International Investigation Is Essential On The Flotilla Attack
By Palestine Solidarity Campaign
PSC Press Release
Monday 12 July 2010
Eiland's presentation on the attack on the Mavi Marmara once again demonstrates that independent international investigation is essential
Sarah Colborne, Director of Campaigns and Operations for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, and passenger on the Mavi Marmara, responded to the conclusions issued by Eiland re Israel's attack on the Mavi Marmara http://idfspokesperson.com/2010/07/12/maj-gen-res-eiland-submits-conclusions-of-military-examination-team-regarding-mavi-marmara-12-july-2010/
‘The report from the Israeli Military ‘Examination Team', headed by Giora Eiland, attempts to whitewash the Israeli military's crimes on the Mavi Marmara. It limits criticism to the ‘intelligence gathering' methods, and lack of exploration of ‘possible alternatives' to the storming of a passenger ship.
‘We were unarmed civilians in international waters, taking humanitarian aid to Gaza . The investigation that is needed is why Israel stormed our ship, murdered nine people and seriously injured over 50, held us all hostage and is refusing to give us back the photographic evidence that we took of the Israeli military's horrific crimes. If Israel has nothing to hide, why does it not release this evidence and support an international investigation? Why did it not investigate why Israel is continuing to collectively punish 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza by imposing a brutal and inhuman siege upon them?
‘The team said that the ‘use of live fire was justified', despite intelligence confirming that we had no weapons on board. It ‘noted with favour the… medical evacuation of the injured'. How can this be the case, when we were calling for help from 5.15 am, and Israeli troops did not evacuate the first seriously wounded passenger until 7am, with passengers dying and suffering during that time?
‘The only way to prevent Israel committing further atrocities is for governments including our own to demand a credible independent international investigation, and an end to Israel's violation of international law with impunity. Until it does so, Israel will continue to act with impunity, and will continue its violent and illegal attacks on Palestinians and those defending peace and justice'
For more information please contact: Sarah Colborne
Director of Campaigns and Operations
Palestine Solidarity Campaign
020 7700 6192
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The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) aims to raise public awareness about the occupation of Palestine and the struggle of the Palestinian people. PSC seek to bring pressure on both the British and Israeli government to bring their policies in line with international law. PSC is an independent, non-governmental and non-party political organisation with members from communities across the UK .
Palestine Solidarity Campaign
Box BM PSA
London
WC1N 3XX
Tel: 020 7700 6192
Fax: 020 7609 7779
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.palestinecampaign.org