Flotilla Fact Check

Flouting international demands for an independent investigation of its deadly attack on a humanitarian aid flotilla in international waters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formed an internal commission composed of three Israelis and two, non-voting international observers. Netanyahu has promised that the "Gaza flotilla probe will show the world Israel acted lawfully." Skepticism is heightened by the way in which Israel handled evidence of the incident and by what many see as its misinformation campaign designed to discredit the flotilla's humanitarian aid workers. A Flotilla Fact Check is helpful...

A Pattern of Abuse Against American Citizens

On May 31st, the Israeli navy deployed in international water to overtake a flotilla of ships headed to Gaza with humanitarian aid. The result of the attack was at least 9 deaths and dozens of injuries. Among the passengers of the flotilla were Americans, 1 killed and at least 2 injured. The incident has been described as a bungled effort, others note it as a rare exhibition of aggression by Israel against foreigners, especially Americans. However over the past 8 years alone, Israel has killed and/or severely injured a number of American citizens. Enclosed are 6 such examples.

Legal Background: Israel's Siege of Gaza & Attacks on the Aid Flotilla

Israel exercises "effective control" over Gaza and as such remains an occupying power. Under international law Israel's blockade of Gaza is illegal. Its attack on the humanitarian aid flotilla - meant to enforce an illegal blockade - is illegal as well.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Behind Israel's "Gourmet Gaza" Claims

Israel's attacks on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip which left at least 14 civilians dead and dozens more wounded have sparked massive international protests, harsh condemnation from world governments and an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council. What led hundreds of civilians from dozens of countries - including former U.S. diplomats and military personnel and 19 European legislators - to risk their lives on the high seas?

Who Attacked Whom? Eyewitness Accounts from the Mavi Marmara

In the days since their deadly assault on a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip, Israeli officials have repeatedly asserted that the humanitarian aid workers aboard the vessel were responsible for their own deaths and that Israeli Navy soldiers acted in self-defense.

The MV Rachel Corrie's Humanitarian Cargo: Another "generous offer" from Israel?

On the morning of June 5, the MV Rachel Corrie, a 1,200-ton cargo ship named after the young American woman who was crushed to death in Gaza in 2003 by an Israeli bulldozer, was illegally seized by the Israeli Navy and taken against the crew's will to the Israeli port city of Ashdod. Part of the multinational nonviolent humanitarian effort known as the Freedom Flotilla, the Rachel Corrie carried more than 1,000 tons of medical and construction supplies to besieged Gaza.

Who Was Rachel Corrie?

On 16 March 2003 in Rafah, occupied Gaza, 23-year-old American peace activist Rachel Corrie from Olympia, Washington, was murdered by an Israeli bulldozer driver. Rachel was in Gaza opposing the bulldozing of a Palestinian home as a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement.