Gaza

 

 

Paul Murphy MEP condemns Israeli threats of violence

 

Irish MEP to take part in Gaza Flotilla

  

Dublin’s Socialist MEP, Paul Murphy, who is due to take part in the Gaza Flotilla later this week, said he was shocked at comments made by Israeli Defence Forces this week, that activists could expect the same treatment meted out to participants in last year’s flotilla, where nine people were killed.

 

A top Israeli military official speaking to foreign journalists last week said, “we will do anything we have to do to prevent a boat from breaking the blockade. If there is the same violence against our forces on board, there is a pretty good chance there will be injuries.”

 

Mr Murphy condemned the threat to activists who were motivated only by a desire to relieve the incredibly suffering of Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. “Once again, the Israeli military are given the latitude to threaten extreme violence against ordinary people, while representatives of the EU, UN and national governments urge flotilla participants to show restraint. This is essentially giving the Israeli military the green light to abuse international law and to exercise violence in maintaining their illegal blockade of Gaza.

 

Mr Murphy said the Israeli military had essentially rewritten history by concocting a story that there was violence against Israeli forces by flotilla participants last year. “The violence which took place during last year’s Gaza flotilla was entirely from the Israeli Special forces and was totally excessive. The Israeli military’s re-writing of history does not stand up before the facts. The shoot-to-kill op last year, saw the death of nine unarmed innocent activists by Israeli special forces. That is what happened and no amount of black propaganda will overturn those facts.

 

“I am calling on EU Foreign Affairs Chief, Catherine Ashton, to strongly condemn the threat of violence. Furthermore, I am calling on Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore to make clear what measures he is undertaking to ensure the safety of Irish citizens taking part in the flotilla.

 

ENDS

 

For further comment: Paul Murphy MEP - 086 1688050

 

NOTE: Paul Murphy MEP can be contacted during the journey on board the MV Saoirse and will be writing a daily blog throughout.

 

To arrange to contact Paul during the voyage, please contact Matt Waine on 087 6684616

 

 

 

[PMPress]