18 nov 2015
South Africa issued, on Tuesday, an arrest warrant against four Israeli officials over their role in deadly attacks on pro-Palestinian international activists.
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Against the Israeli occupation in Africa said, in a statement: “South Africa’s Directorate of the Priority Crimes Investigation Unit has issued warrants of arrest against four Israeli commanders from the Israeli Navy and Israeli Defense Forces.”
According to Days of Palestine, the statement announced arrest warrants issued against former Israeli chief of staff Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi, former Navy commander Major General Eliezer Marom, former head of Military Intelligence Major General Amos Yadlin and former head of Air Force intelligence Brigadier General Avishay Levy.
“This decision,” African BDS said, “follows a four-year-long case involving a South African journalist, Gadija Davids, who was on board the Mavi Marmara when it was attacked by Israeli commandoes while in international waters in 2010.
“Davids laid her first complaint with the South African Police Services and South Africa’s National Prosecutions Authority in January 2011.
“In November 2012, South Africa’s Priority Crimes Litigation Unit, found that the case met the necessary jurisdictional requirements and that reasonable grounds exist to investigate the alleged crimes that were committed during the Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara.”
Arrest in Spain
Just days ago, a Spanish judge reopened a case that, theoretically, could lead to the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon, MK Benny Begin and several former top Israeli officials over their role in the same incident.
Three Spanish citizens aboard Mavi Marmara had originally filed a lawsuit against the Israeli occupation in 2010, but the court decided it no longer had the authority to prosecute foreign nationals for alleged crimes committed outside of Spain.
In recent days, Judge Jose de la Mata found a legal loophole that allowed him to relaunch the case against Netanyahu and the other Israelis if they entered Spanish territory.
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Against the Israeli occupation in Africa said, in a statement: “South Africa’s Directorate of the Priority Crimes Investigation Unit has issued warrants of arrest against four Israeli commanders from the Israeli Navy and Israeli Defense Forces.”
According to Days of Palestine, the statement announced arrest warrants issued against former Israeli chief of staff Lieutenant General Gabi Ashkenazi, former Navy commander Major General Eliezer Marom, former head of Military Intelligence Major General Amos Yadlin and former head of Air Force intelligence Brigadier General Avishay Levy.
“This decision,” African BDS said, “follows a four-year-long case involving a South African journalist, Gadija Davids, who was on board the Mavi Marmara when it was attacked by Israeli commandoes while in international waters in 2010.
“Davids laid her first complaint with the South African Police Services and South Africa’s National Prosecutions Authority in January 2011.
“In November 2012, South Africa’s Priority Crimes Litigation Unit, found that the case met the necessary jurisdictional requirements and that reasonable grounds exist to investigate the alleged crimes that were committed during the Israeli attack on the Mavi Marmara.”
Arrest in Spain
Just days ago, a Spanish judge reopened a case that, theoretically, could lead to the arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon, MK Benny Begin and several former top Israeli officials over their role in the same incident.
Three Spanish citizens aboard Mavi Marmara had originally filed a lawsuit against the Israeli occupation in 2010, but the court decided it no longer had the authority to prosecute foreign nationals for alleged crimes committed outside of Spain.
In recent days, Judge Jose de la Mata found a legal loophole that allowed him to relaunch the case against Netanyahu and the other Israelis if they entered Spanish territory.
16 nov 2015
The Santiago de Compostela City Council (capital of Spain's Galicia region) passed a motion declaring itself a space free of discrimination against the Palestinian people and in support of the BDS campaign on 10 November.
According to the Alternative Information Center (AIC), the BDS Galicia group reports that ruling electoral alliance in the City Hall, Compostela Aberta, and two of the groups in the opposition, the Socialist Party (PSdeG-PSOE) and the Galizan Nationalist Bloc (BNG) voted in favour, while the People’s Party (PP) abstained.
Such initiatives were set in motion in 2010 by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), which after the Israeli massacre in Gaza in 2008-09 started spreading this Apartheid Israel Free zone idea.
