Salma Yaqoob

This murderous attack by the Israeli government on an aid convoy sailing in international waters is an act of state sponsored terrorism. It is also an attack on the entire international community. Over 700 people from 40 countries, 28 of whom are British, are taking part in the convoy.

Israel acts with such shameless contempt of world opinion because it feels it is above international sanction. And for far too long it has been. This situation must change. The British government must express its outrage at the attack on its citizens and the aid convey in the strongest terms. The British Ambassador should be withdrawn from Israel and the Israeli Ambassador asked to leave Britain. Support should be given to the Palestinian call for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Effective International sanctions must now applied. The world must unite to send the strongest message to that such acts of terrorism will not be tolerated. And the International Palestinian solidarity movement must send the strongest message we will redouble our efforts to break Israel’s brutal siege of Gaza.

I know today is a Bank Holiday, and that many people will be planning to spend it with their friends and families. I urge you to change those plans and join me in attending the Emergency Protest at 2pm today outside Downing Street in London.

My thoughts and prayers are with familes of those killed and injured and with all those on the convoy whose lives are still endangered.