Published: 3 June 2010
Statement
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is deeply shocked at the loss of life resulting from the assault on the ”Freedom Flotilla” on 31 May. The assault has reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least nine civilians, leaving dozens injured. The flotilla was carrying 700 activists from more than 30 countries and contained 10,000 metric tonnes of humanitarian aid bound for the Gaza Strip (Occupied Palestinian Territory), which continues to bear the brunt of an Israeli-imposed embargo. The Israeli government had repeatedly threatened to intercept the flotilla, led by the Free Gaza Movement, calling it a ”provocation”.
The Israeli embargo on the Gaza Strip is a humanitarian issue. As a result of the blockade, more than 1.5 million people remain trapped in Gaza, without means or permission to exit the strip: only medical emergencies are allowed on an ad-hoc basis. Besides the direct consequences for the quality of life, the impact on the psychosocial well-being of people is devastating and deteriorating.
We wish, with these words, to recall the urgency of the untenable humanitarian situation in the Gaza strip, the disastrous effects that the ongoing blockade is having on the people in Gaza and the need to grant a dignified life and immediate access to medical and social services for the people in Gaza.
The IFRC acknowledges and fully supports the leading role of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Israel and the Occupied Territories and works closely with its Movement partners to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable. This tragedy underlines the need for the entire Red Cross and Red Crescent global membership of 186 National Societies to support their fellow societies in the region, who are right now working to reduce the suffering in the Gaza Strip and to address the immediate consequences resulting from the attack on the “Freedom Flotilla”.
The IFRC will maintain its regular contacts with diplomatic and consular missions in the region and in Geneva as well as its frequent coordination with and support to National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies who are assisting with medical evacuations, medical treatment and related humanitarian activities. We take note of their courage, cooperation and hard work.
Tadateru Konoé,
President
Bekele Geleta,
Secretary General