Message from General Secretary Betty Hunter
Even by the Israeli Governments own barbaric standards, the events of yesterday were some of the most shocking I have witnessed. The cold blooded and brutal attack on the flotilla of boats carrying vital medial equipment to the besieged people of Gaza was a shocking reminder of the lengths the Israeli Government will go to punish the people of Palestine and their supporters.
For us in the head office of PSC, the reality of Israel’s ceaseless campaign of attrition has been brought even closer to home with the news that our Director of Campaigns, Sarah Colborne is one the campaigners illegally being held hostage by the Israeli Government. I am sure I speak for all members and supporters when I say that our thoughts are with all those being held hostage and particularly with Sarah, her family and her friends.
Over the next week we will be producing a daily update to keep all our members informed of the latest activity. I hope that you find it helpful, and please if you have an event or activity in the next week, get in contact with the office and we will publicise it for you.
Best
Betty Hunter
General Secretary PSC
Emergency National Demonstration Saturday 5th June
The world has looked on aghast as more and more details emerge of the violent attack by the Israeli Government on the unarmed flotilla of boats carrying essential medical supplies to the besieged people of Gaza. Tens of people have been killed and scores more injured.
Those who survived the brutal attack have been illegally imprisoned, without access to legal representatives.
To show our outrage at the brutal and illegal actions of the Israeli Government, PSC along with CND, Stop the War, British Muslim Initiative, Friends of Al-Aqsa and Viva Palestina have called an emergency demonstration on Saturday 5th June.
The march will start from Downing Street at 1.30 pm and head to the Israeli Embassy in Kensington where there will be a rally.
We are asking all members and supporters to come to this demonstration and show the Israeli Government that the people of UK will not tolerate their brutality any longer.
Send a Letter to William Hague
William Hague's language on Israel's fatal attacks on the Freedom Flotilla is shifting.
Today he called for a 'full, impartial and independent' inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the assault.
For the British Foreign Office, these are strong words, but they are nowhere near enough.
We must keep up the pressure on William Hague and the Foreign Office.
We must keep sending emails and making demands that will bring Israel into line with universal jurisdiction.
Click on this link www.psc.iparl.com/lobby/49 to send an email to Mr Hague calling for Britain to cut ties with Israel until it abides by international law.
It's quick, easy and takes less than two minutes.
Thank you for using our e-tool to email the Foreign Office yesterday.
This is a new letter, and sending it will let the FO and William Hague know that we will not sit back quietly in the face of Israel's latest murderous aggression.
Central London Comes to Standstill
Central London came to a halt yesterday when thousands of supporters of PSC and Palestine converged on Whitehall to demonstrate against the illegal attack by the Israeli Government on the Gaza flotilla that was carrying life saving medical equipment to the besieged people of Gaza.
At 1.30 there were several hundred people outside the gates to Downing Street, by 2.00 the crowd had swelled to many thousands, forcing the police to close down access to Whitehall.
Following a series of speeches, the demonstrators unanimously decided to take their anger to the heart of the Israeli government in London, the embassy in Kensington.
Thousands of demonstrators converged on High Street Kensington, closing down one of the busiest roads in London.
The huge turnout at just a few hours notice was a brilliant expression of support for the people of Palestine and a clear demonstration that the people of the UK will not tolerate the barbaric and illegal aggression of the Israeli Government and their armed forces.
Trades Unions Condemn Israel’s Actions
The UK trade union movement has been quick to show its support for the people of Palestine and those travelling on the flotilla following Israel’s illegal attack on Mavi Marmara.
At its annual conference in Manchester, UNITE passed an emergency motion calling for an end to the illegal blockade of Gaza by the Israeli government.
PSC patron Bob Crow, General Secretary of the transport union the RMT, issued the following statement
“This horrific attack on innocent people doing nothing other than bringing humitarian relief to the Palestinians must be condemned globally and rather than the usual diplomatic warm words, it should galvanize international opposition to Israeli state terrorism.”
At its annual Conference, UCU also passed an emergency motion condemning the actions of the Israeli Government.
