Response to murderous Israeli attack must be firm and resolute — Adams
Speaking this morning about the attack by Israeli military forces on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in which a number of people have been killed, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said:"People across the world have been shocked and horrified by the reports this morning of the killings of up to 20 civilians taking part in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, when Israeli commandos stormed a Turkish ship.
"People in Ireland are extremely concerned for the safety of the eight Irish nationals on board the flotilla.
"The Gaza Freedom Flotilla was a humanitarian aid mission carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid to the besieged city of Gaza. The blockade of Gaza is illegal under International law. The flotilla organisers had repeatedly declared their peaceful intent.
"This murderous attack took place in international waters, in breach of international law.
"The response of the international community must be firm and resolute.
"Israeli policy towards the Palestinian people must change.
"This Israeli action must be condemned by all governments and political leaders who believe in democracy, peace, security and the standing of international law.
"My thoughts are with the families of those who died in this outrageous attack."
Sinn Féin and Gerry Adams, in particular have always been very supportive of the Palestinian people. Indeed Aenghus O'Snodaigh would have been on one of those ships attacked had he not been prevented by the authorities in Cyprus. However, with the exception of a few dedicated and indeed brave individuals most other mainstream political parties in the 26 Counties have continued to adopt a weak approach to Israeli oppression. Now more than ever the general public needs to be encouraged to pressurise the 26 County Govt. to end the cosy relationship that exists between Ireland, the EU and Israel. One tangible and meaningful action the Government could take is to demand that the EU suspend the EU Mediterrean Agreement which gives preferential treatment to Israeli trade with the EU. The Agreement is conditional on Israel abiding by International Human Rights standards and International Humanitarian Law in its dealings with the Palestinians. However, despite demands over many years that this Agreement be suspended the EU has refused to move in this direction. Indeed in recent weeks the Irish Govt. voted along with the rest of the rich world to allow Israel into the OECD despite demands that it refuse this. This cosy arrangement that Europe has with Israel both subsidises Israelí oppression and legitimises it internationally. By allowing Israel to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest with other European countries or in the Champions League or indeed in the European section of the World Cup we are accepting Israel as 'one of us' and telling the rest of the world that Israel's behaviour is acceptable to us. Now is the time more than ever before to use the justifiable anger which exists against the Israeli Govt. to demand that the EU joins with the rest of the world in sanctions against Israel. It was the boycott of aparthied South Africa which brought its leaders to the negotiation table. The same is needed in the case of apartheid Israel.
ReplyDeleteHow long can Isreal be allowed to get away with this stuff???????????
ReplyDeletean I for an I
ReplyDeletegood luck with the aid mission
mick.