June 5: Global Day To Break The Israeli Siege Of Gaza & Support Aid Flotilla

Sat., June 5, 2010

1:00 PM

Caterpillar
9000 Statesville Rd
Charlotte, NC
(protest at corner of WT Harris Blvd & Statesville Rd)

We will demonstrate in front of Caterkiller in solidarity with the Freedom Flotilla taking humanitarian aid to Gaza. This day also marks the 43rd anniversary of Israel's Six Day War in 1967 against Palestine & her neighbors.

The company which best exemplifies the interest of US corporations in the Occupation and the complete refusal to address human rights concerns in the region is Caterpillar. The most destructive weapon of the Occupation may not be an F-16 or helicopter gunship, but rather, an armor plated D-9 or D-11 bulldozer. These are the machines that have demolished thousands of homes, uprooted countless olive trees, and carved gaping holes in roads, making them impassable. Even when used in Israel’s colonial intrusions on the land through construction of illegal housing or bypass roads, CAT equipment is being used daily in the commission of war crimes and violations of human rights.

Call for Action: Global Day to Break Israeli Siege

Today we watched with horror as Israel committed its massacre against the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza murdering at least 9 unarmed civilians and leaving over 50 injured. The peaceful Flotilla carrying over 10,000 tones of humanitarian aid to Gaza and over 700 pro-Palestinian activists was attacked by Israeli Navy forces using live ammunition, teargas, grenades…etc.

The Israeli apartheid state has again acted in full impunity against international law and needs to be held accountable for the murder of unarmed civilians at sea and illegal barbaric piracy of civilian vessels in international water carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza.

In memory of the brave men and women who lost their lives on the Freedom Flotilla to Gaza, today we are calling all free citizens and people of conscience around the world to a Global Day of Action to carry forward Freedom Flotilla’s cause of breaking the Israeli siege of Gaza.

Let’s mark Saturday, 5th June 2010 as Global Day to Break Israeli Siege with protests and demonstrations in front of Israeli embassies and consulates all over the world. We call on you to join us on this day to demand in a global united voice, from our governments to:

- Take a stance against this horrid inhumanity committed by Israel against armless humanitarians and activists by following Turkey’s footsteps in shutting down Israeli’s consulates. Crimes against inhumanity are inexcusable and will not be welcome in our countries.

- Join the growing international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement in cutting all political, economic, cultural and academic ties with Israel as a statement that crimes against humanity are inexcusable, unwelcome and will not pass unchallenged.

- Impose full sanctions against Israel until they fully abide by international law and UN conventions in relation to the siege in Gaza, occupation and apartheid in Palestine as well as the right of return of refugees.

- If you do not have an Israeli embassy in your country, protest in front of major corporations or institutions with economic, political, cultural or academic ties with Israel.

We stand today at an urgent and critical point in our global quest for justice and human rights. The brutal attack on activists aboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, resulting in at least 9 deaths and tens of injuries, proves that Zionism indiscriminately targets human rights advocates of all nationalities. We must not allow this massacre to pass quietly.

Please register your event on Global Day to Break Israeli Siege by sending us an email to support@breaksiege.com or by submitting your event details here.

Join the growing critical mass around the world with a commitment to the day when Palestinians are entitled to the same rights as any other people, when the siege is lifted, the occupation is over and the 6 million Palestinian refugees are finally granted justice.

For more information:
http://charlotteaction.blogspot.com

For more info on the Global Day To Break The Israeli Siege of Gaza:
http://www.breaksiege.com/

http://gazafreedommarch.org

Rachel Corrie makes its way to Gaza

by SHAHANAAZ HABIB, The Star Online, June 4, 2010

AMMAN - Volunteers on the MV Rachel Corrie are not trained soldiers, and they are fearful of being attacked by the Israeli army – but they are determined to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“Of course there is worry, but this is an amanah (trust bestowed upon us) to deliver the aid to Gaza,” said Perdana Global Peace Organisation representative Shamsul Akmar in an interview.

