates I spoke to said they told the Israeli army, ‘We’re taking on water. We’re sinking. We’re going to go down at sea if you continue with the water.’"

Hafiz went on to describe the violent takeover during which guns were pointed at the heads of the boats’ passengers, how they were roughed up, mistreated, strip-searched, and filmed naked. She also tells of how the journalists’ equipment was confiscated, in a bid to silence any reporting that might contradict the sanitized Israeli account of what happened during the hijacking of the Tahrir and the MV Saoirse.

For the full video interview and transcript, see: http://www.democracynow.org/2011/11/8/israel_deports_democracy_now_correspondent_jihan

“Our friends have been assaulted, tasered, beaten, kidnapped, robbed, and imprisoned. Now Israel is threatening to illegally detain them for two months. What is it going to take for the Canadian government to actually do something about another country kidnapping Canadian citizens and refusing to let them go?” demands Wendy Goldsmith, an organizer with the Canadian Boat to Gaza.

“We are disappointed, but not surprised, by the inaction of Baird and Harper,” said Canadian Boat to Gaza organizer Dylan Penner. “In its failure to speak out against Israel’s blockade of Gaza, the Canadian Government is condoning Israel’s disregard for the human rights of the citizens of Gaza and giving it impunity for its refusal to comply with its international obligations. It is this silence that compels citizens of good conscience, like David and Ehab, to act where our Government has so consistently failed to do so.”

Organizers of the Canadian Boat to Gaza are demanding Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird step down for failing to do his job to stand up for the interests of Canadians.

-30-

For updates, stay tuned to:

Twitter (@CanadaBoatGaza and #freedomwaves), Facebook.com/CanadaBoatGaza, tahrir.ca, ustogaza.org, freegazaoz.org, irishshiptogaza.org and witnessgaza.com

"I am not on the boats to Gaza":

Administrator — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:06:00 +0000

November 2, 2011 Mazin Qumsieh
Dear friends and colleagues

This letter was written and rewritten four times as the ups and downs of the last few days. When you get it two boats would have left Turkish waters and I am not on one of them. I finalize this letter from a boat returning to port in Turkey. Tears are dry (of joy at success of our comrads and sadness for not being with them). The will is still there and I promise myself to get to Gaza next time. The boats now in International waters are named Saoirse (http://irishshiptogaza.org/ ) and Tahrir (http://www.tahrir.ca), Irish and Arabic for Liberty and Freedom. The Canadian steering committee that invited us to join selected 11 from the 36 slated to go because they were unfairly reduced to that number by the Turkish harbor master.

We are very disappointed that 25 of us were left behind. Some of us left behind are trying different ways to catch up and we may still succeed. In fact if you do not hear from me in 24 hours it means most likely I have succeeded to get on a boat. We hope that those who took the boats do arrive to the besieged strip on the Mediterranean where 1.6 million people are held under and immoral and illegal blockade/siege. A small group of us took a small boat to try to meet one of the boats in waters off the coast but that did not work out (Turkish coast guard and timing). But it felt important to try.

I personally wanted so bad to visit many friends in Gaza some of them I have not seen in years. I wanted to visit Hiam and her family. I last saw Hiam and her mother 10 years ago when we brought Hiam to CT (she was then less than 8 years old) to get a prosthetic eye after she was shot deliberately by an Israeli soldier. She is one of hundreds of children who lost their eyes between 2000-2005 (for her story and pictures, see http://qumsiyeh.org/hiamsstory/). I wanedt to visit with friends like Dr. Heidar Eid whom I saw only when he was able to get out of Gaza and I was able to get out of the occupied West Bank so that we can meet in a faraway country in Europe. I want to look in the eyes of Gaza children and tell them that we, the human family, care about them. We will keep trying. I figure, not trying would be far harder on all of us.

We arrived at Istanbul at the 88th anniversary of proclamation of Turkey as a republic in 1923. Ataturk’s Turkey evolved quickly into a modern state at par with other European states. On the news we witness earthquake destruction in Eastern Turkey and I see a beautiful young girl with casts on her legs smiling at one point, sad at another and I do not have to understand the language to understand human tragedy. The damage from this
natural disaster is chillingly similar to the damage of the man-made disaster in Gaza: collapsed multistory building, burying dead, injured people.

But Gaza is not allowed to recover.

From Istanbul to Dalaman and then to a small lovely town where we stayed until the launch time. People here are very friendly. They become even friendlier (if that is possible) when they hear I am from Filistin. But then the whole place reminds me of Filistin (especially northern Palestine areas of the Galilee). I take a deep breath and soak the views of Olives, Citrus, Figs, Almonds, Loquots, mullberies, Jasmine, cactus, old stone terraces, and old men playing cards or backgammon. The colors are so bright, the smells so refreshing, the water so abundant. Smiley comfortable faces with the wrinkles of the hillsides reflected on the faces of the old people. The shops, restaurants and hotels are family run and the young are playful and energetic. The evening call to prayer emanates from the mosque. The bicycles all around are never locked and even our hotel rooms were left open much of the time. I feel like I am again visiting North Palestine where my grandmother is from a place that was also etched in her face and her memory till the day she died.

Before I proceed any further, I pause to tell you who were most on my mind in the last four days as we went through the ups and downs and countless meetings to come to this point. What was on my mind were victims of the Israeli apartheid state including these US victims:

1) The 34 sailors killed on the USS Liberty attacked deliberately in
International waters in 1967 (http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/,
http://www.gtr5.com/ ) and the survivors who have later died without ever
seeing justice for the murderers.

