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Mairead Maguire calls for Egypt to open border with Gaza
Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire is calling on the 
Egyptian government to open its border with Gaza to allow people and aid to enter the territory freely. This following the assault on a humanitarian convoy last week. Read the statement.
Four activists still being held by Israeli authorities
Update: Mairead Maguire released from Israeli prison. Read more.
View the poem she wrote from her prison cell.
Learn more about the plight of the Palestinian people at FreeGaza.org.
Four activists remain detained after their boat, “Spirit of Humanity”, transporting supplies to the Gaza Strip last week, was taken by Israeli forces. Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Mairead Maguire, is one of those still detained. Maguire is currently being held with the other three activists in Tel Aviv. The other 17 people on board have been released and deported.
Read more »Release Mairead Maguire and other human rights activists immediately
Update: (5 July, 2009) 14 activists, including Mairead Maguire, still being detained. The five Bahraini activists have been freed. Listen to Al Jazeera interview with Maguire.
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On June 29th, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire and 20 other human rights activists were detained by I sraeli authorities while on the Free Gaza Movement peaceful mission to deliver aid to the people of Gaza . The Nobel Women's Initiative calls on the Israeli government to immediately release all of the nonviolent activists and to ensure that the humanitarian aid reaches the people of Gaza.
Israeli naval forces forcibly boarded the Free Gaza boat 23 miles off the coast of Gaza. The activists were taken from the boat at gunpoint and held in the Ashdod detention centre. Maguire was handcuffed when she protested at being isolated from the rest of the group, but was soon moved to Giv'on prison, where she and the rest of the group are presently being held. The boat was headed to Gaza, carrying construction materials, three tons of medical supplies, and suitcases full of children's toys, all items banned by the Israeli government.
International Arms Perpetuate Gaza Violence
Recent investigation by Amnesty International has found that Israeli and Hamas forces have used internationally acquired arms in their attacks. Amnesty has called the nature of their attacks indiscriminate towards civilians and possibly deliberate.
Both sides have been quick to deny findings of the report, claiming usage of munitions has been within legal bounds of international law. The breech, according to Amnesty, is in the misuse of usual combat weapons in densely populated civilian areas.
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Statement on the Attacks on Gaza
As the people in Gaza continue to suffer brutal violence, we women Nobel Peace Laureates call for an end to all violence and attacks on the Gaza strip, and for the United Nations and its member states to take immediate action to broker and monitor a ceasefire, and alleviate suffering in this escalating humanitarian crisis.
We add our voice to the many citizens and organizations around the world that have watched in horror as hundreds of Palestinian civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks by air, seas and ground, and have spoken out in the name of peace. The Gaza Ministry of Health estimates that the violence has killed 970 Palestinians as of January 14, and wounded 4,250. Of those numbers, the United Nations estimates that more than 40 percent of the dead and 50 percent of the wounded are women and children. According to the office of the UN Office of the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than a million Gazans still have no electricity or water, and thousands of people have fled their homes to find safe shelter. (Photo at left: Palestinian women take part in a protest against Israel's offensive in Gaza as Israeli police officers stand guard outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City January 16, 2009. REUTERS/Paul Hanna, Alertnet)
This aggression against Gazan civilians by the Israeli military is illegal, immoral and counterproductive. We echo the words of the International Womens Commission: This slaughter can only further fuel the conflict and quash any remaining hope for peace between Israeli and Palestinian people.
We condemn Israels attacks into the very densely populated Gaza stripin particular ongoing the air, ground and sea attacks that began on December 27as grossly excessive.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are trapped in like fish in a barrel as Israeli air strikes continue endlessly. Children are being killed in their schools, parents in their homes. In a civilized world, there is no set of circumstances that could justify these attacks. In a civilized world, there is no set of circumstances that could justify impeding humanitarian relief workers from aiding the wounded for days after an attack. We want to extend our sincere sorrow to all those people who have lost loved ones and those who have been injured.
The most recent violence began in response to the deaths of 3 Israelis killed by Quassam rockets. Even before the attacks, the humanitarian situation in Gaza was dire. This latest round of attacks appears to be an escalation of the violence against the people of Palestine, intensified in the last eighteen months. Holding the people of Gaza hostage because of the actions by Hamas is collective punishment, and a gross violation of international humanitarian law.
The people of Gaza are continuing to suffer one of the greatest humanitarian tragedies in the world. The international community must break its silenceand take action to insist Israel end the military attack on Gaza.
