The U.S.-backed Israeli military violently stormed and kidnapped the crew of the Freedom Flotilla Handala for bringing desperately needed food & medicine to Palestine.

 

Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids strongly condemns the Israeli military’s violent storming of the Freedom Flotilla Handala and the kidnapping of its crew of two journalists and 19 activists including Michigan's own Huwaida Arraf. 

The attack on the Handala and the abduction of its crew are clear violations of international law.

 

Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids calls on all federal, state, and local Michigan elected leaders to demand that the Trump administration:

 

1) Ensure the safety and free passage of the Handala, its crew, and its urgently needed humanitarian supplies into Gaza.

2) Stop sending US and Michigan tax dollars to Israel.

In addition, national and local governments, political leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens around the world must demand immediate flooding of food, medicine, fuel, water into Gaza to prevent further famine and deaths; an immediate end to all military and financial aid to Israel; and an end to the illegal occupation and bombing of Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria.

The US media must stop repeating Israeli and AIPAC lies about Israel’s rogue actions and start objectively reporting on its illegal blockade, starvation, ethnic cleansing, occupation, bombing, and collective punishment of innocent Palestinian children and civilians.

History will judge those who remained complicit or silent.

 

We are also echoing the call to action from @landpalestine to pressure U.S. officials to ensure the safety of the Freedom Flotilla Handala crew and the fulfillment of their mission.