Two days ago, Israeli forces violently raided the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) in international waters, and kidnapped unarmed activists at gunpoint, including at least two Canadians.
The attack took place in international waters near the Greek island of Crete, more than 1,000 kilometers from Gaza. Israeli forces deployed warships, military drones, and speedboats full of heavily armed commandos who boarded vessels, forced activists to their knees at gunpoint, smashed engines, destroyed navigation systems, and jammed communications.
The GSF is a fleet of over 70 boats carrying more than 1,000 unarmed peace activists and humanitarian workers from dozens of countries, sailing toward Gaza to break Israel’s illegal blockade and deliver aid to the population, who are being deliberately starved by Israel.
This is an act of piracy, a major violation of international law. Shamefully, Canada still has failed to condemn this attack, or to speak out in support of the two Canadians being held by a foreign military.
Israel’s siege on Gaza is genocidal, and CJPME stands in solidarity with the GSF who are trying to break it. Canada has an obligation to intervene to demand the release of Canadian flotilla participants and ensure the safe passage of the humanitarian mission to Gaza.
Click here to find updates and action items from the Global Sumud Canada page.