March & Rally: Protest Israeli Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla

End the Siege of Gaza March & Rally
Protest Israeli Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla

On May 10, 2010, the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, consisting of six civilian ships and 700 human rights activists and journalists from over 40 countries, set sail for the Gaza Strip carrying 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid for Gaza’s besieged civilians.  At 4:00am, May 31, heavily-armed Israeli naval commandos rappelled from helicopters onto a Gaza Freedom Flotilla ship, the Mavi Marmara, while it was traveling through international waters approximately 90 miles from the coast of Gaza.  To gain control of the ship, Israeli commandos opened fire on the civilians, killing at least nine and injuring many more. All 700 passengers on board the six boats were abducted and forcibly taken to Israeli prisons.

“Israel meant to attack the flotilla and it is trying to cover up this reality with propaganda,” said Mona el-Farra, a doctor in Gaza. “Israel is committing crimes against humanity.”  Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish prime minister, accused Israel of “inhuman state terror.”  The President of the European Parliament, Jerzy Buzek called it “an unjustified attack” and “a clear and unacceptable breach of international law, especially the fourth Geneva Convention.”

Israel’s deadly attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla and its illegal blockade of the Palestinian Gaza Strip would not be possible without the military and diplomatic support of the United States.  While the world reacts in horror to this military assault on an aid convoy carrying wheelchairs, cement, water purification systems, children’s toys and notebook paper to Gaza – all items barred by Israel’s blockade – the United States continues to give Israel unconditional support and over $3 billion in annual aid.

Sponsored by the Coalition for Palestinian Rights. Endorsed by the Anti-War Committee