Those great humanitarians speak out

I received this e-mail from UN Watch today. Is it not delightful to see Arab and Islamic Blocs to get so worked up about human rights that they forget the obvious fact that Israel no longer occupies Gaza? Oh, and what happened about the UN and that South Korean ship torpedoed by North Korea?

UN Watch BriefingNews and Analysis from UN Watch in Geneva

June 1, 2010

"Urgent Debate" at U.N. Human Rights Council

Arab & Islamic Blocs Prepare Resolution Condemning Israeli Reaction to High Seas Intifada

Geneva, June 1 -- the UN Human Rights Council is now holding an "Urgent debate" on the "raid on the Flotilla." For detailed, first-hand facts not mentioned by the UN, see TIP Sheet at bottom.

Below is the draft resolution submitted this morning by the Islamic and Arab blocs, co-sponsored with the Palestinian delegation. It calls for another “Goldstone Report”-style inquiry, to perpetuate and increase global political pressure on Israel. Because they enjoy an automatic majority from the council's non-democracies like China, Cuba, and Russia, the resolution is certain to pass. Changes might come if the EU pushes for it.

To date, the 47-nation council -- to which Qaddafi's Libyan dictatorship and slave-holding Mauritania were just elected -- has devoted 33 out of its 40 censure resolutions to Israel, as well as 6 out of its 9 special sessions dealing with countries. By contrast, well-publicized killings of innocent civilians this year in Iran, China, and Nigeria have been met with a yawn, indifference, and inaction.

Below that is the UN Security Council statement that was adopted early this morning in New York. Its tone is much less extreme, and includes moderate language, but one still ought to ask
Follow today's UNHRC debate live through our twitter feed at www.twitter.com/

(Ed. note: Typos below are from original text.)

Draft Resolution L.1
Submitted on 1 June 2010 at 10.01 am

By Pakistan (Organization of the Islmaic Conference), Sudan (Arab Group), and Palestine

Agenda Item 1

The Grave Attacks by Israeli Forces Against the Humanitarian Boat Convoy

Guided by the purposes and the principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as by the provisions of the Universal Declaration for Human Rights,

Taking into consideration the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention for the protection of civilian persons in times of war of 12 August 1949,

Emphasizing the importance of the safety and well-being of all civilians including humanitarian personnel,

Expressing grave concern also at the deepening humanitarian crisis in Occupied Gaza,

Emphasizing the need to ensure sustained and regular flow of goods and people into Occupied Gaza and welcoming the initiatives aimed at creating and opening humanitarian corridors and other mechanisms for the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid;

1. Condemns in the strongest terms possible the outrageous attack by the Israeli forces against the humanitarian flotilla of ships which resulted in the killing and injuring of many innocent civilians from different countries;

2. Deeply deplores the loss of life of innocent civilians and expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families;

3. Requests the ICRC to seek and provide information on the whereabouts status and condition of the detained and injured persons

4. Demands the Occupying Power Israel to immediately release all detained men and material and facilitate their safe return to their homelands.

5. Calls upon the Occupying power Israel to ensure the unimpeded provision of humanitarian assistance, including of food, fuel and medical treatment to the occupied Gaza strip;

6. Welcomes the statements of the Secretary General UN and the High Commissioner for Human Rights condemning the Israeli attacks and calls for the full accountability and credible independent inquiries into these attacks.

7. Decides to dispatch an independent international fact finding mission to investigate violations of international law resulting from the Israeli attacks on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian assistance.

8. Decides to remain seized of this matter.

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U.N. Security Council Statement on Gaza Flotilla

June 1, 2001

The Security Council deeply regrets the loss of life and injuries resulting from the use of force during the Israeli military operation in international waters against the convoy sailing to Gaza. The Council, in this context, condemns those acts which resulted in the loss of at least ten civilians and many wounded, and expresses its condolences to their families.

The Security Council requests the immediate release of the ships as well as the civilians held by Israel. The Council urges Israel to permit full consular access, to allow the countries concerned to retrieve their deceased and wounded immediately, and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance from the convoy to its destination.

The Security Council takes note of the statement of the UN Secretary-General on the need to have a full investigation into the matter and it calls for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation conforming to international standards.

The Security Council stresses that the situation in Gaza is not sustainable. The Council re-emphasizes the importance of the full implementation of Resolutions 1850 and 1860. In that context, it reiterates its grave concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and stresses the need for sustained and regular flow of goods and people to Gaza as well as unimpeded provision and distribution of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza.

The Security Council underscores that the only viable solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an agreement negotiated between the parties and re-emphasizes that only a two-State solution, with an independent and viable Palestinian State living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours, could bring peace to the region.