2) Rachel Corrie, 23 year old American student killed deliberately by an
Israeli bulldozer in Rafah

3) Furkan Dogan, 19 y. o. Turkish American citizen, who was executed at
point blank range on the Mavi Marmara ship (see
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=19667 and smuggled
videos at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT5823U5YLc and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjEJGw7BcMo )

I thought of their bravery as I watched fellow human beings from 10 countries try and even compete to get on boats (some have been to Gaza several times and some tried to get to Gaza several times). Driven only by belief in our common humanity, I as a Palestinian cannot help but feel a weight of gratitude for these brave souls. We had lots of glitches in the past few days here with both bureaucratic and political rollercoaster. I
will spare you the gory details because the ultimate goal is Gaza. Briefly, we arrived Saturday and were in meetings Sunday when negotiations started s the boats arrived at docks. Monday we find that we are unable to accommodate all passengers per the Turkish authorities (who were not told our destination). Monday night we had a meeting till nearly midnight.

Tuesday was a an emotional rollercoaster as those selected were approached individually to give their passports. Those of us who were not asked knew then we were not selected. Passport data went to Ankara and further delays. Wednesday at 11 AM came back green light to go but a little later, we heard glitches happening and the authorities were at the doc. When the boats finally left, five of us “the crazies” raced to our locally chartered boats
to try and meet. The cruise Wednesday did not succeed and we had to go back, disappointed. But we hope that our colleagues on the Tahrir and Saoirse will not be intercepted by the navy of the apartheid regime that is enforcing an illegal and immoral siege on Gaza.

We live in an Orwellian world where humanitarian activists are persecuted and war criminals get wined and dined in five star hotels. We live in a world where for seeking membership in a cultural and scientific organization (UNESCO) and getting it by a democratic vote:

- the organization is punished with losing members withholding dues

- the internet service of 4 million Palestinians under occupation is
targeted by spams and attempts to shut it down (slowed down so far but it
is not clear if the Palestinians will cope with this

- the occupation authority decides to “punish” the Palestinian population
by building more settlements and by withholding Palestinian tax money (this
is Palestinian money from their taxes due to them).

- the US congress cuts humanitarian aid going to the Palestinian people
(not going to the Palestinian authority or even passing through its hands).

It was hard for me to see why we had to be secretive about a humanitarian operation like this. It is hard for me to see why the Turkish authorities limited us to 11 passengers on each boat. It is hard for me to see why activists had hard feelings about each other or why choices were made the way they were. I had so many questions left on my mind but for now sadness and anticipation overwhelms everything.

The human language is so limiting in expressing emotions and feelings on this day. Words like anticipation, exhilaration, hope, fear, love, are all rather limiting. But there is one thing I think is interesting: when I am in the Galilee, in Al-Walaja, in Aida refugee camp, in an Israeli holding cell or jail, or attempting to get to Gaza, it is precisely these times in my life that I feel most alive and most human because I am having “joyful participation in the sorrows of this world”. Fellow human beings from Ireland, Canada, USA, Denmark and elsewhere are inspiring and I quickly became friends with those I did not know before. They share me these strong feelings and this makes it even more meaningful. You can see why Vittorio Arrigoni ended his messages to us with the note “stay human”. May we all stay most alive and stay most human.

If you want to help, please use all possible communication means (emails, twitters, facebook, calls) to let all people especially media and politicians know you support lifting the siege on Gaza and you want our ships protected from Israeli piracy. It is long overdue.

Now imagine: http://youtu.be/bvFLKyAGzzI

ACT NOW!! BOATS SAILING NOW TO GAZA! SPREAD THE WORD.

Free Gaza Movement — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:24:00 +0000

Israel and the US outsourced the siege of Gaza to Athens last summer by preventing 8 boats in the Freedom Flotilla 2-Stay Human from sailing from Greek ports to Gaza. Despite this we were able to bring world-wide attention to the blockade of the Gaza Strip. Our efforts in Greece only fueled our determination to challenge the imprisonment of the people of Gaza. We said we would continue to sail and so we are!!!

At this moment, two boats are in international waters in the Mediterranean heading to Gaza. One boat, the Saoirse from Ireland, includes parliamentarians among its passengers. The other, the Tahrir, carries representatives from Canada, the U.S., Australia, and Palestine.

The U.S. Representative on the Tahrir, Kit Kittredge, was a passenger on the U.S. Boat to Gaza, The Audacity of Hope mission in Athens in July.  A journalist from Democracy Now is on the Tahrir also. Civil society organizations in Gaza await their arrival, and look forward to the delivery of letters collected from thousands of U.S. supporters in the To Gaza With Love campaign.

We need your help to make this mission a success. Please take these actions immediately.

1. Check these websites for updates: US to Gaza, Irish Ship to Gaza and Canadian Boat to Gaza,  watch or listen to Democracy Now for live coverage from the Tahrir.. Look for twitter hashtag #Freedomwaves.

2. Spread the word far and wide – send this alert to your contacts.

3. If you are an American, call the State Department  and the White House- demand that they take immediate action to ensure the safe passage of these boats and to put an end to the siege of Gaza.

Call the State Department:
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton 202-647-5291
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro 011-972-3-519-7575
Office of Israel/Palestinian Affairs Paul Sutphin 202-647-3672
Office of Consular Affairs, Kim Richter 202-647-8308

and the White House: 202-456-1414

email President Obama at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact

Here are some talking points or suggested messaging:

Gaza has been under siege for over 20 years, depriving 1.6 million people of their liberty and basic human rights. Although the siege has been condemned by the United Nations, the Red Cross, and many national governments, nothing has been done to ease the plight of these civilians. Civil society has had to act where governments would not. Two ships with 27 passengers from 5 countries are sailing to Gaza to confront the Israeli naval blockade, and to bring medical supplies and letters of support.

Since Americans pay for this occupation and illegal blockade, we insist that our government (which sends Israel $3 billion in military aid every year), demands that Israel insures the ships’ safe passage and ends its illegal blockade of Gaza. There is absolutely no excuse to subject 1.6 million people to collective punishment.

Ask your local press to cover this story. Up-to-date information will be available at www.ustogaza.org, www.irishshiptogaza.org and www.tahrir.ca

Why the Palmer Report Deserves No Deference

Free Gaza Team — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:44:00 +0000

September 14, 2011

Israel Given Two Bites of the Apple

by AUDREY BOMSE,

Co-chair of the National Lawyers Guild Free Palestine Subcommittee; she practiced law in the US for 20 years, worked in Jerusalem and Ramallah for six years as a human rights lawyer, and is now Legal Adviser to the Free Gaza Movement.

Almost all the factual findings, as well as the legal analysis and conclusions of the recently leaked UN Secretary General’s Panel of Inquiry into the “Flotilla Incident” on May 31, 2010 (Palmer/Uribe Panel) directly contradict those of an earlier UN report of the Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Mission (FFM, whose conclusion that Israel’s blockade of Gaza, including the naval blockade is illegal, was just reaffirmed on September 13, 2011 by five independent UN rights Special Rapporteurs. In line with all statements Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon has made about Gaza, the Goldstone report, and statements by other international agencies, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), these UN international law experts rejected the Palmer/Uribe conclusions and demanded that “[t]he Israeli blockade of Gaza must end immediately and the people of Gaza must be afforded protection in line with international law.”

http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/09/14/why-the-palmer-report-deserves-no-deference/

Palmer/Uribe Report Whitewashes Israeli Crimes

Free Gaza Team — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 23:45:00 +0000

FREEDOM FLOTILLA II PRESS STATEMENT

Sunday, 4 September 2011

For immediate release

Sadly the Palmer/Uribe Report on the 31 May 2010 Flotilla attacks, (leaked to the New York Times on 1 September), is an expected whitewash of Israeli crimes. While it blames Israeli forces for using excessive force when they raided our Gaza-bound civilian ships while we sailed in international waters, it erroneously justifies Israel’s blockade of Gaza, casts doubts on the intentions of the flotilla organizers, and does not seek accountability for perpetrators of human rights abuses.

The Palmer/Uribe Panel was flawed from its inception. The appointment of ex-Colombian President Alvaro Uribe as the Panel’s vice-chair casts serious doubt on the integrity and impartiality of the Panel. Uribe’s intimate association with the military and paramilitary practice of murdering civilians in Colombia and notorious disdain for human rights defenders makes his appointment to a Panel dealing with human rights issues problematic. Furthermore, Uribe’s government is on record as advocating closer military cooperation with Israel. [1]

In addition to the problems in the composition of the Panel, its goal was not to arrive at the truth of what happened or to seek justice for victims, but rather to reach political compromise in order to repair relations between Israel and Turkey. The mandate of the Panel was limited to reviewing the reports of the national investigations by Turkey and Israel, and it did not interview witnesses or otherwise conduct an in-depth objective investigation. This is a political attempt to overshadow the only independent and impartial investigation and report on the flotilla raid, which was commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council (A/HRC/15/21) and conducted by three internationally renowned human rights experts. The findings and recommendations of this report, released on 23 September 2010 have yet to be acted on by the United Nations.

One of the most outrageous findings of this Panel is that Israel had a right to impose the naval blockade on Gaza as a “legitimate security measure.” This finding completely ignores the fact that the naval blockade is part of an overall closure regime that numerous human rights bodies, including various UN agencies, have declared illegal. Furthermore, it ignores incontrovertible evidence that the naval blockade and overall closure are not about security, but rather about putting pressure on the people of Gaza. Israeli leaders are on record noting that the purpose of the blockade is economic warfare – to keep the Gaza economy on the brink of collapse in order to pressure the civilians to rise up against the Hamas government. [2]

Using civilians as a means of pressuring a government violates international humanitarian law, which prohibits intentionally harming civilians, and constitutes collective punishment, forbidden under the Fourth Geneva Convention.

The Palmer/Uribe Report mistakenly identifies IHH as the “leading group involved in the planning of the flotilla,” accuses us (the Freedom Flotilla organizers) of acting recklessly, and casts doubt on the humanitarian nature of our action (pages 46-48). Six non-governmental, international civil society organizations, all having equal say and responsibility, planned Freedom Flotilla I. Our action was a legitimate form of nonviolent direct action. We reject the Panel’s finding that Israeli soldiers faced “organized violence.” What the heavily armed commandos faced while they tried to forcefully take over the Mavi Marmara on the high seas was legitimate acts of non-armed self-defense by a handful of passengers, acting against unwarranted aggression.

Although our ships carried 10,000 tons of much needed cargo for the people of Gaza, we have repeatedly stated that our goal is to break the illegal blockade of Gaza, not simply to deliver aid. The humanitarian crisis that exists in Gaza is a result of a deliberate, illegal and immoral policy. To challenge that policy in order to bring an end to the cause of people’s suffering is humanitarian.

While the Report correctly faults Israel for using excessive force on unarmed civilians, it does not call for accountability. The Report notes that Israel has not accounted for the forensic evidence showing that most of the nine volunteers killed were shot multiple times, including in the back, or at close range, or for the consistent accounts of abuse suffered by other volunteers at the hands of Israeli forces. The Report’s recommendation that Israel simply express regret over the incident is insulting to the victims and their families, and seriously undermines international human rights and humanitarian law.

Finally the report fails to address the issue of the remaining four ships of Freedom Flotilla I still held by Israel as well as its refusal to return to the passengers over $1 million in money and equipment including cameras and videos which are of evidential value.

We welcome Turkey’s decision to downgrade relations with Israel, expelling the Israeli ambassador, and cancelling military ties, as well as its statement that it will take legal action against those Israelis responsible for the attack on the flotilla. Such sanctions are needed in order to put an end to the impunity with which Israel has been violating Palestinian human rights and disregarding international law.

