MOSSARAT QADEEM, PAKISTAN: Reactions to the Israeli attack on the flotilla.

It is with great distress that SAVE sisters from Pakistan received the news that the Israeli naval forces stormed a Gaza-bound vessel carrying humanitarian aid in international waters before dawn on Monday, killing at least 20 civilians and injuring many more. “Very few times in history has a flotilla delivering humanitarian goods been welcomed by military war ships.”

We condemn the assault and killing of innocent people who were attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, who have been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007. We further condemn the flagrant violation of international law by Israel in attacking and boarding a humanitarian convoy in international waters. We pray for all those who are affected by the attack, especially the bereaved families.

We urge the government of Israel to repatriate those detained by the Israeli army. We call for an immediate release of the impounded ships, and an end to the economic blockade of Gaza. It is our considered opinion that the legitimate humanitarian needs of the people of Gaza be met in accordance with international humanitarian law. We further call the UN Security Council to mandate a full investigation into the assault unlike that of December 2008.

The deplorable events which occurred on Monday off the coast of Gaza remind us yet again of the pressing need for an end to the Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories. SAVE Sisters from Pakistan reiterates its commitment to work for just and lasting peace in the world along with other SAVE sisters.


Check out this site, find the Israeli embassy nearest you and let them know how you feel.

May our voices for Peace get strengthened with every passing day.

Mossarat Qadeem and SAVE Sisters from Pakistan


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Mossarat Qadeem, SAVE Pakistan
Executive Director of the Paiman Trust, Ashoka Fellow