Lift the blockade now! – End the siege of Gaza

The Israeli government cynically disclaims responsibility. But we do not need a ‘commission of inquiry’ to understand that the responsibility for the killing of protestors lies on the shoulders of senior [ministers/officers]. While there is a media blackout on the details, the press tells us that soldiers were attacked in one of the ships with various ‘objects’. But the IDF soldiers did not have to be there. In reality, the army is used to… trample the right to protest.

Ministers, their generals and their kept journalists, are trying to divert attention from the policy of aggression by the destructive, oppressive government of Bibi – Barak – Lieberman, including the siege and occupation of Gaza itself, as well as the wild and racist incitements against the Arab – Palestinian people in Israel. The government of Israel, a warmongering government, which suppresses the Palestinians, also damages the long-term interests of the residents of Israel.

The Socialist Struggle Movement supports the expansion of the socialist struggle and [will participate in / calls for participation in] the protest demonstrations to be held tonight at in Tel – Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa.

We urge you to share with us, Jews and Arabs, [the following protests/chants]:

To protest is not ‘terrorism’ – end the siege [of Gaza]Security is not built on demonstrators’ bodies
The racist government – [is the] security threat
[The actions of the Israeli state does] not [make us] ‘safe’; it’s a disaster – the [Israeli] government lies…
Generals and ministers – Stop the killing of demonstrators
End the use of soldiers against civilians
No cover-up…
Jews – refuse to be enemies [of the Palestinians]Invest in education – not siege and occupation
Yes to rehabilitation [of public services for all] [and] medicine – no more wars
End the siege / dismantle settlements / overthrow the ‘wall’ / end separation / smash racism
End the occupation

An IDF officer is reported in this morning’s Jerusalem Post describing how IDF paratroopers landing by helicopter on the ships in international waters were “ambushed” by aid workers “armed” with whatever was at hand! I am already aware that language has lost all meaning to the Israeli authorities having received some e-mails myself from the Israeli Embassy in Dublin late last week defending their position when I making representations to them in anticipation of the attacks on the aid flotilla.

The Israeli government and the IDF commanders order these atrocities safe in the knowledge that their allies in the West will leave them unchallenged. Indeed, by welcoming Israel into the OECD last week, the Israeli political establishment can now label itself as part of the “advanced” West.

I condemn this attack and demand that that MV Rachael Corrie, which left Dundalk harbour this weekend carrying aid for Gaza, be allowed to make its journey without harassment. I call on people to attend the demonstration today at 6pm in O’Connell Street in solidarity with these activists and the people of Gaza.

While the Israeli government claims to be acting in the interests of the Israeli population, it uses methods, like the permanent blockade of Gaza, that are reminiscent of the collective punishment imposed in the past on Jews in the old ghettos of Europe. This Israeli government does not defend the real, long-term interests of Israeli citizens and oppresses the Palestinians.

Only a joint movement of ordinary Palestinians and Israeli Jews against the Israeli capitalist state can prevent further atrocities and secure democratic rights for all.