Nobel Laureate Speaks of Freedom, Peace and Justice in Jerusalem
Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire recently spoke at Sabeel 's 7th International Conference in East Jerusalem before an audience of Christian activists.
In her message of freedom, peace and justice, Maguire appealed on behalf of Palestinians suffering under the Israeli government's racist and apartheid policies. She affirmed her belief in the rights of all people, including Jewish people, to a peaceful existence, but she respectfully added that "the current policies do not reflect the profound wise Jewish values of justice and peace".
Towards the end, Maguire reiterated the need for a nonviolent struggle toward resolution. She reminded her audience that Jesus himself brought a message of love and nonviolence 2,000 years ago, reflecting aloud, "The Cross is for me the greatest symbol of non-violent love in action."
To download Mairead Corrigan Maguire's full speech, click here .
To read Sabeel's 7th International Conference statement, click here .
Read more »Nobel Laureate Journeys to Gaza with Message of Hope
Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire recently embarked on a four-day visit to Gaza with the Free Gaza Movement. The group arrived on a ship with medicine, eager to restore hope to the Gazans and inspire response from the international community to their plight.
Maguire was in Gaza to witness the humanitarian crisis. While there, she cataloged the lack of basic necessities, Israel’s blockades on such needed imports, the destruction from Israel’s attacks two years ago, and the effects on the Palestinian people.
Despite the dismal picture she paints, Maguire also notes the recent political progress there and returns with a message of hope. As one Palestinian man expressed, “We love our Israeli brothers; we have lived with them – we want to.” And Maguire herself reflects, “We as the human family must all learn to deal with our fears non-violently, and realize our best hope for human security is not in occupation and siege, but in reaching out to make justice and our enemy our friend.”
Read more »
Maguire Hopeful Despite Facing Violence in Bil'in
Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire suffered tear gas inhalation while participating in a nonviolent protest in Bil'in, a village located near Ramallah in the Occupied West Bank. Maguire was in Bil'in to participate in the third annual International Conference on Non-Violent Popular Struggles. Despite the incident, Maguire remains optimistic about the future of Israel and Palestine. "It was a very inspiring conference and I believe the grassroots nonviolent resistance movement of Palestinians, Israelis and international activists can give hope for the future of Israel and Palestine," said Maguire. More than 300 individuals took part in this year's event, including local Palestinians, Israelis and international dignitaries.
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Laureates call for end to Israel's siege of Gaza
Nobel Women Laureates join calls for an end to Israel's siege of Gaza, end to rocket attacks and a resumption of dialogue
As violence escalates between Israelis and Palestinians in the Gaza strip, the Nobel Women's Initiative is joining calls for an end to Israel's siege of Gaza, an end to rocket attacks on Israel, implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and a resumption of dialogue between all Parties. If Israel really wants peace, it must have dialogue with all Parties to the conflict said Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire.
The words of a Palestinian participant in Nobel Women's Initiative's May 2007 conference, Women Redefining Peace in the Middle East and Beyond, ring true now more than ever: We are always told we must co-exist. But how can we co-exist when we do not exist in the first place? If Palestinians are to co-exist with their Israeli neighbors, the siege of Gaza must end.
Israel's blockade of Gaza is preventing Palestinians from fulfilling their basic needs: as a result of electricity, fuel, and spare-parts shortages, basic services are barely functioning, and water is in very short supply. Humanitarian aid has also been blocked. We support statements by women's organizations including the International Women's Commission, Women in Black and WILPF condemning the deplorable conditions in Gaza, resulting from the Israeli blockade, and applauding the planned convoy of urgently-needed humanitarian aid.
On 27 February 2008, an Israeli man was killed by a Hamas rocket attack the first person killed by rocket attacks from Gaza since May 2007. In the days following the Hamas attack, Amnesty International estimates that over 100 Palestinians mostly civilians - were killed by Israeli armed forces. Over 230 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since January 2008. Fourteen Israelis have been killed by rocket attacks from Gaza since the resumption of armed clashes in September 2000, according to the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem.
Photo: Conference participants Robi Damelin, Nadwa Sarandah, Brené Brown, Maha Abu Daya Shamas and Igballe Rogova during Engendering the Peace Process, a panel discussion at The Nobel Women's Initiative's First International Conference Women Defining Peace in the Middle East & Beyond.
During the panel, activists prominent in the Israeli-Palestinian peace movement shared their experiences and discussed strategies that have been effective in their work in the region.
