Global Fund Condemns Israeli Attack on Freedom Flotilla

The Global Fund for Women strongly condemns the Israeli army’s violent raid on the Freedom Flotilla carrying peace activists and civilians from around the world who were hoping to deliver desperately needed aid to the people of Gaza.

Six ships, including two cargo vessels and other passenger vehicles, were carrying thousands of tons of humanitarian aid to the besieged region, which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. The Flotilla left early May 30th from Cyprus heading into International waters towards Gaza. Then, Monday morning heavily armed Israeli soldiers rappelled onto one of the ships and chaos ensued. The soldiers were aided by14 warships, helicopters, and other heavy machinery.  Latest reports indicate 10 activists were killed many more have been injured and hundreds taken into custody by Israeli troops.

We at the Global Fund know all too well that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict does not lend itself to simplistic solutions or analysis. However, as one of the few organizations in the world that supports both Israeli and Palestinian human rights organizations led by women’s activists inside Israel and in Palestine - both in Gaza and the West Bank, our 20+ years of experience tell us that when governments and non-governmental actors choose military action as their primary response to conflict, civilians suffer disproportionately.  In the three year economic blockade imposed on Gaza by the Israeli government, it is young children, families, and women who have been the most affected by the lack of access to basic necessities.

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