Statement by IPO regarding the Israeli Army's boarding of the Gaza-bound humanitarian aid ships

8.06.10

by International Peace Observatory

International Peace Observatory (IPO), an organization made up of internationals working to defend human rights in Colombia, publicly condemns the military attacks carried out by the Israeli Army during the night of 31 May 2010 in international waters against the the “Freedom Flotilla”. The Freedom Flotilla was a convoy of six solidarity ships sailing in solidarity with Gaza. It was led by the former passenger vessel Mavi Marmara and was carrying almost 800 people of 40 nationalities.

This “Freedom Flotilla” was carrying 10.000 tons of humanitarian aid, including medical and school supplies, building materials, more than five hundred electric wheelchairs, one hundred prefabricated houses for families who lost their homes in the invasion, and food supplies.

According to the available information there have been nine deaths among the activists who were traveling on the ships. However, Palestine solidarity organizations have denounced that the Israeli Army has hindered the release of information about the incident.

IPO would also like to show our concern for the impunity with which the Israeli state commits human rights violations in its military operations. We ask that international bodies and foreign governments act inmediately, not just to protect the population affected by human rights violations, but also to protect initiatives and organizations working to defend human rights.

In Colombia, where International Peace Observatory works, this incident leads us to express our concern for the relations between the Colombian government and the State of Israel, specifically military relations that take the form of intelligence and consultation.

We also demand that the states from where IPO volunteers come from (Spain, France, Denmark, Italy, United Kingdom, and the United States) end relations with the State of Israel until it respects international law and human rights.

Finally, we give our support to those people worldwide who have shown their solidarity with the Palestinian people. Those who come out into the streets to condemn the Israeli military attack and to ask for an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Solidarity has no borders.

Read more Denuncias

International Peace Observatory  |  Observatorio Internacional de la Paz  |  Bogotá, Colombia  |  NIT: 900.013.419-3

www.peaceobservatory.org  |  info@peaceobservatory.org  |  Telefax: (+57) 1 232 10 06   |  Móvil: (+57) 314 296 47 69