Nobel Laureate Mairead Maguire and passengers of the MV Rachel Corrie are appealing to the Israeli government to allow them safe passage to Gaza. Those onboard the vessel, which is carrying humanitarian, medical and educational supplies, are primarily members of peace organizations from Ireland and Malaysia. They have announced that if boarded they will sit down on a circle in the middle of the deck and hold hands to demonstrate their commitment to nonviolence.

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The ship was initially part of the Free Gaza flotilla attacked by Israel on Monday, but had been delayed in port for logistical reasons and was not present at the time of the military assault. It is now expected to arrive at its destination on Saturday morning.

Despite widespread condemnation from the international community, the Israeli government has vowed that it will continue to apprehend any vessels attempting to break its blockade. The Irish and Malaysian governments have warned Israel to exercize restraint and ensure that no harm comes to those onboard.

The Nobel Women’s Initiative issued a statement Monday denouncing the Israeli military attacks on the Free Gaza flotilla and calling on Israel to permit the MV Rachel Corrie to complete its humanitarian voyage.

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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.

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LEARN MORE

‘Gaza flotilla: MV Rachel Corrie heads for Israel coast‘ The Guardian, 4 June 2010.

‘Malaysia Calls On Israel Not To Harm Activists On Board Rachel Corrie’ 3 June 2010.

‘Irish aid boat holds course towards Gaza despite Israel warning‘ The Guardian, 1 June 2010.

‘Martin calls on Israel to show restraint with Irish boat’ , Irish Times, 3 June 2010.

‘Irish aid ship expects Israelis to board vessel’ BBC News, 3 June 2010.

‘Aid ship sailling towards Gaza prefers UN Escort’ Reuters, June 3 2010.

‘Another boat heads for Gaza, after deadly Israeli raid sparks outrage’ Sal Gentille, AP, 1 June 2010.

TAKE ACTION

Stand in solidarity with the passengers of the MV Rachel Corrie. Add your name to the public statement of support here.

Join the call for truth, justice and accountability for Gaza.  Sign the Avaaz petition calling for an indpendent investigation into the flotilla attack here.

Join the call for an independent investigation into the flotilla attack here.