BDS Galicia provides us with the full text of the motion passed by Santiago City Council:
Emergency motion presented by the Compostela Aberta municipal group at the plenary meeting of the city council regarding the request for Santiago City Council to support the global BDS movement.
Concepción Fernández Fernández, councillor for Social Policy, Diversity and Healthcare, tabled the following emergency motion for approval at the city council plenary meeting:
In July 2005 a broad-based coalition of Palestinian groups launched the Global BDS Campaign (boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israeli settlements, apartheid and occupation) against Israel, urging “people of conscience around the world to impose broad boycotts and implement divestment initiatives against Israel” as a measure designed to help put an end to the increasingly bloody ethnic cleansing inflicted on the Palestinian people.
Trade unions, universities, grassroots organisations, consumer associations, pacifist movements, municipalities, artists, students and professionals from all walks of life and from all around the world have come together in a peaceful, citizen’s movement whose influence increases daily. This global movement has become the touchstone for solidarity with Palestine. It is a global movement that Galiza cannot afford not to be part of.
For these reasons, the Compostela Aberta municipal group tables to following motion before the plenary session of Santiago de Compostela City Council for its approval:
1.- To declare Santiago City Council as a space free from discrimination against the Palestinian people and supporting the BDS Campaign with the following aims:
– To end occupation and settlements in all of the Palestinian territories and to dismantle the wall;
-To recognise the basic rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens living in Israel to full equality;
-To recognise the right of the Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stated in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194;
2.- To refrain from collaborating with the State of Israel, its public bodies and its official representatives in the Spanish State and in any kind of agricultural, educational, trade, cultural or security projects;
3.- To spread awareness of the BDS Campaign and to support it in all areas (economy, culture, sports, academia and public institutions).
-- --
In related news, Turkish news site, Yenis Afak, recently reported that a Spanish court has found Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and six other senior officials guilty of crimes against humanity for their role in the 2010 raid on Gaza-bound aid ship, Mavi Marmara.
Nine activists were killed, including one Turkish-American, and dozens injured when Israeli commandos boarded the lead ship of a Gaza-bound flotilla, Mavi Marmara, when it attempted to breach the blockade of the Palestinian territory. Spanish activists were also on board the ships.
The Madrid-based Supreme Court has ordered arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ex-foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman, ex-defense minister Ehud Barak, then-deputy PMs Moshe Ya'alon and Eli Yishai, and then-state minister Benny Begin. Israel's ex-Navy Commander Eliezer Marom is among the co-defendants found guilty by the Spanish judge.
According to the Alternative Information Center (AIC), the BDS Galicia group reports that ruling electoral alliance in the City Hall, Compostela Aberta, and two of the groups in the opposition, the Socialist Party (PSdeG-PSOE) and the Galizan Nationalist Bloc (BNG) voted in favour, while the People’s Party (PP) abstained.
Such initiatives were set in motion in 2010 by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), which after the Israeli massacre in Gaza in 2008-09 started spreading this Apartheid Israel Free zone idea.
BDS Galicia provides us with the full text of the motion passed by Santiago City Council:
Emergency motion presented by the Compostela Aberta municipal group at the plenary meeting of the city council regarding the request for Santiago City Council to support the global BDS movement.
Concepción Fernández Fernández, councillor for Social Policy, Diversity and Healthcare, tabled the following emergency motion for approval at the city council plenary meeting:
In July 2005 a broad-based coalition of Palestinian groups launched the Global BDS Campaign (boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israeli settlements, apartheid and occupation) against Israel, urging “people of conscience around the world to impose broad boycotts and implement divestment initiatives against Israel” as a measure designed to help put an end to the increasingly bloody ethnic cleansing inflicted on the Palestinian people.
Trade unions, universities, grassroots organisations, consumer associations, pacifist movements, municipalities, artists, students and professionals from all walks of life and from all around the world have come together in a peaceful, citizen’s movement whose influence increases daily. This global movement has become the touchstone for solidarity with Palestine. It is a global movement that Galiza cannot afford not to be part of.
