In a few days I will be the only Brazilian to embark on a ship which is part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. A recent decision by the Israeli government to deny internationally renowned scholar, Noam Chomsky, entrance into the occupied Palestinian territories, suggests that we will also be denied entry. However, we will set out with the intention of delivering food, water, medical supplies and building materials for the Gaza communities. Normally I would consider a goodwill mission like this one completely harmless. But now we face a crisis which affects the citizens of Palestine, created by international politics. It is the result of Israel’s attitude to besiege Gaza in clear defiance of international law. Although President Lula has taken steps to promote peace in the Middle East, civil action is necessary to influence the people about the serious abuse of human rights in Gaza.
The siege of the Gaza strip by the Israeli government originates in 2005, and has been rigorously maintained since an Israeli military offensive in 2008-09, which left more than 1,400 dead and 14,000 homes destroyed. Israel argues that its intensified military actions occurred in response to the rocket fire ordered by the Hamas government whose legitimacy it does not recognize. However, according to international human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch, the Israeli military reaction has been very disproportionate.
The siege does nothing to target Palestinian militants, but instead infringes international standards by condemning all for the actions of a few. A report published by Amnesty International, Oxfam, Save the Children and CARE reported, “The humanitarian crises (in Gaza) is a direct result of the ongoing punishment of innocent men, women and children, which is illegal under international law.”
As a result of the siege, civilians in Gaza, including children and other innocent bystanders who are caught in the middle of this conflict, do not have clean water to drink since the authorities cannot repair treatment plants destroyed by the Israelis. Air attacks that damaged basic civilian infrastructures, along with a reduction in imports have left the Gaza population without food and medicine which they need to lead healthy lives.
Those of us who embark on this journey are of course concerned about our own safety. In the past, some boats attempting to bring supplies to Gaza were violently harassed by Israeli forces. On December 30th of 2008, the ship Dignity was carrying voluntary surgeons and three tones of medical supplies, when it was attacked without notice by an Israeli ship three times approximately 90 miles from the Gaza coast. Passengers and crew members were terrified while their ship filled up with water and Israeli troops threatened to open fire.
However, I am involved because I believe that non-violent actions that attract attention to the blockade are essential to explain to the public what is really happening. There is simply no justification for preventing humanitarian aid cargo from reaching people in crisis.
With the departure of our ships, Senator Eduardo Matarazzo Suplicy sent a Palestinian letter of support to the Israeli government. “I consider myself a friend of Israel and a Jewish sympathizer,” he wrote, adding: “I hereby express, along with the Senate, my sympathy for this completely peaceful movement…The eight ships from the Free Gaza Movement, will take food, clothing, building materials and the solidarity of the people of various nations, so that the Palestinians can rebuild their homes and create a new future, fair and united.”
Following this example, civil servants and other civilians should demand that humanitarian channels to Gaza be opened, that people receive food and medical supplies, and that Israel makes a bigger effort to protect the innocent. While I am motivated to the point of joining the humanitarian trip, I recognize that many are not able to do the same. Fortunately, it is possible to collaborate without going on board a ship. All we simply have to do is raise our voices in protest against this shameful violation of human rights.
Translation by: Alexander Alva