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British Muslims for Democracy (bmsd) strongly condemns the Israeli Government's decision to deploy naval commandos on the humanitarian flotilla

03/06/2010

British Muslims for Democracy (bmsd) strongly condemns the Israeli Government's decision to deploy naval commandos on the humanitarian flotilla heading for Gaza, which carried 10,000 tonnes of aid.  Armed with guns, stun grenades and tear gas, the commandos killed at least ten civilians during the night-time attack, which took place in international waters.  On board the vessels were 679 activists from different countries, including 34 British nationals.  As of 3rd June 2010, the whereabouts of all the British passengers have been accounted for.

bmsd calls for an independent inquiry into the attack and the circumstances leading up to it.  While Israel claims to deliver regular aid to Gaza, international aid agencies and human rights organisations state that these provisions are woefully inadequate, with only 25% of the necessary aid being allowed through.  Amnesty International's 2010 report, "The State of the World's Human Rights," states: "Mass unemployment, extreme poverty, food insecurity and food price rises caused by shortages left four out of five Gazans dependent on humanitarian aid.  The scope of the blockade and statements made by Israeli officials about its purpose showed that it was being imposed as a form of collective punishment of Gazans, a flagrant violation of international law."

Dr Shaaz Mahboob, Vice-Chair of bmsd said, "While all states have the right to defend themselves from terrorism, disproportionate actions such as this only play into the hands of extremist movements across the world.  We must send out a clear message that no state should be able to flout international law and human rights standards with impunity.  It is vital for friends and families of the victims to feel that they have sufficient redress.  Justice must be done - and be seen to be done - to prevent further erosions of the rule of law."

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Notes to the editors:  

  1. bmsd is made up of a group of Muslim democrats of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds, who support a clear separation between religion and the State.  
  2. bmsd’s mission statement:   “To promote civic engagement, social inclusion, responsible citizenship and good governance particularly within constituent Muslim communities of Britain; in order to build an understanding of the shared values between all citizens to enable them to live in an inclusive, pluralist, secular and confident Britain.”   
  3. bmsd claims no mandate or false representative status. Our primary concern is democratic engagement not detailed theological analysis or debate. The level and depth of commitment to the doctrinal core and orthodoxy of the faith varies among Muslims as much as it does in members of other faith groups. bmsd founders wish to create a platform for alternative, diverse Muslim views, essential for a progressive, multi-layered, democratic identity that is not in conflict with itself or fellow citizens.  
  4. For details please visit http://www.bmsd.org.uk  
  5. For any further queries, please contact:  Dr Shaaz Mahboob on  shaaz@bmsd.org.uk or 07961365751 or Tehmina Kazi on 0207 631 4175