By Sarah Colborne, Director, Palestine Solidarity Campaign
As pressure mounts to break the siege on Gaza, international peace activists will be taking part in the Freedom Flotilla 2, due to depart at the end of June. Britain2Gaza, an initiative set up by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, British Muslim Initiative, Stop the War Coalition, Palestinian Forum in Britain and Friends of Al-Aqsa, is organising a contingent of activists on the flotilla from Britain, accompanied by VIPs and media representatives.
The first Freedom Flotilla, which was attacked on 31 May last year by Israeli commandos, had a significant impact. It raised awareness of the need to break the illegal and inhuman siege on Gaza, and demonstrated that international solidarity with the Palestinian people can make a historic contribution to the struggle for freedom, peace and justice. As a result, interest in joining the flotilla is at unprecedented levels.
Palestinians have been trapped in Gaza for years – not even able to flee the white phosphorus bombs that rained down in December 2008 and January 2009. Not able to rebuild their homes destroyed by Israeli bombs and tanks during Operation Cast Lead. Not able to rebuild their lives and construct a future. Students who won scholarships to study at universities internationally were prevented from leaving. Palestinians needing urgent, life-saving medical treatment have been refused exit permits.
But international pressure to end the siege has reached new levels. Following the uprising in Egypt, which removed Mubarak, the new Egyptian Foreign Minister, Nabil Al Arabi, expressed the will of the Egyptian people by announcing that the Rafah border will open. In making this announcement, Al Arabi stated that “The humanitarian condition in Gaza is very miserable, inhuman, and I believe that the political decision to seal the Rafah crossing point was unethical and inhuman.”
Nabil Al Arabi’s statement has set a new framework. We are witnessing the final days of the siege. And all those concerned with peace and justice will be calling for the opening of the Rafah border to be followed by a total end to this illegal siege on 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza. This means the full opening of all borders – land, air and sea. It means freedom of movement for both goods and people.
Responding to the wave of solidarity with Palestine sweeping across the world, the Israeli regime’s response has ranged from threats to attack the flotilla again, to claim that the flotilla is a provocation as there is no real need for siege-breaking actions. But Israel cannot hide the reality of the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, nor the illegality of its brutal siege.
Following Israel’s attack on the Mavi Marmara, the UN Human Rights Council was tasked with investigating the event. Their report confirmed that both the attack on the flotilla was illegal, but also that ‘the blockade [of Gaza] amounts to collective punishment in violation of Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law.’
The movement for solidarity with Palestine, and for an end to the siege, is unable to be silenced or intimidated by the Israeli regime. We are committed to continuing our struggle until the siege on Gaza is ended, and Palestine is free.
We are putting Israel on notice…
We are Coming
We are Unarmed
We are Civilians
You have no right to threaten us
We expect to reach Gaza without any Interference.
