ISRAEL ATTACKS FREEDOM FLOTILLA

The shocking news of the assault by Israeli Navy commandos on the Gaza flotilla has swept across the world, bringing the violent and complex conflict that is Israel and Palestine to the forefront of the global media. The flotilla was in international waters approaching the Gaza Strip, which has been blockaded by Israel for the last three years. The six ships of the freedom flotilla were carrying aid supplies and a multinational collective of people who oppose the conflict centred around Gaza. Reports state there are at least nine dead and many more wounded following the unprovoked attack. Of the 800 people on board the flotilla, those that are not still hospitalised have been deported.

A number of demonstrations were held across the UK on Monday (31st) as thousands voiced their anger at the appalling wreckage that have left most confounded. In London 2,000 people marched on the Israeli embassy. Brighton saw about 150 people march purposefully through the city centre after gathering to hear speakers at the war memorial. More protests and actions will follow in the coming week.

Although, Michael Oren, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, has admitted that in planning their assault the Marmara, the Israeli government had concluded that the ship was "too large to stop with non-violent means", Israel has claimed that the event was a defensive reaction after the Israeli troops were attacked or as Haaretz (Israel's oldest daily newsletter) put it "Gaza flotilla activists tried to lynch us". Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret, well if that doesn't cover all bases maybe a bunch of flowers will make up for the whole thing.

There will be an emergency national demonstration in London on Saturday 5^th June, meeting at 1.30pm at Downing Street and marching to the Israeli embassy.

*See www.freegaza.org