Hundreds of Marseillais gathered in the Old Port, this Monday, May 18 at the end of the afternoon, to show their support for a new humanitarian and political flotilla which is trying to head towards Gaza. While off the coast of Cyprus, the Israeli army has just intercepted some of the 52 boats launched from Barcelona on April 12 for “break the blockade“from the Palestinian enclave, the demonstrators wanted to denounce”an act of piracy in European waters“and show them”colère” face “to media and political silence” which hems these events.
“Faced with a peaceful convoy, Israel sends armed and hooded soldiers to kidnap our comradesestimates Ghazali, regional ambassador for Global Sumud, the organization which coordinates the flotilla. Today, at least 22 ships have been boarded by Israel despite all international laws. Among the 487 people who left to reach Gaza, there are 41 French nationals whom our government chooses today to ignore. We gather this evening to raise the voice of solidarity and finally demand action from European leaders, who continue to call for human rights.“
Face à “government inaction“, these gatherings are “a responsibility“, estimates a member of France Palestine Solidarity.”There are hundreds of us tonight but there should be tens of thousands in the streetsshe urges into the microphone. Because faced with the impunity of the State of Israel which continues colonization in the West Bank and its attacks in Lebanon, the voice of citizens has become the only means of warning and pressure.“
As a reminder, after months of preparation at Estaque, part of the flotilla’s first mission left Marseille on April 4 before also being intercepted by the Israeli army. “We will continue despite these failures. We will come back whatever the outcome of these actionsmartèle Pascal André, médecin à terre pour la Global sumud. For the lifting of the blockade and simple respect for international law. To denounce the economic cooperation treaties between Europe and Israel with disregard for human rights. And to continue to demand the right of return and self-determination of the Palestinian people.“
