NCCAR Condemns Israeli Attack on Gaza Aid Fleet

The attack by the Israeli Navy occured in international waters, a direct violation of International Law. The civilian boats were carrying 700 human rights workers, parliamentarians, 1976 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Corrigan-Maguire of Northern Ireland, and a Holocaust survivor, Hedy Epstein, 85. The flotilla comprised people originating  from 40 countries.  Early reports indicate that up to 19 civilians have been killed with several dozen wounded.

“Canada can no longer ignore its responsibilities as an upholder of International Law by continuing to absolve Israel of its clear violations of it,” stated Mark Khoury, Vice-President of NCCAR. “Furthermore, it is clearly no longer appropriate for Canada to continue to state that Israel’s values are Canada’s values. Today, most Canadians do not believe that.”

Several organizations including Amnesty International, B’tselem (The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories) and the UN have recently documented Israel’s role in preventing humanitarian supplies into Gaza in what amounts to the collective punishment of 1.7 million Palestinian civilians in Gaza, contrary to its duty under international law. This has caused a man-made humanitarian disaster.

The international community, including Canada, must force Israel to lift its illegal blockade imposed upon the population of Gaza. An immediate, independent and credible investigation into this serious act in international waters must take place, and those in violation prosecuted.