You will be aware that the Israeli Navy has hijacked the international flotilla of ships which was attempting to deliver essential humanitarian aid to Gaza.  This attack outside of international waters this morning has resulted in fatalities estimated by the Israeli military itself as 10 and by news sources at possibly in excess of 20 with another large number injured. 

There are nearly 700 people on board the boats; ordinary civilians from around the world, and also including Members of Parliament from a number of nations, eminent writers, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and 40 British citizens. They have all undertaken this mission out of concern for the people of Gaza, who are now entering their fourth year under siege, without access to basic necessities. They posed no threat to Israel, and were completely unarmed.  The aid they were attempting to deliver included construction materials which would have helped the people of Gaza rebuild some of the homes destroyed by Israel in 2009; an occupation and massive death toll which provoked widespread anger in Coventry.

Those on board the boats face a serious threat - I call on you to end the UK Government's silence over Israel's aggressive actions against the flotilla, and intervene now to demand its safe passage to Gaza.  I believe your obligation must be towards a group of citizens peacefully attempting to deliver humanitarian aid, rather than to a country which has placed the whole population of Gaza effectively in a prison camp.

Working people throughout the world will be horrified by the events of this morning and will step up the campaigns to bring about an end to the inhuman treatment of the people of Gaza.  As a socialist I believe we need an immediate end to the siege and blockade that is taking place against Gaza by the Israeli Government, and support for the common interests of ordinary people on both sides of the divide as the basis for an end to the conflict forever.

Yours sincerely

Dave Nellist