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GAZA.
Discussion of Gaza these days focuses on the Israeli blockade and the flotilla. At stake with Gaza are the principles stated in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Since World War II the right of people to determine their own future has been a cornerstone of modern society resulting in the decolonization of most of Africa and Asia.

What Zionist Israel is doing is a frontal assault on basic human dignity. Since the election of Hamas as the legitimate representative of the people of Gaza in an internationally recognized electoral process in 2006, Israel has turned Gaza into an open air prison, and its 1.5 million inhabitants into prisoners. Israel actions are both crimes against humanity and war crimes. Israel must be held accountable to the crimes of its Operation “Cast Lead” in 2008/2009, as meticulously documented in the UN Goldstone Report.



Self-Determination and Freedom

  • Under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Geneva Convention, Gazans have the right to freedom of movement of people, goods, and commerce. This is the core issue of Gaza.
  • Israel has no “right” to hold Gazans hostage in a small strip of land. Provision of humanitarian aid has nothing to do with the freedom of movement which Gazans deserve and to which they yearn. Under international law and conventions Gazan people should receive nothing short of complete independence from any Israeli intervention.




People of Gaza

  • Palestinian Gazans, living in an open air prison/refugee camp setting, are primarily displaced people and their descendants. In 1948 they were forced out of their original homes in present-day Israel and Zionist policies continue to harass them in their imprisonment in Gaza. The suffering of Gazans over sixty years has been enormous.




Illegal Blockade

  • Since the free and internationally monitored election which brought Hamas into power in 2006, Israel has been determined to meddle in the internal politics of Palestinians in Gaza. Israel denies its responsibility as an occupier, but insist on control over Gazans. In other words, Israel want to be an occupier without the responsibility of an occupying power, as mandated by international convention.
  • The blockade is illegal, capricious and mean. Israel completely ignores international laws and conventions, preferring instead to act above the law. Furthermore, Israel, in conjunction with segments of the American establishment, attempts to reinterpret or modify international laws to justify its criminal activities.

Free Gaza Flotilla (FGF)

A few years ago the Free Gaza Movement founded by Huwaida Arraf and Adam Shapiro started sending ships to Gaza to penetrate the Israeli blockade. While their efforts gained some international notice, it took the events of May/June, 2010 to garner worldwide media attention.
  • The Free Gaza Flotilla (FGF) composed of multiple international humanitarian NGOs took the world media by storm. Over 700 civilians carrying 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid set sail for Gaza in late May from various ports in Europe. The largest of these ships, the Mavi Marmara, carried over 500 passengers principally from Turkey. The Turkish humanitarian NGO, IHH, was the primary organizer behind the Mavi Marmara.
  • On May 31 the Israeli military attacked the sea convoy in international waters in clear violation of numerous international laws. Their actions resulted in the deaths of 9 Turkish civilians (one of whom was also an American citizen) and injuries to several dozen others.
  • Subsequently every ship in the convoy was confiscated including its contents and the personal possessions of all on board. Despite relentless Israeli censorship and propaganda, the resulting media coverage exposed to the world the injustice and cruelty of Zionist Israel.

Current Status

The events of May 31 catalyzed the world in an unprecedented manner. Swift actions by international bodies, including the United Nations Security Council, and the United Nation Human Rights Council, strongly criticized Israeli atrocities. Most importantly the events inspired worldwide citizenry to challenge the Israeli blockade.
  • At present there are numerous humanitarian convoys that are being organized from around the world. Though under international pressure Israel has increased the amount and diversity of permissible goods into Gaza to mollify critics, fundamentally nothing has changed.
  • Gazans remain trapped, lacking free movement. Gazans needing medical attention cannot leave Gaza. Students may not study abroad despite acceptance at foreign universities. Medical, educational and building supplies are not allowed freely into Gaza.