Update: Mairead Maguire en route to Gaza aboard the MV Rachel Corrie

The Nobel Women’s Initiative on Monday issued a statement, denouncing the Israeli military attacks on the Free Gaza flotilla in international waters in the morning hours of May 31.  The Nobel Women’s Initiative condemns Israel’s violence and stand in solidarity with the Free Gaza activists, including sister Laureate Mairead Maguire.

Maguire is aboard one of two ships that left later than the rest of the convoy, and was not present when the attacks occurred.  The two remaining Free Gaza ships will continue on towards Gaza.

Read the Nobel Women’s Initiative statement and find out how you can take action below.

STATEMENT ON ISRAEL’S ATTACK ON THE FREE GAZA FLOTILLA

On Monday May 31 2010, a convoy of ships carrying human rights activists and humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza as part of the Free Gaza Movement was brutally attacked by Israeli military forces.  Reports indicate that up to 19 of the over 600 passengers on board, mostly international activists, were killed and dozens of others injured.  The attack occurred in international waters – a blatant violation of international law.  So far, 32 of the activists have been arrested and detained by Israeli authorities.  Israel has promised that any others who refuse to be deported immediately will also be arrested.

Our sister Laureate Mairead Maguire is aboard one of two ships that embarked after the other ships in the convoy, and was not present when the attacks occurred.  These two ships are determined to continue their journey to try to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza, even in light of the Israeli military attack on their fellow activists.

The Nobel Women’s Initiative condemns this senseless brutality and blatant breach of international law.  We send our condolences to the families of the activists killed and to those injured in today’s violence.  We call on Israel to cease their unjustified and vicious attacks on international activists and to allow them to safely continue their peaceful mission to deliver aid to the people of Gaza.  We urge the international community to join us in condemning Israel’s illegal action and in working for a peaceful solution to the conflict.

LEARN MORE

Read about the Free Gaza Movement.