Israel kills aid workers in international waters

Israel launches a night raid on the Freedom Flotilla, killing up to 20 human rights activists.

The Jerusalem Center for Women expresses sadness at the unprovoked Israeli attack on the international humanitarian aid convoy traveling to deliver much needed humanitarian supplies, such as building material and food to the 1.5 million people who have been living under three years of Israeli blockade. In addition to basic humanitarian items, the ships were also carrying medical supplies and generators bound for one of Gaza’s largest hospitals. JCW condemns Israel’s assault in the strongest terms.

On the early morning of May 31st Israeli forces attacked the ‘Freedom Flotilla’, the 6 boats organized by the Freedom for Gaza movement. Up to 20 unarmed civilians traveling on board the boats were killed when Israeli Commandos opened live fire, at least 30 other humanitarian activists on the boat were also injured. More than two days after the massacre, the exact numbers and the identity of the dead and injured is still unclear, as Israel has imposed an information blackout on the event. 629 humanitarian activists who were aboard the ship are currently being detained. Most families of the detained have said they have neither been allowed to speak to their loved ones nor been given information on their well being.

Read the full statement to the right