He is on board the sole ship making its way to Gaza.

Israel’s attack on the six aid ships in international waters on Monday resulting in nine deaths only made those on Rachel Corrie more determined to carry out their amanah.

Rachel Corrie was supposed to be part of the flotilla but she got left behind due to delays and some “suspicious stringent checks” by port authorities at several places, said Shamsul.

If all goes well, the 1,200 tonne Rachel Corrie, carrying medical aid, construction material, toys, educational and writing material is expected to reach Gaza on Saturday.

There are 19 people on board and they have been travelling for 20 days.

Other than Shamsul, who is the head of the delegation, there are five other Malaysians – Matthias Chang, Parit MP Nizar Zakaria, activist Ahmad Faizal Azumu and TV3 crew members Halim Mohamed and Jufri Junid.

Also on board is a strong Irish delegation with Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire.

There are six crew members, a captain and a chief engineer.

The ship is funded by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Perdana Global Peace Orga nisation.

Shamsul said there are a number of possible scenarios:

> Israel may let Rachel Corrie through

> Israel may become aggressive and board the ship; and

> those on board the ship may be shot by Israeli forces

Shamsul said that if Israel stopped the ship in international waters, but the ship was forced away, “we collectively feel we should stay there for a few days to try and deliver the aid.”

The tiny Gaza strip has been put under a strangling blockade after Hamas took over control of it in 2007, causing hardship to the 1.5 million living in what is called the “world’s biggest prison on earth.”

In December 2008, Israel launched a three week massive military strike on Gaza, killing at least 1,400 people and destroying many homes, buildings, factories and infrastructure.

But because of the siege, Gaza has not been able to bring the materials needed to rebuild including construction material like cement, glass and bricks.

Rachel Corrie' proceeding to Gaza

PAMELA NEWENHAM and MARY FITZGERALD, The Irish Times, June 3, 2010

An Irish-owned boat laden with humanitarian supplies is continuing its journey towards Gaza despite Israel’s insistence it will not allow any vessel break its blockade on the territory.

The MV Rachel Corrie , which has five Irish citizens aboard, including Nobel peace laureate Mairéad Corrigan-Maguire and former UN official Denis Halliday, is currently in Libyan waters some 640 km (400 miles) from Gaza.

The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign tonight dismissed some reports that the boat was due to dock in Turkey and insisted it intends to maintain course with no stops until it reaches the Gazan port.

The boat, which is captained by Eric Harcis, is travelling at approximately 402 kms (250 miles) a day and expects to reach Gaza by Saturday. Film-maker Fiona Thompson from Dundalk and husband and wife Derek and Jenny Graham from Co Mayo are also on board.

“I spoke to Derek and he said they were going full throttle towards Gaza,” Freda Hughes from the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign said today. “Originally the boat was lagging behind the rest of the flotilla, now it looks like the one surviving member that might get to Gaza."

Ms Hughes said the activists would not accede to an Israeli request unloading the ship’s cargo at Ashdod port for transport to Gaza was not a deal the activists would strike with Israel, as the ship is carrying banned building materials including cement which would not be delivered.

“It’s bringing aid to Gaza that’s not allowed such as medical equipment and construction materials. If it docks in Ashdod, none of this aid will reach Gaza”.

Speaking from the ship today, Dennis Halliday said: “We want to emphasise that our aim is not provocation but getting our aid cargo into Gaza”.

We are calling on the UN to inspect the cargo and escort us into Gaza, he said, adding “we all remain in good spirits”.

Irish officials have been maintaining close contact with the 1,200-ton boat which was supposed to join the aid flotilla raided by Israeli commandos on Monday but was delayed due to mechanical problems.

“We have continued to make it clear to the Israeli government . . . that we want maximum restraint and we do not want any interception in international waters,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said. “It has been a terrible week in terms of the loss of life and there is now an obligation on all involved to reduce tension . . . It is extremely important that we do not have a repeat of what happened earlier this week.”

