Rights groups condemn flotilla attack in Gaza

“We call on the United States government, which has financially supported Israeli military interventions for many years, to take a categorical position on this attack, and accept its own culpability in these events."
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by Our correspondent in Hong Kong

(June 01, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka Guardian) Israeli military’s violent assault on a flotilla bringing ten tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza has sparked an international outcry. Street protests have been instigated around the world, with government officials and civilians alike calling for the Israeli government to be held accountable for its brutal actions which took place in international waters.

The flotilla sent by the Free Gaza Movement, was attempting to break the three-year blockade set up by Israel when Hamas won Palestinian parliamentary elections in 2006 and took control of Gaza. At the last count, it is said that ten people were killed, 30 wounded, and 16 arrested by the Israeli army.

The Asian Human Rights Commission and a few other regional human rights organizations based in Hong Kong, strongly condemn this brutal attack, and called for the Israeli government to be held accountable for their actions by an impartial, international criminal tribunal. “We call on the United States government, which has financially supported Israeli military interventions for many years, to take a categorical position on this attack, and accept its own culpability in these events. We call on governments around the world to denounce these events and support the upliftment of the Palestinian people,” senior officials of the organizations said while addressing a demonstration held in Hong Kong today(June 01).