The Security Council expresses support for the proximity talks and voices concern that this incident took place while the proximity talks are underway and urges the parties to act with restraint, avoiding any unilateral and provocative actions, and all international partners to promote an atmosphere of cooperation between the parties and throughout the region.
(Source: Reuters)

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See Gaza Footage For Yourself
Source: The Israel Project TIP SheetMay 31, 2010



Close-Up Footage of Mavi Marmara Passengers Attacking IDF Soldiers Video footage from idfnadesk, the Israeli Defense Forces' YouTube Channel, May 31, 2010

Video taken by IDF naval boat shows the passengers of the Mavi Marmara, one of the ships in the 'Free Gaza' Flotilla, violently attacking IDF soldiers who were trying to board the ship after having sent repeated requests for the boat to change course. [more]

Videos of today's tragic incident off the coast of Israelhttp://www.theisraelproject.org/videos
TIP will continue to monitor the situation and upload new royalty-free footage to our video player as new content is available.

MEMRI TV Clips on the Gaza Flotilla: Activists On Board Chant Songs of Martyrdom at Departure

Gaza flotilla participants created war atmosphere before confronting Israel Participants chanted Islamic battle cry invoking killing of Jews and called for MartyrdomArticle by Itamar Marcus and Nan Jacques Zilberdik, May 31, 2010

On the day before the Gaza flotilla confronted the Israeli navy, Al-Jazeera TV documented the pre-battle atmosphere created by men on board the flotilla, who chanted a well-known Islamic battle cry invoking the killing and defeat of Jews in battle: "[Remember] Khaibar, Khaibar, oh Jews! The army of Muhammad will return!" [more]

Statement from Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Gabriella Shalev
The Security Council is convened this afternoon following the serious event that took place today early morning local time, when a convoy of six ships attempted to break the maritime blockage off the cost of Gaza. [ Read More ]

The Gaza flotilla and the maritime blockade of Gaza - Legal background Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 31, 2010 A maritime blockade is in effect off the coast of Gaza. It has been imposed, as Israel is currently in a state of armed conflict with the Hamas regime that controls Gaza. [more]

IDF coordinates the transfer of truckloads of humanitarian aid on a daily basis. Archive Photo: IDF Spokesperson

Behind the Headlines: The Israeli humanitarian lifeline to Gaza Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 25, 2010

Well over a million tons of humanitarian supplies entered Gaza from Israel over the last 18 months equaling nearly a ton of aid for every man, woman and child in Gaza. Millions of dollars worth of international food aid continually flows through the Israeli humanitarian apparatus, ensuring that there is no food shortage in Gaza. [more]


Protesters Attack with Guns and Knives, Israel Regrets 10 Dead Injured Evacuated to Israeli Hospitals TIP Press Release, May 31, 2010

Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said in a press conference on Monday (May 31) regarding the Turkish-led flotilla that:"The armada of hate and violence in support of Hamas terror organization was a premeditated and outrageous provocation." [more]

Group with Terrorist Ties Attempts to Deliver Supplies to Gaza, Refuses to Deliver Letter to Captive Israeli Soldier TIP Press Release, May 28, 2010

A flotilla of pro-Palestinian demonstrators with links to terrorist groups is en route to the Gaza Strip in defiance of Israeli government requests to deliver their shipment through legal channels. [more]


IDF forces met with pre-planned violence when attempting to board flotilla Previously, Israel Navy warned the flotilla that the Gaza region is closed to maritime traffic.May 31, 2010
Early this morning (31 May), IDF naval forces intercepted six ships attempting to break the naval blockade of the Gaza Strip. This happened after numerous warnings from Israel and the Israel Navy that were issued prior to the action. [more]


Weapons prepared on the Mavi Marmara Photo: IDF Spokesperson

Behind the Headlines: The seizure of the Gaza flotilla Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 31, 2010

Despite attacks by Hamas, Israel maintains an ongoing humanitarian corridor for the transfer of food and humanitarian supplies to Gaza, used by internationally recognized organizations including the United Nations and the Red Cross. [more]

IHH head Bülent Yildirim aboard the Mavi Marmara, holding a young child. He said children were brought along to prevent Israel from attacking the ships (IHH website, May 30 2010).

The Flotilla to the Gaza Strip – Update The Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC) Press ReleaseMay 30, 2010As of the afternoon of May 30, five ships were located near Cyprus and had not yet set sail for the Gaza Strip. The sixth boat, Challenger II, which belongs to the Free Gaza flotilla and carries 14 members of European parliaments, was expected to join the five ships between Cyprus and Gaza. [more]

Flotilla YouTube Videos from Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
IDF - Navy Warns Flotilla (31 May 2010)
MFA Spokesman on Gaza Flotilla - 24 May 2010

More Flotilla YouTube Videos:
True Human Rights Activists don't hug Vicious HR Violators Posted by user MHLE2010, May 27, 2010

Beating the Hell Out of Israeli Naval Commandos BBC Footage posted by user LetsFreeGaza, May 31, 2010

A brutal ambush at sea Article by Ron Ben-Yishai, May 31, 2010

Ron Ben Yishai recounts bloody clash aboard Gaza-bound vessel: The lacking crowd-dispersal means, the brutal violence of ‘peace activists,’ and the attempt to bring down an IDF helicopter. [more]

Source: The Israel Project TIP Sheet