Gaza-PNN-Victoria Delacroix- In a released statement in regards to how many countries around the world have responded with some trepidation regarding the Freedom Flotilla II, a group of ships that will set sail to Gaza this month from different European ports, the Freedom Gaza Movement has called the government of Israel out on its hypocrisy.
The statement released today entitled “Dear Israel: It is you who are the provocateur, not us” said that, regarding certain statements made by Israeli officials that have also been echoed across the world in other countries in response to how the diplomatic process is being in fact harmed by the Freedom Flotilla, real and proper diplomacy should not and does not,
“Exclude humanitarian action; Instead of seeking to prevent an international community of concerned citizens from taking nonviolent action in defence of liberty and human rights, diplomacy must pursue such actions and encourage them.”
They went on to say that labelling this mission as a step backwards is in fact a provocation by the Israelis.
“It is a provocation that powerful states and international organizations, such as the US, Israel, the EU and the UN, are asking people to be silent and not react to violations of law and the disdain for universal values. It is a provocation that international diplomacy is demanding that solidarity action from “people to people” be stopped.”
The Free Gaza movement re-stated its determination to sail to Gaza, citing that their cause is just and that their means are transparent.
“Those who seek to uphold and defend freedom, human rights, and justice must do more than denounce belligerent occupation, man-made humanitarian crises, ethnic cleansing, wanton violence against civilians, and the fierce oppression of social movements,” the press release stated.
The Free Gaza movement is made up of members across the world, including , Irish, Canadian, Greek, Tunisian, German, Australian, American, English, Scottish, Danish, Israeli, and Palestinian, all spanning different ages and all from different backgrounds. Their mission is to break the siege on Gaza and, “…raise international awareness about the prison-like closure of the Gaza Strip and pressure the international community to review its sanctions policy and end its support for continued Israeli occupation.”
The movement has made several successful voyages to Gaza since August 2008 and have witnessed the devastation and human rights violations that the siege has brought upon the residents of Gaza.
The press release concluded that;
“We have not and will not ask for Israel’s permission. It is our intent to overcome this brutal siege through civil resistance and non-violent direct action, and establish a permanent sea lane between Gaza and the rest of the world.”
Sources: The Free Gaza Movement
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