Posted: Wednesday, 2 June 2010

The Canadian Labour Congress wrote to Prime Minister Harper on June 2, 2010 to express deep concern regarding the attack on a humanitarian convoy bound for Gaza and insists the Canadian government must call on the Israeli government to conduct an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation into this action and ensure that those responsible for violations of international law be brought to justice.

Here is the letter sent:

Dear Prime Minister Harper,

On behalf of the more than 3 million members of the Canadian Labour Congress, I am writing to express our shock and concern regarding the disturbing attack, in international waters, by Israeli military forces against a humanitarian convoy bound for Gaza.

We strongly urge you, Prime Minister, to condemn this outrageous attack in which 10 human rights activists were killed and many more injured. This flotilla of ships was carrying humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza who have been living in inhumane conditions, without access to basic necessities, since the blockade was imposed in
June 2007.

The military's response to this relief mission was excessive and unjustifiable. The Canadian government must call on the Israeli government to conduct an immediate, transparent and impartial investigation into this action and ensure that those responsible for violations of international law be brought to justice.

We ask to know the fate of the Canadians who have been arrested as well as the fate of those on board the vessels. We seek assurance that Israel allow this much-needed aid to reach its destination.

The Canadian Labour Congress further repeats its call for an end to the blockade of Gaza, to help bring an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis there.

Sincerely,

Kenneth V. Georgetti