Israel Murders Human Rights Workers Delivering Humanitarian Aid

On Sunday, Israel murdered human rights workers who were attempting to
deliver 10,000 tons of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, because
Gaza has been virtually cut off from the outside world by Israel. At
least 19 people were reportedly killed and dozens injured when Israeli
troops boarded the 6-ship Freedom Flotilla convoy in international
waters and immediately fired live ammunition at the people on board
the ships. The convoy was comprised of 700 people from 50
nationalities and included a Nobel laureate, members of parliament
from Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Turkey and Malaysia, as well as
Palestinian members of the Israeli Knesset and a Holocaust survivor.

Israel's armed attack on these human rights workers constitutes a
clear breach of international law. The human rights workers should be
released immediately, medical treatment should be provided for the
wounded, and all humanitarian aid materials should be immediately
transferred to Gaza.

Human rights organizations and bar associations, including the
International Association of Democratic Lawyers, the National Lawyers
Guild, the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, MADRE, the
European Association of Lawyers for Democracy, World Human Rights, the
Palestinian Center for Human Rights, and the governments of Britain,
France, Germany and Turkey have condemned the Israeli assault. The
U.S. government, has not yet spoken out in opposition to the assault
by Israel, the largest recipient of U.S. aid since World War II.

There should be an international investigation of crimes committed
during and after Israel's armed attack on the Freedom Flotilla and
prosecution of all Israeli officials and soldiers responsible.

Israel must end its illegal blockade of Gaza, which constitutes
unlawful aggression under General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974).
When the Security Council convenes, it should order Israel to cease
its acts of aggression.