Israel’s ambassador to Ireland, Zion Evrony, has said Israel does not expect any confrontation or violence when the MV Rachel Corrie approaches the exclusion zone.

The storming of the six-ship flotilla by Israeli commandos on Monday resulted in the deaths of nine activists and prompted renewed international criticism of Israel’s blockade.

Martin calls on Israel to show restraint with Irish boat

MARY FITZGERALD and ALISON HEALY, The Irish Times, June 3, 2010

IRISH APPEAL: THE GOVERNMENT yesterday repeated calls for Israel to exercise restraint in dealing with an Irish-owned boat currently en route to Gaza to deliver aid in defiance of the Israeli blockade of the territory.

The Government has urged Israel to allow the MV Rachel Corrie, whose crew includes five Irish citizens, safe passage to discharge its cargo.

The activists onboard expect to reach the exclusion zone off Gaza by late Friday. Taoiseach Brian Cowen told the Dáil yesterday that the Government has been maintaining close contact with the 1,200-ton boat which was supposed to join the aid flotilla raided by Israeli commandos on Monday but had been delayed due to mechanical problems.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said he had stressed the importance of restraint in conversations with Israel’s ambassador to Ireland Zion Evrony.

“We have continued to make it clear to the Israeli government ... that we want maximum restraint and we do not want any interception in international waters,” Mr Martin said.

“It has been a terrible week in terms of the loss of life and there is now an obligation on all involved to reduce tensions ... It is extremely important that we do not have a repeat of what happened earlier this week.”

Fianna Fáil TD Chris Andrews, whose plans to travel with the flotilla were scuppered when authorities in Cyprus did not allow him board the ships last week, said there were plans for another aid flotilla to Gaza.

“The events ... have only made people more determined,” he said, adding that if force were used against the MV Rachel Corrie , there “will be consequences for that”.

Green Party leader John Gormley said Israel’s attack on the flotilla showed it can act with “virtual impunity” because of “policy incoherence” at EU level.

“We don’t have that coherent response at a foreign policy level. That’s what’s required and if we had that I think Israel would listen.

“But at the moment they can act with virtual impunity because of the incoherence at European level and because they continue to get not just outright support but tacit support as well from the US.”

Mr Evrony has postponed an appearance in front of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee, which was scheduled to take place today. Committee chairman Dr Michael Woods said the postponement was “most disappointing”.

'Rachel Corrie' may arrive by Saturday

Activists on board Gaza-bound Irish ship say they will not resist if IDF troops board vessel

By Aviel Magnezi, Ynetnews, June 3, 2010

A pro-Palestinian activist on board the Irish vessel 'Rachel Corrie' told Ynet Wednesday that the ship is currently located between Libya and Cyprus, and that it is making its way to Gaza but will not arrive before Saturday morning.

The activist said those on board were coming "in peace", and that they would not resist IDF soldiers if they insisted coming on board. The claim was reminiscent of one made by the activists on board the flotilla that arrived Monday.

He added that before the ship had embarked it had been searched for weapons, and stressed that there were none on board.

The Irish vessel, named after a peace activist killed by an Israeli bulldozer, is reportedly carrying more than 20 people: More than ten Malaysians, five Irish, and eight crew members.

"We are not afraid, despite what happened on the Marmara," said Derrick Graham, who is on board with wife Jeanie. "The violence there was a product of fear, I saw the fear in the eyes of the soldiers. You need to send your veteran soldiers, not the young ones."

He stressed that the violent turn of events on board the Turkish ship Monday would not affect the Rachel Corrie. "We don't plan on resisting. In the event that your men are stupid enough to come and arrest us, we will sit down and not resist," he said. "It would not be wise for the government of Israel to direct its brutal violence towards us."

Graham added that the passengers on board the ship were saddened by the violence on board the Marmara. He said he had participated in a number of voyages to Gaza in the past, and that this was not the general rule.