Free Gaza Movement contact:

Huwaida Arraf +970-598-336-215, huwaida.arraf[at]gmail.com
Greta Berlin +1 310 422 7242, iristulip[at]gmail.com
Audrey Bomse +44 (0)78615610932, audreybomse[at[gmail.com

www.freegaza.org

www.witnessgaza.com

www.freedomflotilla.eu

[1] See “Colombia seeks to broaden Israel ties,” Apr 28, 2010, Jerusalem Post at: http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?ID=174179

2 See e.g. “Wikileaks: Israel aimed to keep Gaza economy on brink of collapse,” Jan 5, 2011, Haaretz, reporting on a leaked Cable from the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv saying Israeli officials wanted Gaza's economy 'functioning at the lowest level possible consistent with avoiding a humanitarian crisis’ at:

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/wikileaks-israel-aimed-to-keep-gaza-economy-on-brink-of-collapse-1.335354

As Turkey Freezes Israel Ties, Critics Decry “Whitewashed” U.N. ...

Free Gaza Team — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:51:00 +0000

From DEMOCRACY NOW!

Turkey has downgraded diplomatic ties with Israel and frozen military cooperation ahead of a long-awaited United Nations report on Israel’s deadly attack on a Gaza-bound aid ship in 2010. We speak with Norman Finkelstein, author of several books on the Israel-Palestine conflict, including “‘This Time We Went Too Far’: Truth & Consequences of the Gaza Invasion.” We are also joined by Huwaida Arraf, one of the organizers of the Free Gaza Movement.

Watch/Listen/Read

Palmer/Uribe Report: Another Attempt by Israel to Whitewash Murder

Free Gaza Team — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 15:35:00 +0000

On May 31, 2010, Israeli commandos brutally attacked Freedom Flotilla 1, killing eight Turkish and one American passengers on board the Mavi Marmara, most having been killed at close range, execution style. They injured more than 50 other passengers, both on the Mavi Marmara and on the other five boats sailing to the embattled territory of Gaza to bring the attention of the world to Israel’s illegal blockade of 1.6 million Palestinians. Not only were our volunteers murdered and maimed, but the Israeli government has refused to return over $1 million in money and equipment, including cameras and videos stolen from the volunteers, which are of evidential value.

In the 15 months since Israel’s unwarranted attack on four boats carrying human rights defenders, Israel has been trying to spin the story that their well-armed soldiers were the victims and we were the aggressors. Several reports have already been written, most squarely blaming Israel for its attack on unarmed civilians.

The UN Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Mission took evidence from 112 eyewitnesses, reviewed forensic evidence, including autopsy reports and inspected the Mavi Marmara. It found that, because a humanitarian crisis exists in Gaza, Israel's blockade is unlawful and ‘cannot be sustained in law…regardless of the grounds” used as justification. Israel’s blockade is collective punishment and in violation of article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, inflicting civilian damage disproportionate to any military advantage. Therefore, since Freedom Flotilla 1 neither presented an imminent threat to Israel nor was designed to contribute to any war effort against Israel, intercepting the flotilla was ‘clearly unlawful’ and could not be justified as self-defense.

Israel refused to cooperate with this UN panel even though the United Nations and governments all around the world called for just such an independent investigation of the events.

Instead, the Israeli government set up its own investigatory panel, The Turkel Commission, led by Israeli retired Supreme Court Judge Jacob Turkel and three other Israelis issued a report on January 23, 2011 exonerating the commandos, then saying the blockade was legal. The commission did not interview a single passenger or crew member from any of the boats but only received testimony from the Israeli military.

On January 28, 2011, Amnesty International condemned the Turkel findings as no more than a whitewash. “Despite being nearly 300 pages long, the report crucially fails to explain how the activists died and what conclusions the Commission reached regarding the IDF’s specific actions in each case.” http://amnesty.org/en/library/asset/MDE15/013/2011/en/96e848bd-56ee-4e6e-a817-17e07c3d5192/mde150132011en.html

Free Gaza shares Amnesty International's analysis that the conflict between the Israeli armed forces and unarmed civilians was NOT armed conflict, making international humanitarian law (IHL) the wrong framework; international human rights law and law enforcement norms should have been applied, which would have made the use of force – and especially lethal force –an act of last resort.

Now there is the Palmer/Uribe report due to be released Friday, which apparently adopts the same faulty IHL framework.

According to Audrey Bomse, Board member and Legal Adviser to Free Gaza : “If the leaks we've heard from Israeli officials are correct, the holes in this report are big enough to sail a flotilla of ships through. There are serious problems with the Panel’s composition, mandate and legal analysis. But most disturbing of all is the fact that the Secretary General’s Panel apparently condones Israel’s gross violations of the human and national rights of the Palestinian people and the rights of those in solidarity with them.”

The Panel has 4 members, one from Israel and one from Turkey, plus Geoffrey Palmer, former prime minister of New Zealand and ex-president of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe. The choice of Uribe as vice-chairman is suspect, given his intimate association with the military and paramilitary practice of murdering civilians in Colombia. The Panel, was only tasked to review the reports of the national investigations by Turkey and Israel (the Turkel Committee), not to conduct an in-depth objective investigation. Its ultimate goal, was to “positively affect the relationship between Turkey and Israel.”

International humanitarian law (IHL, the law of armed conflict) is the wrong legal framework to be used as the basis for judging the lawfulness of the actions taken by Israel both against the civilian population of Gaza (the blockade) and against those resisting the boarding of the MM. The conflict between the Israeli navy and unarmed civilians on the Mavi Marmara was not armed conflict. International human rights law and law enforcement norms should have been applied, which would have made the use of force – and especially lethal force –an act of last resort. Nor should the legality of the blockade of occupied Gaza be analyzed in the framework of the law of armed conflict.

If indeed the Uribe Rport has concluded that the Israeli naval blockade on Gaza - a serious measure of war - is legal and in accordance with international law, then this Report will contradict numerous other UN reports and resolutions, most recently that of the Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Mission, on the issue of the legality of the Gaza siege.

As the Human Rights Council Fact‐Finding Mission observed, “public confidence in any investigative process ... is not enhanced when the subject of the investigation either investigates himself or plays a pivotal role in the process.”

