PROTECT THE FREEDOM FLOTILLA FROM ISRAEL'S VIOLENCE ON AID WORKERS

People from all around the world, including Americans, are setting sail to Gaza to bring 5000 tons of humanitarian aid and break Israel's illegal naval blockade. These people are the best of humanity - they know they are risking their lives but are willing to do so to try and stop the people in Gaza from being starved to death and deprived the basic necessities of life. I am deeply concerned about their safety from Israeli violence. Prior attempts to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza via sea have been met with disturbing violence. One of the most cited incidents, from 2010, 9 aid workers were murdered in international waters by Israel forces. At the time a UN report found that the manner of death for at least 6 were consistent with extra-judicial executions - i.e. a gross violation of human rights. In the attempts prior to 2010 and after, humanitarian workers were met with similar violence. In 2018 the ships were illegally seized and boarded by Israeli forces. All aid workers were abducted and taken to Israel without their consent, beaten, detained without cause, and eventually allowed to go home. The Gaza Freedom Flotilla of 2024 cannot be allowed to be met with a similar fate. I am pleading you to do everything in your power to ensure the safe passage of these brave humanitarian aid workers. I demand that you:  – Hold Israel accountable for a permanent, immediate ceasefire, their violations of the Genocide Convention, and gross human rights violations by any means necessary – Call for the immediate end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid and support Palestinians in their fight for freedom and peace – Secure the immediate release and safety of all Palestinians who have been abducted and held captive by Israel, including those whose indefinite detention began prior to 10/7 – Permanently end all monetary, diplomatic, and military aid given to Israel and enforce Leahy Law – Reallocate all funds given to Israel and commit additional resources for ongoing humanitarian relief for Palestinians starting with immediately resuming funding of UNRWA – Immediately withdraw all U.S. troops, military assets, and all other assets deployed throughout the Middle East and cease all actions that further escalate a larger regional conflict – Pass legislation that voids all anti-BDS laws at the federal level – Vote no on H.R. 7521 and any similar legislation proposed