For these reasons, the Compostela Aberta municipal group tables to following motion before the plenary session of Santiago de Compostela City Council for its approval:
1.- To declare Santiago City Council as a space free from discrimination against the Palestinian people and supporting the BDS Campaign with the following aims:
– To end occupation and settlements in all of the Palestinian territories and to dismantle the wall;
-To recognise the basic rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens living in Israel to full equality;
-To recognise the right of the Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stated in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 194;
2.- To refrain from collaborating with the State of Israel, its public bodies and its official representatives in the Spanish State and in any kind of agricultural, educational, trade, cultural or security projects;
3.- To spread awareness of the BDS Campaign and to support it in all areas (economy, culture, sports, academia and public institutions).
-- --
In related news, Turkish news site, Yenis Afak, recently reported that a Spanish court has found Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and six other senior officials guilty of crimes against humanity for their role in the 2010 raid on Gaza-bound aid ship, Mavi Marmara.
Nine activists were killed, including one Turkish-American, and dozens injured when Israeli commandos boarded the lead ship of a Gaza-bound flotilla, Mavi Marmara, when it attempted to breach the blockade of the Palestinian territory. Spanish activists were also on board the ships.
The Madrid-based Supreme Court has ordered arrest of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ex-foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman, ex-defense minister Ehud Barak, then-deputy PMs Moshe Ya'alon and Eli Yishai, and then-state minister Benny Begin. Israel's ex-Navy Commander Eliezer Marom is among the co-defendants found guilty by the Spanish judge.
15 nov 2015
Spanish judge finds legal loophole that allows to hold PM and six other Israeli officials for questioning in lawsuit against them filed by three Spanish nationals who were on Gaza-bound flotilla.
A judge in Spain has found a legal loophole that would enable authorities in the country to detain Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and six other Israeli officials over the 2010 Israeli Navy raid of the Mavi Marmara.
Judge Jose de la Mata of Spain's National Court (Audiencia Nacional) instructed Spanish police over the weekend to monitor the movements of Netanyahu and the six other ministers and former ministers who made up "The Seven" forum at the time of the raid.
The ministers and former ministers in question are Moshe Ya'alon, Dan Meridor, Eli Yishai, Avigdor Lieberman, Ehud Barak and Benny Begin.
The seven were sued in the past by three Spanish nationals who were aboard the Gaza-bound flotilla, where ten Turkish nationals, including one Turkish-American, were killed.
In a 2010 ruling in the three Spanish nationals' lawsuit, a judge determined that since Spain's National Court no longer has the authority to file lawsuits in international incidents, the complainants should turn to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague.
Judge de la Mata, who has been examining the case, recently found a loophole that would allow Spanish authorities to relaunch their investigation into the raid if any of the seven Israeli officials enter Spain.
If any of the seven do enter the country, a Spanish judge could detain them, hold them for questioning and even place them under arrest. However, Spanish law determines the court does not have to take such steps against Prime Minister Netanyahu, especially if the government of Spain determines he has diplomatic immunity.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in response: "This is an issue that has been subject to legal proceedings for several years now.
The State of Israel and the embassy in Madrid have been in communication with legal authorities in Spain and handling the issue. We hope that the case will be closed soon, as it should have been a long time ago."
A judge in Spain has found a legal loophole that would enable authorities in the country to detain Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and six other Israeli officials over the 2010 Israeli Navy raid of the Mavi Marmara.
Judge Jose de la Mata of Spain's National Court (Audiencia Nacional) instructed Spanish police over the weekend to monitor the movements of Netanyahu and the six other ministers and former ministers who made up "The Seven" forum at the time of the raid.
The ministers and former ministers in question are Moshe Ya'alon, Dan Meridor, Eli Yishai, Avigdor Lieberman, Ehud Barak and Benny Begin.
The seven were sued in the past by three Spanish nationals who were aboard the Gaza-bound flotilla, where ten Turkish nationals, including one Turkish-American, were killed.
In a 2010 ruling in the three Spanish nationals' lawsuit, a judge determined that since Spain's National Court no longer has the authority to file lawsuits in international incidents, the complainants should turn to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague.
