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The Israeli military made a raid on a flotilla of humanitarian aid ships carrying supplies, food, and medicine bound for Gaza of the Palestine autonomous areas in international waters, resulting in many deaths and injuries. The Israeli attack on the civilian vessels on the high seas is absolutely unacceptable. Arab nations and many other counties are severely denouncing Israelfs behavior. The U.N. Security Council also issued a presidential statement condemning the use of force against the civilian convoy, causing the loss of life. The ships were transporting everyday goods, building materials, stationery, food, and medical products. Since 2007, Israel has sealed off Gaza to block relief goods from being taken in, making basic necessities hard to obtain for the Palestinians living there. The Gaza Strip is a densely populated area with a high poverty rate. The Israeli blockade has caused the people living there unbearable hardships. Thus, the United Nations as well as the international community in general consider the blockage to be a human-rights issue and have called on Israel to lift its blockade of the Palestinian-controlled areas. The attack against the civilian support organization clearly shows Israelfs position of ignoring the international calls. It is, however, necessary to force Israel to immediately remove its blockade against Gaza on humanitarian grounds based on international law. The establishment of a Palestinian independent state which endorses the peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians is the only option to begin to solve Middle East problems. The Israeli operation this time stands as a critical obstacle to the attempt at a U.S.-mediated peace process between the Palestinian Authority and Israeli government that was planned to be resumed. Israel should stop hindering the peace process and find a way to coexist with Palestinians. Only by doing so can Israel ensure its true security. |
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