UK and Scottish Governments urged to push for end to Gaza blockade
This week a ship, the Madleen, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition was intercepted in international waters as it attempted to deliver aid to the besieged enclave, with activists including Greta Thunberg detained and deported.
That was condemned by human rights groups, including Amnesty International which said: "By forcibly intercepting and blocking the Madleen which was carrying humanitarian aid and a crew of solidarity activists, Israel has once again flouted its legal obligations towards civilians in the occupied Gaza Strip and demonstrated its chilling contempt for legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice.
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'The operation carried out in the middle of the night and in international waters violates international law and put the safety of those on the boat at risk.
"The crew were unarmed activists and human rights defenders on a humanitarian mission, they must be released immediately and unconditionally. They must also be protected from torture and other ill-treatment pending their release."
The blockade itself is considered illegal by many human rights groups and others, who argue it amounts to collective punishment.
In 2012, 50 international aid agencies, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Oxfam, released a statement calling on Israel to lift its siege and blockade; while in 2016 the UN Special Rapporteur described the blockade as "contrary to international law".
Following the interception of the Madleen, fresh calls have been made for both Westminster and Holyrood to push Israel to lift the blockade.
Gerry Coutts of Scotland for Palestine said: 'The aid boat was seized by Israel while it sailed in international waters under the British flag and its unarmed crew have been detained. Yet, we have heard no condemnation of this from our governments in the UK.
'The abduction of the crew, the seizing of the boat, the occupation of Palestine, the mass starvation of a people and the siege and blockade are all illegal - and happening in plain sight.
'Both our governments have a legal and moral duty to push their ally, Israel, to allow in life-saving aid to starving Palestinians. They must also push for an end to the cruel siege and naval blockade and more recently a complete blockade imposed on Palestinians.'
A spokesperson for Show Israeli Genocide the Red Card said: 'For months we have marched on the streets and have written to our politicians to put their words into action to help end the plight of Palestinians.
"We are once again calling on our governments in Westminster and Holyrood to do the right thing and push for an end to Israel's unlawful siege and blockade of Gaza and ensure the safety of the brave people trying to deliver aid.'
Wael Shawish of the Scottish Palestinian Society said: 'The UK has a historic and current responsibility to Palestine.
"At the height of one of the worst humanitarian crises ever, it must find the moral courage to stand up to Israel and use its leverage to help end the Israeli siege and blockade, protect those delivering humanitarian aid and bring lasting peace by pushing for an end to Israel's illegal occupation of Palestine.'
The Scottish Government and the UK Government have been contacted for comment.
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Greta Thunberg news latest: Climate campaigner breaks silence after being deported by Israel over Gaza aid boat
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The group were picked up off the coast of Egypt earlier on Monday morning and taken to the Israeli port of Ashdod, where they were detained. They had been attempting to take a symbolic amount of aid into Gaza. Greta Thunberg accuses Israel of war crimes Greta Thunberg has accused Israel of systematic war crimes against Palestinians Speaking to reporters after arriving in Paris, the activist said: 'The real story is that there is a genocide going on in Gaza and a systematic starvation following the siege and blockade now, which is leading to food, medicine, water that are desperately needed to get into Gaza is prevented from doing so. 'But of course there are many attempts like this mission both by sea and land to break that siege and open up a humanitarian corridor.' 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Powys County Times
4 hours ago
- Powys County Times
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Leader Live
4 hours ago
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