This is a brief background and talking points on the Embargo. For more information, see here.
- The people of Gaza-some 1.5 million of them-continue to live under the most extreme economic blockade of the 21st Century, which was imposed on them by the State of Israel, with the collusion of Egypt. Building supplies, water and electrical infrastructure materials, pharmaceuticals and health care items like wheelchairs, and even pasta, are included in the items prevented from transport into the territory.
- Under the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, to which Israel is a signatory, it is explicitly forbidden by the occupying or controlling power in an occupied territory, to (1) apply collective punishment on a civilian population in retaliation for a military attack, and (2) take actions that jeopardize the health of a population of people under occupation.
- While Israel claims to have evacuated the territory of Gaza, they still maintain effective control over Gaza airspace, and access by land and sea to the territory.
- The interception by Israel of the Gaza humanitarian ships on May 31st, 2010, was done in international territory.
- Under the terms of the Law of the Sea and other international covenants, this act constitutes an act of piracy.
- The flotilla bound for Gaza was carrying non-lethal building and relief supplies. No weapons were aboard the ships, and the vessels had been inspected by flotilla organizers before they left from their various ports of departure.
- Numerous international leaders, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Pope Benedict XVI, and many others, have characterized the human living conditions in Gaza as “deplorable”.
- On Tuesday, June 1, the European Union called for an end to the economic blockade of Gaza
- Nations around the world have condemned the May 31st attack and call for ending the embargo yet our government remains silent concerning this grave matter. As taxpayers and citizens, this is not acceptable.
- A substantial majority of the people of Gaza live below established international poverty norms, and more than 70% of the population relies on international aid and food assistance for subsistence.
- The availability of clean drinking water and electricity in Gaza is precarious, due to the embargo of infrastructure repair equipment from entry into the country.
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