For more information:
- Statement by the International Women's Commission (scroll down)
- Coalition of Women for Peace calls for international actions against the siege on Gaza
Learn more about the Middle East in our Issues page
Read the latest News on the Middle East
Take Action on the Middle East
Read more »Mairead Corrigan Maguire Calls for an End to 40 Years of Israeli Occupation in Palestine
PRESS RELEASE
ENOUGH! COALITION RALLY END THE OCCUPATION'
Trafalgar Square London, Saturday 9th June 2007
June 2007 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Six Day War, in which the Israeli Army took military control of the Palestinian Gaza Strip, and West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
This Anniversary was marked by a Rally and demonstration organized by the Enough! Coalition, made up of a group of charities, trade unions, faith and campaign groups, concerned for peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and calling for an End to Occupation'.
Amongst those attending the Rally in Trafalgar Square, London, were Miriam Margolyes, Mike Leigh, Stephen Fry, and Mairead Corrigan Maguire.
Addressing the Rally, Nobel Peace Laureate, Mairead Corrigan Maguire said:
I join with you in calling for an End to the Israeli Occupaton of Palestine, and a negotiated settlement to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. It is over 30 years since many of us from Northern Ireland stood here in Trafalgar Square, calling for a peaceful settlement to the Northern Irish conflict, and insisting that there would not be a paramilitary, nor a military solution to our own situation. We insisted then, that our conflict could only be solved through nonviolent means, with Governments and Armed Groups, upholding human rights and international laws, all inclusive dialogue, including with ones enemies, and a belief that peace is our right and it is possible. Today in N.Ireland the guns (both legal and illegal) are silent and we are building genuine democracy and a nonviolent community. Peace is built by people working nonviolently on the ground, with determination and courage, and by Political Leadership willing to uphold the Rule of Law and take risks for peace.
During my visits to Palestine and Israel, I have seen such determination and courage by both Israeli and Palestinian nonviolent activists, but their work, and willingness to compromise through dialogue, has to be reciprocated by the Israeli Political Leadership.
Tragically, the Israeli Government continues to ignore its obligations under International Law, building the Wall, settlements, etc., The International Court of Justice of The Hague has ruled that Israel has an obligation to dismantle the Wall and to compensate the Palestinians for all the damage suffered from its construction. All States, including the UK/USA are under obligation not to recognize this illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall; and the continuation of the Israeli's Government to ignore over 60 UN resolutions, including the right of return for the Palestinian Refugees. It is the duty of the UK / USA and International community to reaffirm the supremacy of international law as the basis for the settlement of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Many of these countries, particularly the USA's and UK's unwavering support of Israel's occupation, have prevented a just and peaceful solution to this conflict.
The European Union must stop having a double standard that is suppressing its financial aid to the Palestinian Authority, boycotting the Palestinian Government and on the other hand refusing to put any pressure on Israeli Authorities who refuse to comply with International Law.
In the words of one Israeli Professor to live in Palestine is to live in one huge prison camp of occupation and repression, where ones daily life is totally controlled by Israeli military, and Israeli Government which holds the key to everything in Palestinians' lives. The Palestinian nonviolent resistance movement to such injustice deserves all our support.
Also to live in Israel for Jewish people, is to live in fear of suicide bombs and Kassam rockets. We all know violence begets violence and is never excusable or acceptable, and all violent activities from Palestinian paramilitaries must cease if there is to be any hope for peace.
I believe, the way forward is unconditional, all inclusive dialogue between all Parties to the conflict, including the detained elected Palestinian representatives, in order to reach a win/win solution for everyone. The Military Mindset of the Israeli Government must change to one of conflict resolution and recognize that their mantra that they have no partners for dialogue, is a block to a peace agreement. This excuse is no longer acceptable to the International community. Their partner in dialogue is the Palestinian Authority, including Hamas the democratically elected representatives of the Palestinian people, and the 22 Arab states whose Peace Plan is offered to all.
The Israeli/Palestinian people have suffered enough and want peace. It is time for the Israeli/Palestinian Governments to start talking together, they owe it to their citizens now.
Shalom, Salaam to you all"
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Read on about what Women organizations are doing locally:
International Womens Commission (IWC) brings together Palestinian, Israeli, and international women dedicated to an end of the Israeli occupation and a just peace based on international law...human rights and equality.
The Parent's Circle- Families Forum (PCFF) is a grassroots organization of bereaved Palestinians and Israelis. the PCFF promotes reconciliation as an alternative to hatred and revenge.
Women in Black is a world-wide network of women committed to peace with justice and actively opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence.
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