Contact: Audrey Bomse +44 (0)78615610932, audreybomse[at]hotmail.com

Huwaida Arraf +970-598-336-215, huwaida.arraf[at]gmail.com

Greta Berlin +1 310 422 7242, Iristulip[at]gmail.com

Breaking the Siege and the Diplomatic Impasse: An Interview with Huwaida Arraf

Free Gaza Movement — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 18:02:00 +0000

http://www.jadaliyya.com/pages/index/2244/breaking-the-siege-and-the-diplomatic-impasse_an-i

0 Jul 28 2011 by Noura Erakat

[Huwaida Arraf. Image captured in Khan Younis]

[This interview was conducted by Jadaliyya co-editor Noura Erakat. Huwaida Arraf is Chairperson of the Gaza Freedom Movement Coalition and Co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement.]

French Campaign PR: They're Coming Home

Free Gaza Team — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:50:00 +0000

From the French Campaign: Un Bateu pour Gaza

They’re coming home

The 12 passengers on board of the French boat were expelled from Israeland will be today in Paris. They’re fine, as their boat was boarded by the Israeli commandos in International waters. Canadian, Greek and Swedish passengers were sent back to their countries.

After being brought back to the port of Ashdod, the passengers were transferred to a retention centre in the city of Holon next to Tel Aviv. They were visited by their lawyers and the French Consul in Tel Aviv before the Israeli authorities took to them to Tel Aviv airport where they spent the night.

The story of the boarding by Israeli journalist Amira Hass who was on board shows how disproportionate was the Israeli operation. 7 commando boats and 3 missile ships with 150 on board to stop 16 unarmed civilians on a 16 ms long boat.

The Israeli boarding happened in International waters is illegal. Even though no shot was fired, diverting a boat and its passengers under the threat of guns, with military boats, is an act of violence. Let us remind that if the Israeli army took the precaution of not attacking a boat with European citizens on board, it does not hesitate to fire at the Palestinian population.

http://www.unbateaupourgaza.fr/

Delivering letter from Gaza to Greek Embassy in Washington DC

Free Gaza Team — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:30:00 +0000

Greek Embassy, Washington DC. Monday July 18, 2011

DC-area activists deliver letter from Palestinians in Gaza to the Government of Greece. Will Greece hear the cries from Gaza? "...we don't want your breadcrumbs. We crave freedom..."

Watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXPlDNZsMq8

Dignité on the last leg of voyage to Gaza

Free Gaza Team — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:34:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

Dignité on the last leg of voyage to Gaza: Small French ship carrying message that cannot be silenced

[ ATHENS] The Steering Committee of Freedom Flotilla II: Stay Human can confirm, that after anchoring in international waters overnight, the French-flagged ship Dignité / Karama has commenced the last leg of its voyage to Gaza. We wish all on board well and remind Israel to refrain from interfering with our vessel as it makes its way through the illegal and immoral sea blockade it has imposed on the Gaza Strip.

It is in large part because the Dignité commenced its voyage from a French port and the French government refused to interfere with this civilian human rights initiative that the ship continues its mission. The Dignité and its passengers – from France, Canada, Greece, Sweden, and Tunisa – represent a flotilla that was delayed by acts of sabotage and by an egregious act of complicity by the Greek government with Israel’s human rights violations and policy towards Gaza that the International Committee of the Red Cross determined to be “collective punishment.” But they also represent the steadfastness and determination of the flotilla movement to sail until the blockade is broken. The idea that Freedom Flotilla II could be stopped misunderstands the nature of this non-violent movement and its strength of purpose.

Despite most of the ships being unable to leave Greek ports, the flotilla nonetheless managed to highlight the vicious nature of Israel’s policy towards Gaza. Israeli leaders showed their willingness to use intimidation, lies, economic blackmail, threats of violence, and sabotage to stop boats that Israeli military officials admitted would not be carrying weapons. This clearly demonstrates that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is not based on “security”, but is meant to punish the Palestinian people, denying their freedom and keeping them cut off from the rest of the world.

Israel believes itself untouchable and continues its affront to humanity as a result of the international community’s failure to take tangible measures to defend Palestinian human rights. Indeed, as we have seen recently in Greece, some significant players – including the EU and the US – are even directly complicit in Israel’s crimes. This is why international civil society has mobilized to take direct action.

We cannot predict how Israel will behave as the Dignité approaches Gaza but we can say that – just as Israeli threats and violence have failed in the past to deter non-violent global solidarity with the people of Palestine – those on board this small French ship intend to reach their destination. The Dignité carries a message of solidarity and human empathy from the people of the world to the people of Gaza, and all of Palestine, that Israel’s violence can never silence.

While the Dignité continues to sail to Gaza, proving that the will of global civil society cannot be intimidated, the remaining ships in Freedom Flotilla II: Stay Human are regrouping to fulfill our obligations to the besieged people of Gaza and to the hundreds of thousands of ordinary people around the world who funded and organized this act of solidarity.

As long as the illegal blockade of Gaza remains in place, ships will sail to confront it; as long as Israel continues its occupation, colonization, and violent repression of Palestinians and our governments are silent about it, the global solidarity movement will mobilize to challenge it directly.

History shows that Israel is running out of options; we are only getting stronger.

For more information:

Huwaida Arraf (US): +1-202-294-8813

Alex Harrison (London): +44-759-485-7448

Angela Godfrey-Goldstein (Jerusalem): +972-547-366-393

###

The Dignite - al Karama must go on

Free Gaza Team — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 02:44:00 +0000

18 July 2011 | A French Boat for Gaza

The French government must fulfill its responsibilities! In a few hours, the Dignite - Al Karama will approach Gazan waters. As they publically announced, the Israeli government may at any time employ violence to stop the French ship, including the use of weapons against peaceful and unarmed activists.

