Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has called for the immediate release of volunteers from Handala aid ship that were abducted by Israeli soldiers.
Speaking after a press conference in London, the Dublin MEP said:
“Volunteers from the aid ship Handala but be immediately released by Israel.
“The Handala was part of the ‘Freedom Flotilla Coalition’, and was attempting to provide some relief to the thousands of Palestinian men, women and children facing imminent death from starvation.
“This is the latest ship that Israel has blocked from delivering aid to Gaza, resorting to acts of piracy and drone strikes in international waters to block the others.
“These actions show clearly that despite some headlines of Israel allowing aid into Gaza, their intention is clearly to use starvation to help their end goal of ethnically cleansing Palestine.
“However, more and more people are recognising Israels actions for what they are, and are taking actions – even while their governments choose to stand idly by.
“Israel will never stop Palestinian solidarity, and more boats will follow until the blockade is lifted and aid can truly flow freely into Gaza.
“Israel’s actions are those of a rogue state, and they must be treated as such.
“If Ireland were to pass The Occupied Territories Bill, with other countries taking similar steps, including France looking set to recognise the state of Palestine, it would begin to build momentum towards forcing real action.
“If institutions like the EU are content to sit on their hands, then member states can and must take unilateral action themselves.
“Not only to comply with international law, but to do the right thing in the face of this genocide.”
