As a network of faculties, students and researchers committed to peace and justice in the Middle East, Faculty for Israeli-Palestinian Peace strongly condemns the raid by Israeli commandos on the ship-convoy carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which has occurred in international waters off the coast of Gaza on May 31st 2010.
In the aftermath of the recently reported violent repression in Bil’in (West Bank) and Sheik Jarrah (East-Jerusalem), the Israeli government once more confirmed its determination to annihilate all solidarity actions gathering Israelis, Palestinians, and internationals (including MPs, academics, NGO workers, etc) who struggle for an end of the occupation and the Gaza blockade. In addition to its countless violations of international law, including the regular illegal arrests of Palestinian leaders of peace movements and its pressuring of many Israeli peace organizations, the Israeli government has now reached a point of no return by killing nine internationals and wounding 36 others[1] in the attack on humanitarian vessels transporting vital aid to Gaza on Monday May 31st. Following this particularly serious episode and anticipating the findings of an impartial and international comprehensive investigation, FFIPP-France and FFIPP-Netherlands raise grave concerns about unlawful and excessive use of force.
In view of the above, and aware of the complexity of the democratic challenges in the Middle East as well as promoting a just and negotiated regional solution in accordance with its educational goals, FFIPP-France and FFIPP-Netherlands calls for:
- The creation of an independent and impartial investigation about the May 31st assault – under the supervision of the international community;
- The end of the Gaza blockade
- The end of the occupation of the Palestinian territory
- Diplomatic repercussions including the suspension of all international and transnational agreements with Israel (OECD membership, EU bilateral agreements, etc) until full compliance with human rights clauses is achieved.
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[1] Toll on May 31st 2010. Available on http://www.amnesty.fr/index.php/amnesty/agir/actions_en_cours/israel_territoires_occupes_autorite_palestinienne/actualites/assaut_meurtrier_contre_des_militants_humanitaires_gaza
