Mary Maguire Speaks from Israeli Jail
Aljazeera English reports on the activists abducted by Israel as they attempted to deliver food and other civilian aid to Gaza, which is under a debilitating blockade by Israel.
This site explains the dire character of the Palestinians' straits.
A reader asked what would happen if someone tried to get food aid to Cuba. That person unwittingly underlined how extreme Israel's policies are, since Russia and others. routinely ship food aid to Cuba despite the US embargo.
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posted by Juan Cole @ 7/05/2009 04:17:00 AM
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7 Comments:
It is sad that our President takes issue with the Iran elections but not, even on the FOUR OF JULY, he denounced Israel the attack on our sovereignty by illegally detaining our citizens.
There is no U.S embargo of Cuba, I was unaware that Cuba was blockaded,and as far as I know Cuba is not at war with the U.S unlike Gaza is with Israel, and also Israel does not stop food aid via the normal channels,these people are just attention seekers.
Why doesn't anyone protest Egypt's blockade of their Gaza border. Maybe it is not PC to protest against a Muslim state.
Steve, Gaza is not at war with Israel, Israel is at war with Gaza. Ever since Hamas was elected in free and fair democratic elections, Israel has been at war with Gaza because they dont like the people having selfdetermination, unless, ofcourse, its that lapdog in that other ghetto. Moreover, Israel only allows a certain number of food and medicine in, so if you want to eat something thats not in the approved list, you have to give up something else to get what you want, if you can get it. Hence the desperately needed smuggling tunnels and actions like the ones by these brave men and women on this boat.
Steve,
In point of fact the US DOES embargo Cuba. It is codified into US law in the 1996 Helms-Burton act. US citizens are restricted from giving either public or private assistance to the 'regime' in Havana.
On the other hand the US is not CURRENTLY blockading Cuba. A blockade is generally considered to be a 'Casus Belli' - an Act of War.
Curiously enough, Israel does allow some quantities of food and other humanitarian aid into Gaza. Along with supplying most of its' energy and water, etc. etc.
All in all a very strange way to make war; if that is, in fact, the intentions of the Israeli government.
Most if not all shipments to Cuba are not aid, the Cubans pay for them.
I doubt Israel would attack a Russian flag vessel.
I find it interesting how easily it is accepted that the US government can dictate your behavior in a foreign country.
The advantage of non-violent direct action such as that exemplified by the "Free Gaza 21" , is that in the end there is no way to oppose it.
The internationals on the SPIRIT, sailing in international waters did not seek confrontation with the Israeli Navy. They simply wanted to reach Gaza, to break the illegal siege, and to deliver desperately needed humanitarian and reconstruction supplies.
Israel's over-reaction to the SPIRIT's mission has helped to raise awareness of the Gaza crisis all over the world. Over 40,000 news stories, essays, blog entries, action alerts, and radio and television segments have been done on this incident. This incident has also exposed the gross injustice imposed upon Palestinians each and every day. The ordeal of 21 internationals pales in comparison to the 11,000 Palestinian political prisoners held in Israeli prisons. The seizure of the small cargo of 3 tons of medical aid and reconstruction kits is insignificant in light of the $4 billion of aid promised to Gaza - aid that has not and will not be delivered because of the Israeli blockade.
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