Israel

I can just imagine Mahmoud Abbas giving his colleagues a high five right now and Israeli President and foreign minister punching holes in the walls right now over this HORRENDOUSLY undiplomatic, stupid strategic move. I've sensed faltering support for Israel here in Europe over the past few months, and have always felt people have been afraid to speak out against them. This is especially true considering I grew up in an extremely pro-Israel area in Florida. However, they have finally caught enough international attention and have had even the likes of Germany condemn their overly hostile (and illegal) actions. There was no reason for attacking, let alone killing, the humanitarian workers on the flotilla.

Furthermore, I am happy that this story has led people asking important questions like: why was it necessary for aid to be brought into Gaza this way in the first place?, Who are the people living in Gaza and why are they treated like untouchables because of tensions between Hamas and the Israeli government?, & perhaps most importantly ....why has Israel, and Israel's supporters (namely the U.S., U.K. and EU) let them go on and be the exception to the rule in the Middle East for this long? A crime is a crime is a crime!

Any country that wants to be respected within the realm of this elite club, this 'new world order', that runs the show should at least try to act with restraint and uphold their international obligations. I am not singling out Israel because I am aware that European and American countries have, in the past, not acted in accordance with international law (namely the Iraq and Afghan invasions), but Israel has been using extreme force and acted out of line too many times for it to be justified anymore. They have shot themselves in the foot this time and I can't see them coming back. Protesters lobbying support for Palestine and condemning the actions of the Israeli government and military have been labeled pro-terrorists and the media (especially in America) have always reported such gatherings and individuals in a dim light. Obviously this event has sparked global outrage and could be the catalyst for change in the Middle East. An Irish boat is en-route to Gaza with humanitarian supplies. and the taoiseach warned Israel that if any harm comes toward the boat, which contains eight Irish nationals, it will have "serious consequences." This is interesting because Israel has been defending its right to use violence on the first boat vehemently and made it clear in earlier days that it will stop all aid coming into Gaza.

For a different perspective on this story, visit http://us.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/06/01/frum.gaza.flotilla.israel/index.html

Fabulous debate on MSNBC featuring Glenn Greenwald. This man puts it into perspective and is a rare treat in the U.S. because of the constant pro-Israeli attitude in the media and government ... "the entire world outside of the United States is condemning Israel's actions"

A student from my university was onboard the flotilla and is currently being held captive in Israel. The local newspaper in Nottingham reported on the story and the comments left by readers are incredibly ignorant and difficult to digest. The student has a foreign name and suggestions that he is not British due to his name, that the story should not have been reported because it is not truly 'local' news (even though it affects a local person), and that he should have been in Uni studying rather then onboard the ship. We get educated by doing, not just reading and what a great opportunity to stand up for human rights and be a part of something great. If you ask me, that is far more important then studying for exams. Read more here: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/news/Nottingham-student-ship-stormed-Israeli-troops/article-2263309-detail/article.html

In other news, Germany won Eurovision and they weren't even that good. Also, this is the first time I have ever heard the word 'flotilla' .... I keep reading it as 'tortilla' ... hahaha