Judge de la Mata, who has been examining the case, recently found a loophole that would allow Spanish authorities to relaunch their investigation into the raid if any of the seven Israeli officials enter Spain.
If any of the seven do enter the country, a Spanish judge could detain them, hold them for questioning and even place them under arrest. However, Spanish law determines the court does not have to take such steps against Prime Minister Netanyahu, especially if the government of Spain determines he has diplomatic immunity.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in response: "This is an issue that has been subject to legal proceedings for several years now.
The State of Israel and the embassy in Madrid have been in communication with legal authorities in Spain and handling the issue. We hope that the case will be closed soon, as it should have been a long time ago."
22 oct 2015
The family of an American-Turkish national killed in the 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla attack in which nine Turkish activists were killed by Israeli forces on a ship attempting to break the Gaza blockade, filed a lawsuit against the former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak in the US.
The Turkish parents of 19-year-old Furkan Dogan, among the nine killed in the attack, sued Barak at a federal court in Los Angeles on October 16.
The lawsuit was brought by Dogan's family, who said Barak "failed to prevent or punish the violations of international law committed during the Israeli operation and ratified the unlawful conduct”.
Barak, who was war minister at the time of the May 31, 2010 attack, was served with the legal papers on Tuesday after he delivered a speech in Thousand Oaks, California, according to a press statement released by the attorneys.
He oversaw the Israeli army raid on the Mavi Marmara, which was part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which was and continues to be under an Israeli blockade.
"Barak participated in the planning, execution, and oversight of the IDF operation, and was responsible for ordering, aiding and abetting, and exercising command responsibility over the operation that resulted in the torture and extrajudicial killing of Furkan Dogan," read the complaint.
"The acts and omissions of Defendant Barak was deliberate, willful, intentional, wanton, malicious and oppressive and should be punished by an award of punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial," it added.
Dogan was filming the operation when he was attacked and shot five times, including once at point blank range in the head.
“On board the Mavi Marmara, Israeli forces extinguished the life of a 19-year-old boy holding a video camera,” Hakan Camuz, representative of Dogan’s family, said in a press release. “He was shot five times. The last shot was to his head at point blank range. He deserves justice.”
Dan Stormer, a Los Angeles attorney whose firm filed the lawsuit, said Barak is a "war criminal" and he should be held accountable for his actions.
"Now, for the first time in five years, one of the perpetrators of the Mavi Marmara massacre has been served," Stormer said. "It’s time for that responsibility to mean more than lip service.”
In 2010, Freedom Flotilla, compromised of 6 boats, was attacked and boarded in international waters while on its way to Gaza. On the Mavi Marmara boat, Israeli soldiers murdered nine unarmed activists.
The Turkish parents of 19-year-old Furkan Dogan, among the nine killed in the attack, sued Barak at a federal court in Los Angeles on October 16.
The lawsuit was brought by Dogan's family, who said Barak "failed to prevent or punish the violations of international law committed during the Israeli operation and ratified the unlawful conduct”.
Barak, who was war minister at the time of the May 31, 2010 attack, was served with the legal papers on Tuesday after he delivered a speech in Thousand Oaks, California, according to a press statement released by the attorneys.
He oversaw the Israeli army raid on the Mavi Marmara, which was part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, carrying humanitarian aid and construction materials for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which was and continues to be under an Israeli blockade.
"Barak participated in the planning, execution, and oversight of the IDF operation, and was responsible for ordering, aiding and abetting, and exercising command responsibility over the operation that resulted in the torture and extrajudicial killing of Furkan Dogan," read the complaint.
"The acts and omissions of Defendant Barak was deliberate, willful, intentional, wanton, malicious and oppressive and should be punished by an award of punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial," it added.
Dogan was filming the operation when he was attacked and shot five times, including once at point blank range in the head.
“On board the Mavi Marmara, Israeli forces extinguished the life of a 19-year-old boy holding a video camera,” Hakan Camuz, representative of Dogan’s family, said in a press release. “He was shot five times. The last shot was to his head at point blank range. He deserves justice.”
Dan Stormer, a Los Angeles attorney whose firm filed the lawsuit, said Barak is a "war criminal" and he should be held accountable for his actions.