"There were never such problems on sails to Gaza. We object to violence, which is why before we left we searched the ship to make sure there were no guns or weapons of any kind on board. The crew members were also checked by officials," he said.

The activist added that the IDF had called to ask him similar questions. When asked whether he knew that the passengers on board the Marmara had firearms, he expressed shock. "These are supposed to be violence-free, weapons-free ships," he said.

On board is also Mairead Maguire, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate well-known to Israeli authorities. She was injured at an anti-fence protest in Bil'in in 2008, and has taken part in previous Gaza sails. "I'm not afraid, I think it is important to give Gaza freedom and support it," she said.

The 66-year old, who has previously called for Israel's removal from the UN, said her family supported her. "We believe in a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and believe it can be solved through negotiations," she said.

Maguire also stressed that there would be no violence on board the Rachel Corrie. "I have experience with this. If (the soldiers) come on board, I hope and believe it will be in a peaceful manner," she said.

MV Rachel Corrie waiting in Mediterranean: Reports

Ma'an News Agency, June 3, 2010

Bethlehem - The Irish Times reported Thursday that the MV Rachel Corrie assumed a holding position in the eastern Mediterranean one day earlier, apparently waiting for two other boats to sail as a second flotilla to Gaza by the week's end.

Free Gaza organizer Greta Berlin told the Times that a small ship, Challenger II, was being fixed so it was fit for the voyage.

In addition to Berlin, aboard the ships will be Nobel Prize laureate Mairead Maguire and former UN assistant secretary general Denis Halliday.

A statement from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) said the Rachel Corrie was carrying 1,000 tons of educational and rebuilding supplies.

Israeli media reports, however, said the ship may have already agreed to dock in Ashdod. The daily newspaper Haaretz cited European diplomats and senior Foreign Ministry officials in Jerusalem, as saying a "diplomatic" solution had been found to impending second challenge to Israel's siege on Gaza.

Speaking from the boat, Irishman Derek Graham told PSC that "if this aid is not delivered, then Monday's deaths will have been in vain".

He said the passengers had discussed the possability of being boarded by commandos like the first ships, and told PSC that all 15 passengers would sit with their arms in the air so that they would not be attacked.

Anti-war protest for Green meeting over US military flights

Patrick Logue, The Irish Times, June 13, 2006

Anti-war campaigners are to stage a protest outside the Green Party meeting in Dublin today over its compromise on the continued use of Shannon airport by the US military.

As Green Party members gather to vote on a five-year coalition deal with Fianna Fail, a group comprising the Peace and Neutrality Alliance, the Irish Anti-War Movement and the NGO Alliance has called for a mass protest.

The meeting begins in Dublin's Mansion House at 1pm.

It emerged last night that the Greens have accepted that Iraq-bound United States military flights will continue to use Shannon airport.

A compromise on Shannon means that Dáil approval will be required before any non-United Nations mandated military flight will be allowed to land, but this will not interfere with the Americans' current use of the airport, since they now operate on a UN mandate.

Anti-war campaigner Richard Boyd-Barrett said in a statement: "For the Greens to enter into government with Fianna Fail and allow the US military to continue to pour through Shannon on route to kill and be killed in Bush's bloody war would be a monstrous betrayal of the anti-war movement and those that voted for them."

"Surely the blood of innocent men, women and children, counts for more than gaining ministries and political power. I appeal to the Green Party - both its leaders and members - not to sully their hands with the blood of innocents murdered by the US war machine

Mr Boyd-Barrett narrowly missed out being elected on May 24th but received first-preference votes in Dún Laoighaire. Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party was elected in the same constituency.

Mr Cuffe has vocalised his personal opposition to entering a deal with Fianna Fáil on his blog after the election.

"Let's be clear," Mr Cuffe wrote on May 28th. "A deal with Fianna Fáil would be a deal with the devil. We would be spat out after 5 years, and decimated as a party."