The campaign "A French Boat for Gaza," strengthened in recent months by exceptional popular support and representing a broad range of civil society, demands that the French Government act to enable the delegation to reach the coast of Gaza. The Foreign Ministry recently called on "the Israeli authorities to fundamentally change policies vis-à-vis Gaza." We note that first step.

We are however, concerned about the reluctance of French authorities to support French citizens during the Israeli attack on the first Flotilla in May 2010; or to protect the French citizens wishing to travel to the West Bank and blocked at airports on 8 July.

The Dignity-Al Karama is a piece of France in the Mediterranean. Resolute action by the French government must be conducted to guarantee freedom of movement of the boat and the integrity of its passengers. Until now, the French government has not publicly warned Israel against the possible use of violence.

We demand they do so as soon as possible.

Letter from Gaza to be delivered to Greek Embassies around the world

Free Gaza Team — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:59:00 +0000

The small French-flagged ship, MV Dignite, is currently making its way to Gaza, carrying citizens from Canada, France, Greece, Israel, Sweden and Tunisia. The people on board not only represent the hundreds that were planning to sail as part of Freedom Flotilla II, but the millions around the world that stand against Israel's illegal policies and ongoing oppression of the Palestinian people.

Greece shamefully prevented 8 Freedom Flotilla ships from sailing from its ports, then tried to mask its complicity in Israel's illegal blockade by offering to deliver the Flotilla's aid to Gaza in coordination with Israel. The response to this offer from Gaza is clear -- FREEDOM NOT CHARITY! (Please see letter here)

On Monday July 18 and Tuesday July 19, activists around the world will be hand-delivering the letter from the Palestinians in Gaza to Greek Consulates and Embassies in various cities, including San Francisco, Washington DC, London, Copenhagen, Dublin, Oslo, Edinburg, Canberra, South Africa, and Tel Aviv. Other cities are also being organized. If you have a Greek Embassy in your city, please take the initiative!

Call on the Government of Greece to respect Palestinians' dignity and human rights, release detained boats, and let future flotilla's sail to Gaza.

French boat Dignité of Freedom Flotilla II leaves Greece

Free Gaza team — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:23:00 +0000

16 July 2011
For Immediate Release

Contact on Dignite:
00870 7764 16715 or 0046 707 229 165
dror.feiler@gmail.com or cleostic@free.fr

French boat Dignité of the Freedom Flotilla II leaves Greece

The French boat “Dignité/Karama” (Dignity) left the Greek island Kastellorizo around 8:30PM local time on Saturday July 16, 2011, heading south. The ten passengers onboard view themselves as representatives of the whole Freedom Flotilla II – Stay Human. The rest of the Flotilla’s ships have been detained in different Greek ports, through bureaucratic obstruction, sabotage, sudden restrictions and withdrawals of flags.

The Dignité, sailing under a French flag, left Corsica on June 25th, and has, over the past weeks, been in Greek waters. It has now left– so far without being followed by the Greek coast guard or Navy.

Among the delegates on board is Jacqueline Le Corre, member of the French Communist Party, Jean Claude Lefort, former French Member of the European Parliament, as well as representatives of the Canadian, French, Greek and Swedish initiatives within Freedom Flotilla II. Onboard the Dignité are also renowned Israeli journalist Amira Hass, reporting for Haaretz, and a team from Al-Jazeera TV. (Full list of passengers below).

Kastellorizo, in the far east of the Greek archipelago, is only miles from Turkish mainland. A substantial part of Kastellorizo’s population fled during the Second World War to Gaza, where they stayed for years. The present mayor of the island, Paul Panigiris, was born in Gaza, and feels strongly, as do many other people from Kastellorizo, for a population that once hosted them and is now under siege.

The action of Dignité is not a mini-version of Freedom Flotilla 2, but a first wave that will be followed by others. It is a message to the Israeli government, to the international community and to the besieged people of Gaza: The Free Gaza Movement and the coalition of Freedom Flotilla II are not giving up, until the inhumane and illegitimate blockade of Gaza is lifted.

Gaza, we are coming!

www.freegaza.org
www.witnessgaza.com
www.freedomflotilla.eu

------

Passengers on the Dignité

Stéphan Corriveau, Coordinator of Canadian boat to Gaza

Dror Feiler, spokesperson of Ship to Gaza-Sweden, President of the European Jews for a Just Peace, artist, musician, composer

Jérôme Gleizes, France, Europe Ecologie Les Verts

Jacqueline Le Corre, France, Médecin-Collectif 14 de soutien au peuple palestinien, member of Parti communiste francais

Jean Claude Lefort, former MEP, French Communist Party –PCF

Claude Léostic, spokesperson of Un bateau français pour Gaza

Yamin Makri, France, Collectif 69 de soutien au peuple palestinien

Omeyya Naoufel Seddik, Tunisian, Fédération des Tunisiens pour une citoyenneté des deux rives (FTCR), and Ligue tunisienne des Droits de l'Homme (LTDH), Phd in Political Science

Thomas Sommer-Houdeville, spokesperson of Un bateau français pour Gaza, Researcher, Political Sciecnce, Middle East Studies, at the Institut francais du proche Orient

Vangelis Pissias, spokesperson of Ship to Gaza-Greece, Professor at Technical University of Athens

Amira Hass, Israeli journalist - Haaretz

Ayyache Derradji, Journalist from Al Jazeera

Stéphane Guida, Cameraman from Al Jazeera

Hilaire Folacci, Mariner

Yannick Voisin, Captain

Jo Leguen, Navigator

Gaza rejects Greek government charity

Free Gaza Team — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:46:00 +0000

The following letter was delivered to the Greek Government on July 12, 2011 making it clear that the people of Gaza seek freedom and respect for their human rights, including their right to lead a dignified life, not charity. Seemingly deaf to their call, yesterday a spokesman for the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Delavekouras, repeated the Greek Government's "generous offer" to deliver limited humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza - instead of helping them gain the freedom that is rightfully theirs.