"Now, for the first time in five years, one of the perpetrators of the Mavi Marmara massacre has been served," Stormer said. "It’s time for that responsibility to mean more than lip service.”
In 2010, Freedom Flotilla, compromised of 6 boats, was attacked and boarded in international waters while on its way to Gaza. On the Mavi Marmara boat, Israeli soldiers murdered nine unarmed activists.
17 july 2015
Israeli Occupation Authorities slammed on Friday the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s decision to reconsider a probe into Israel's deadly raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla in 2010.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli soldiers involved in the raid acted "in self-defense in stopping an attempt to break a blockade established in accordance with international law."
Netanyahu charged that "at a time when in Syria, Assad slaughters hundreds of thousands of his own people, when Iran sends hundreds to death, and Hamas in Gaza uses children as human shields, the court has chosen to deal with Israel for cynical political reasons."
Nine activists were killed in the clashes that followed the raid on the Mavi Marmara, which was part of the "Gaza Freedom Flotilla" convoy of humanitarian aid and construction materials to the Gaza Strip.
Most of the casualties were Turkish citizens with the Humanitarian Relief Foundation, a Turkish charity group, according to a UN report.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli soldiers involved in the raid acted "in self-defense in stopping an attempt to break a blockade established in accordance with international law."
Netanyahu charged that "at a time when in Syria, Assad slaughters hundreds of thousands of his own people, when Iran sends hundreds to death, and Hamas in Gaza uses children as human shields, the court has chosen to deal with Israel for cynical political reasons."
Nine activists were killed in the clashes that followed the raid on the Mavi Marmara, which was part of the "Gaza Freedom Flotilla" convoy of humanitarian aid and construction materials to the Gaza Strip.
Most of the casualties were Turkish citizens with the Humanitarian Relief Foundation, a Turkish charity group, according to a UN report.
16 july 2015
Prosecutor decided last year not to investigate the lethal raid on a Gaza-bound ship, but judges urge her to reconsider and probe the incident as a possible war crime.
International Criminal Court judges have called on the court's prosecutor to reconsider her decision not to investigate the storming by Israel of an aid flotilla that was heading to Gaza.
Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda last year declined a request by the Union Comoros to launch a probe into the May 31, 2010, storming of one of the flotilla vessels, which was sailing under a Comoros flag.
Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis to believe that war crimes" were committed on the Mavi Marmara, where eight Turks and one Turkish-American were killed and several other pro-Palestinian activists wounded by Israeli commandos, but that the case wasn't serious enough to merit an ICC case.
Judges ruled Thursday that Bensouda made "material errors in her determination of the gravity" of the case.
"The Hague court already ruled that no war crimes were committed on the Marmara," said Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely. "It's very strange to me that the court decided to open an investigation against soldiers who protected themselves against a brutal attack by terrorists who were on the Marmara.
There are Palestinian elements that are always trying to invite international bodies against Israel. I hope those bodies succeed in identifying the incitement and not lend it a hand. With this decision, the court is turning itself into a tool of Palestinian propaganda."
In November 2014, ICC prosecutors ruled that there were grounds to believe war crimes were committed during the raid, but decided the case was beyond their remit.
A 2011 probe by the Israeli government found that soldiers had opened fire in self-defense and had acted properly.
International Criminal Court judges have called on the court's prosecutor to reconsider her decision not to investigate the storming by Israel of an aid flotilla that was heading to Gaza.
Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda last year declined a request by the Union Comoros to launch a probe into the May 31, 2010, storming of one of the flotilla vessels, which was sailing under a Comoros flag.
Bensouda said there was a "reasonable basis to believe that war crimes" were committed on the Mavi Marmara, where eight Turks and one Turkish-American were killed and several other pro-Palestinian activists wounded by Israeli commandos, but that the case wasn't serious enough to merit an ICC case.
Judges ruled Thursday that Bensouda made "material errors in her determination of the gravity" of the case.
