Petition on Gaza

I couldn't quite believe the headlines saying Israeli combat troops attacked boats carrying aid to Gaza, killing 19 civillians and wounding 60 more. This is beyond an outrage.

Photo: from War on Want website here

Of course Israel has the right to self-defence but this was lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy blockading Gaza, where two thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal.

We need more than mere words. The Mavi Marmara, was carrying 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid and was flying a white flag. It was also flying the Turkish flag, in international waters, giving it status as a sovereign extension of Turkey. Regardless, Israel attacked. If such action had been taken by Iran, western states might well have declared war by now. Israel's role in avoidable wars in Lebanon in 2006, and more recently in Gaza has been characterised by attacks upon facilities such as schools, hospitals and buildings of humanitarian organisations. Remarkably little has been done by the international community to bring Israel to justice.

Preventing Gaza obtaining much-needed humanitarian Aid is bad enough, but killing Aid workers is a new low in Israeli military actions.

Sign petition at Avaaz to investigate the raid and stop the blockade here and sign here War on Want's petition calling on action by Clegg and Hague.