Nobel Women's Initiative

Update: Mairead Maguire en route to Gaza aboard the MV Rachel Corrie

The Nobel Women's Initiative on Monday issued a statement, denouncing the Israeli military attacks on the Free Gaza flotilla in international waters in the morning hours of May 31.  The Nobel Women's Initiative condemns Israel's violence and stand in solidarity with the Free Gaza activists, including sister Laureate Mairead Maguire.

Maguire is aboard one of two ships that left later than the rest of the convoy, and was not present when the attacks occurred.  The two remaining Free Gaza ships will continue on towards Gaza.

Read the Nobel Women's Initiative statement  and find out how you can take action below.

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STATEMENT ON ISRAEL'S ATTACK ON THE FREE GAZA FLOTILLA

On Monday May 31 2010, a convoy of ships carrying human rights activists and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza as part of the Free Gaza Movement was brutally attacked by Israeli military forces.  Reports indicate that up to 19 of the over 600 passengers on board, mostly international activists, were killed and dozens of others injured.  The attack occurred in international waters - a blatant violation of international law.  So far, 32 of the activists have been arrested and detained by Israeli authorities.  Israel has promised that any others who refuse to be deported immediately will also be arrested.

Our sister Laureate Mairead Maguire is aboard one of two ships that embarked after the other ships in the convoy, and was not present when the attacks occurred.  These two ships are determined to continue their journey to try to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza, even in light of the Israeli military attack on their fellow activists.

The Nobel Women's Initiative condemns this senseless brutality and blatant breach of international law.  We send our condolences to the families of the activists killed and to those injured in today's violence.  We call on Israel to cease their unjustified and vicious attacks on international activists and to allow them to safely continue their peaceful mission to deliver aid to the people of Gaza.  We urge the international community to join us in condemning Israel's illegal action and in working for a peaceful solution to the conflict.

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Read about the Free Gaza Movement. 

 

 

 

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LEARN MORE

Gaza flotilla activists were unarmed: Canadian, CBC, 2 June 2010

Defiant Nobel winner Mairead Maguire still bound for Gaza, Belfast Telegraph, 1 June 2010

'Rachel Corrie' aims to reach Gaza, Irish Times, 1 June 2010

'Rachel Corrie' aid ship headed toward Gaza, Huffington Post, 1 June 2010

Israel's 'gunboat diplomacy' provokes global outrage, The Independent, 1 June 2010

Israel's status slips as governments around the world condemn raid, Globe and Mail, 1 June 2010

UN Security Council condemns 'acts' in Israeli raid, New York Times, 1 June 2010

Israel attacks Gaza aid fleet, Al-Jazeera, 31 May 2010

Deaths as Israeli forces storm Gaza aid ships, BBC News, 31 May 2010

Gaza flotilla deaths: the world reacts, The Times Online UK, 31 May 2010

 

TAKE ACTION

Join the call for truth, justice and accountability for Gaza.  Sign the Avaaz petition calling for an indpendent investigation into the flotilla attack here.

Write the Israeli Government, or the Israeli Embassy near you, and urge them to immediately release the activists and to ensure the delivery of the humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

What You Can Do:

CONTACT the Israeli Ministry of Justice

tel: +972 2646 6666 or +972 2646 6340

fax: +972 2646 6357             

 

CONTACT the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs

tel: +972 2530 3111

fax: +972 2530 3367

 

CONTACT Mark Regev in the Prime Minister's office 

tel: +972 5 0620 3264 or +972 2670 5354

mark.regev@it.pmo.gov.il

 

Write to the Israeli embassy closest to you.

 

CONTACT the International Committee of the Red Cross to ask for their assistance in establishing the wellbeing of the Free Gaza activists and in securing their immediately release.

Red Cross Israel:

tel: +972 3524 5286

fax: +972 3527 0370

tel_aviv.tel@icrc.org

 

Red Cross Switzerland:

tel: +41 22 730 3443

fax: +41 22 734 8280

 

Red Cross USA: 

tel: +1 212 599 6021

fax: +1 212 599 6009