We, members of Palestinian civil society in Gaza, have been watching the actions your government has taken to block Freedom Flotilla 2 from setting sail towards the biggest open air prison - the Gaza Strip - to challenge Israel's criminal blockade. Israel's closure of Gaza has deprived us of things that most people take for granted, first and foremost, our freedom of movement. We are not allowed to pursue adequate health care or educational opportunities because we cannot travel freely. We are cut off from our families in other parts of the occupied territory and abroad; and we are not allowed to invite people to visit us in Gaza. Now, you have imported this restriction on the people whose main mission is to stand in solidarity with us.

The people of Gaza are only in need of humanitarian aid because we are prevented from building our economy. We are not allowed to import raw materials or to export; our fishermen and farmers get shot at when attempting to fish or to harvest their crops. As a result of deliberate Israeli policy, 80% of our people have become food aid dependent, our infrastructure is in shambles, and our children cannot imagine a day when they will know freedom.

Your offer to deliver the cargo of the Freedom Flotilla entrenches the notion that humanitarian aid will solve our problems and is a weak attempt to disguise your complicity in Israel's blockade.

We are so sorry not to accept your charity. The organizers and participants of the Freedom Flotilla recognize that our plight is not about humanitarian aid; it is about our human rights. They carry with them something more important than aid; they carry hope, love, solidarity and respect. Your offer to collude with our oppressors to deliver aid to us is strongly REJECTED.

While it is clear that you have been under enormous political pressure to comply with the will of the Israeli regime, to collaborate with Israel in violating international law and legitimizing the siege, we refuse to accept your breadcrumbs. We crave freedom, dignity and the ability to make choices in our daily lives. We urge you to immediately reconsider and to let the Freedom Flotilla sail.

Finally we recognize the historical relations between our people and your country's support for our legitimate rights. With this history in mind and your previous acknowledgment of the freedoms denied to us, we are calling on you to allow the freedom flotilla boats to leave for Gaza, thus challenging Israel's illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip and illegal occupation of Palestinian land.

Sincerely,

Palestinian Network of NGOs (PNGO) -

Representing over 60 non-governmental organizations in Gaza, www.pngoportal.org

Palestinian International Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza

General Society for Rehabilitation

Deir Al-Balah Cultural Centre for Women and Children

Maghazi Cultural Centre for Children

Al-Sahel Centre for Women and Youth

Rachel Corrie Centre, Rafah

Rafah Olympia City Sisters

Al Awda Centre, Rafah

Al Awda Hospital, Jabaliya Camp

Ajyal Association, Gaza

Al Karmel Centre, Nuseirat

Local Initiative, Beit Hanoun

Beit Lahiya Cultural Centre

Al Awda Centre, Rafah

Middle East Children's Alliance - Gaza office

Alshomoa Club for Women

General Union for Public Services Workers

General Union for Health Services Workers

General Union for Petrochemical and Gas Workers

General Union for Agricultural Workers

General Union of Palestinian Syndicates

General Union of Palestinian Women

Palestinian Congregation for Lawyers

Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU)

Union of Health Work Committees

Union of Synergies-Women Unit

Union of Women's Work Committees

Palestinian Association for Fishing and Maritime

Palestine Sailing Federation

Fishing and Marine Sports Association

Palestinian Women Committees

Progressive Students' Union

Free Gaza endorses the BNC call for immediate embargo on Israel

Free Gaza Team — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:03:00 +0000

The Free Gaza Movement welcomes, endorses, and supports the Palestinian Boycott National Committee (BNC) call for an immediate and comprehensive military embargo on Israel.

Freedom Flotilla II, and Israel's attempts to thwart it through outrageous acts of intimidation, lies, political pressure, threats of violence, and sabotage, has reminded the world that the criminal blockade on the Gaza Strip is still in force, depriving Palestinians of their basic rights.

Last May Israel used its arsenal to launch a full military assault on Freedom Flotilla I, killing nine of our colleagues and injuring over 50. This violent assault on an unarmed civilian convoy in international waters was just another example of Israel's unlawful use of military force and its blatant disregard for international law.

It is through this use of military force that Israel maintains its occupation and colonial apartheid regime in Palestine. Further, every Israeli military operation is used as an opportunity to showcase and promote its weapons to the global arms market thus ensuring the profits needed to support its unlawful actions.

With this backdrop, and on the 7th anniversary of the historic International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision ruling the Apartheid wall illegal, we must all raise our voices louder and demand that the international community cut all military ties with Israel.

According to the ICJ decision, all states are obligated “not to render aid or assistance” in maintaining the situation created by Israel's violations of international law. These grave violations are numerous and besides being in constant breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, Israel also has a long track record of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity during its armed conflicts. The Israeli policy of indiscriminate use of force and deliberate targeting of civilians was no more evident than during the 2008/09 attack on the Gaza Strip, which the UN Fact Finding mission described as “a systematic attack aimed at punishing, humiliating and terrorizing the Palestinian civilian population.”

The international community has a legal, and moral, responsibility to act towards ending their complicity with Israel's unlawful actions. The failure of state and inter-state organisations to hold Israel to account for its crimes has allowed it to act with continued impunity. At the same time, states are bankrolling Israel's colonial regime by partaking in military trade relations with it.

It is time to end this complicity. International law exists for a reason and Israel, regardless of what it may believe and how it may act, is not above the law. A comprehensive military embargo, like the one imposed by the UN Security Council against the apartheid regime in South Africa, is an essential step to pressure Israel to abide by international law. Perhaps then Israel will reconsider attacking civilian ships in international waters or bombing civilian areas with white phosphorous.

To make this embargo a reality, we all have a role to play. International civil society must stand on the right side of history and hear the unified Palestinian call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions made 6 years ago. Not only must it hear the call, but it must act upon it and intensify the campaign for an end to the occupation, colonization and ethnic cleansing of Palestine.

