6, June 2010 Israel’s
Piracy
The brutal actions by Israel’s navy boarding the Freedom Flotilla was
the latest chapter in Israel’s ongoing efforts to deny the Palestinians of Gaza
adequate supplies of food, water and other essential provisions. Israel’s massive spin operation to justify
its piracy was an abject failure. The facts are clear – six ships carrying
10,000 tons of building materials, food, medical supplies and stationary for
schools were confiscated by the Israeli navy. No firearms were found which
speaks volumes of Israel’s alleged reasons for raiding the ships. All cameras,
cell phones and other recording equipment were seized to prevent the world from
witnessing details of Israel’s horrific actions. Live ammunition was used which
resulted in a cold-blooded massacre of peace activists. Edward Peck, a former US ambassador who was on one of the ships, accused
Israel of unnecessary brutality and mendaciousness.
Israel’s blockade restricting food, fuel and
medical supplies to the Gaza Strip constitutes a form of collective punishment
and is strictly forbidden by international law. We are paying a heavy price for
coddling to Israel. Even General CENTCOM commander General David
Petraeus, was highly critical of our unconditional support to Israel, stating
“our actions are jeopardizing US standing in the region and eroding American
security.” The head of Israel’s foreign intelligence service, Mossad, commented
that “America has begun to see Israel as a burden rather than an asset.”
It is time to jettison this burden which reeks of the repulsive
policies of apartheid South Africa.