The Free Gaza Movement calls for Israel to be held responsible for its crimes with the immediate enforcement of a military embargo. In the name of freedom, equality, justice and peace, the international community must take this action to end its complicity in Israel's crimes.

Response to Greek Government Offer

Free Gaza Team — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:39:00 +0000

On Sunday 3 July the Free Gaza movement and Freedom Flotilla 2 organizers learned from media sources of an offer by the Greek Government to deliver the humanitarian cargo we have collected to Gaza. Although reports indicate that this offer was made to flotilla organizers, we have not been contacted about this, either directly or through any third party.

The offer, as reported, is insufficient as it shows collusion with Israel’s blockade as well as a complete disregard for Palestinian human rights, reducing the issue of Gaza and Palestine as a whole to one of humanitarian aid. However, we are willing to discuss a counter proposal with the Greek government along the lines of earlier suggestions by the Greek and Cypriot governments for a direct sea route to Gaza from one of these countries.

The statement referencing the offer on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website affirms the Flotilla’s position that the blockade of Gaza needs to be lifted, and that international law must be upheld. In this regard, and if the government of Greece is serious about being helpful and not simply trying to deflect criticism from itself, we look forward to hearing from them directly. Greek government officials certainly know where to find us.

http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/Articles/en-US/030711_AH1545.htm

Don’t let Israel export the blockade of Gaza to Greece

Free Gaza Team — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:52:00 +0000

Contact:

London: Alex Harrison, 07594 857448
Mary Thomas, 07542 358318
Munir Nuseibah, 07521 378029 (Arabic)

London, 3 July 2011 - On Monday the 4th of July at 12:30 activists from Free Gaza, Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al Aqsa, Britain to Gaza, Palestine Forum in Britain, and Action Palestine will go to the Greek Embassy, 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP with a request to see HE Mr Aristidis C Sandis. We will deliver a letter from the above groups demanding the release of the Freedom Flotilla boats to Gaza.

We are calling for you to join us!

July 4th 12:30 pm: Embassy of Greece, 1A Holland Park, London W11 3TP

Following the intense pressure from the United States and Israeli governments, Greece has announced that they will prevent the sailing of Freedom Flotilla II - Stay Human boats to Gaza.

This goes directly against international law, and means that Greece, a member of the EU alongside Britain, is now directly complicit in the immense suffering caused by the illegal blockade of Gaza. This is totally unacceptable.

The captain of the US boat has been arrested, and is now held in jail for trying to sail out of the Greek port.

Join us on Monday 4th July at 12:30pm at the Greek Embassy in London to deliver a letter to the Greek Ambassador, demanding free and immediate passage of the peaceful civilian boats out of the port.

We need to make clear to Greek Ambassador that we will not accept this severe breach of the rights of the passengers on the boats, and the population of Gaza.

press release to follow:

For Immediate Release:

British Peace groups to deliver letter to Greek Ambassador demanding the release of the Freedom Flotilla boats to Gaza.

Contact:
London: Alex Harrison, 07594 857448
Mary Thomas, 07542 358318
Munir Nuseibah, 07521 378029 (Arabic)

Organisers of the Gaza-bound flotilla said Sunday in Greece they have not abandoned their plans to breach Israel's sea blockade of the territory despite a Greek government ban on their vessels leaving the country's port. The organisers of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla 2 have called on world citizens to request their governments advocate for the release of the boats and their safe passage to Gaza. A call has also been put out for citizens to protest at Greek embassies around the world and demand they release the boats.

The campaign experienced a major setback when Greece announced its restrictions on Friday stating that no boats in Greek ports would be allowed to leave. Several protesters from the American vessel that was intercepted by Greek authorities began what they described as an "open-ended fast" outside the U.S. Embassy and planned to stay there overnight. They want Washington to pressure Greece to release their American captain, John Klusmire, and allow them to depart for Gaza.

Activists believe that Israel, which has extensive economic trade and investments in Greece, is exerting pressure on the Greek government. According to an American passenger, Medea Benjamin, "It is unconscionable that Israel would take advantage of the economic hardship the Greek people are experiencing to try to stop our boat or the flotilla."

Copy of the letter:

HE Mr Aristidis C Sandis
Embassy of Greece
1A Holland Park
London W11 3TP

4th July 2011

Dear Ambassador,

We, members and supporters of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla II, are outraged by your government?s decision to close the ports of Greece to our initiative. In doing so, it has allowed Israel to export the blockade of Gaza to Greece.

The Israeli Government siege of Gaza has been declared illegal collective punishment by the International Red Cross. We remind the Greek government that it has a responsibility to prevent the commission of war crimes such as this. Participating in Israel?s naval blockade and illegal siege on the Gaza Strip is against international law and humanity.This decision not only violates the consecrated principle within international law of the freedom of the seas and the ancient tradition of freedom of the Mediterranean, but also disregards the claim to self-determination of the people of Palestine.

The Freedom Flotilla seeks to peacefully challenge the unlawful siege of Gaza. Greece?s obstruction is unjustifiable and immoral. It places Greece in the position of being a collaborator with injustice.

Flotilla passengers have come from across the globe to the shores of Greece in order to put into practice our solidarity with the oppressed people of Gaza. The members of this international human rights mission demand, on behalf of the people of Gaza, the same right to move that has been granted for centuries to the Greek people in our countries.

Do not allow Israel to export the blockade to Greece. Do not collaborate in the siege of Gaza. Let us sail immediately!

Sincerely,

Alex Harrison, for the Board of Free Gaza
Sarah Colbourne, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Ismail Patel, Friends of Al Aqsa
Zaher Birawi, Britain to Gaza, Palestine Forum in Britain
Action Palestine

Free Gaza Movement Board of Directors
Huwaida Arraf, (chair)
Greta Berlin
Audrey Bomse
Eliza Ernshire
Alex Harrison
Ewa Jasiewicz
Fathi Jaouadi
Niamh Moloughney
Adam Shapiro