"The Hague court already ruled that no war crimes were committed on the Marmara," said Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely. "It's very strange to me that the court decided to open an investigation against soldiers who protected themselves against a brutal attack by terrorists who were on the Marmara.
There are Palestinian elements that are always trying to invite international bodies against Israel. I hope those bodies succeed in identifying the incitement and not lend it a hand. With this decision, the court is turning itself into a tool of Palestinian propaganda."
In November 2014, ICC prosecutors ruled that there were grounds to believe war crimes were committed during the raid, but decided the case was beyond their remit.
A 2011 probe by the Israeli government found that soldiers had opened fire in self-defense and had acted properly.
23 june 2015
Hebrew newspaper Haaretz on Sunday revealed that Israeli and Turkish officials had been taking part in secret talks in order to improve the relationship between the two countries and seek a reconciliation.
Haaretz said that the General Manager of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Dor Ghewad, secretly met his Turkish counterpart in the Italian capital a number of times in talks on improving Turkish-Israeli relations and resolving past disputes in a reconciliatory spirit.
The newspaper added that after years of a stagnant stalemate between the two countries, negotiations were secretly resuming in Rome during a series of meetings between Ghewad and his Turkish counterpart, Feridun Cemal Erkin.
Haaretz quoted Israeli officials as saying that Ghewad today left for Rome to complete these secret talks, clarifying that Ghewad had had direct communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu who is allegedly following the talks very closely.
Israeli officials confirmed that this meeting between the two sides will complete the talks which started at the beginning of February 2014 in the weeks following the parliamentary elections in Turkey in which Prime Minister Erdogan’s party lost after losing the majority vote.
Turkish-Israeli relations deteriorated severely in 2010 after Israel stormed the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara which was part of an aid flotilla attempting to make its way to the besieged Gaza Strip. Relations continued to deteriorate until 2013 when US President Barack Obama visited Israel and set up a phone call between Netanyahu and Erdogan during which Netanyahu apologized for the deaths of Turkish citizens caused by the Israeli Navy.
Haaretz said that the General Manager of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, Dor Ghewad, secretly met his Turkish counterpart in the Italian capital a number of times in talks on improving Turkish-Israeli relations and resolving past disputes in a reconciliatory spirit.
The newspaper added that after years of a stagnant stalemate between the two countries, negotiations were secretly resuming in Rome during a series of meetings between Ghewad and his Turkish counterpart, Feridun Cemal Erkin.
Haaretz quoted Israeli officials as saying that Ghewad today left for Rome to complete these secret talks, clarifying that Ghewad had had direct communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu who is allegedly following the talks very closely.
Israeli officials confirmed that this meeting between the two sides will complete the talks which started at the beginning of February 2014 in the weeks following the parliamentary elections in Turkey in which Prime Minister Erdogan’s party lost after losing the majority vote.
Turkish-Israeli relations deteriorated severely in 2010 after Israel stormed the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara which was part of an aid flotilla attempting to make its way to the besieged Gaza Strip. Relations continued to deteriorate until 2013 when US President Barack Obama visited Israel and set up a phone call between Netanyahu and Erdogan during which Netanyahu apologized for the deaths of Turkish citizens caused by the Israeli Navy.
11 june 2015
Netanyahu Barak and Marmara
A Madrid court has decided to shelve its investigation into the Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara, but leaves possibility of reopening probe.
A Madrid court on Thursday shelved a five-year-old investigation into the Israeli raid on the Gaza-bound Marmara flotilla.
The investigation could potentially be re-opened if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ever visits Spain.
The 2010 raid killed nine Turkish activists, while a tenth Turk died four years later from his injuries. Spanish activists were also present on the ships.
Spain has been pioneering the use of universal jurisdiction, a concept where crimes against humanity can be prosecuted across borders. The law has recently been changed, however, so that judges can only investigate such cases if there is a Spanish connection, either victim or perpetrator.
The Madrid court said in a written ruling on Thursday that it was closing the case against Netanyahu and several of his ministers, which accused them of crimes against humanity. But left the possibility that the case could be re-opened, saying the investigation was closed until Netanyahu and those targeted by it came to Spain.
The statment did not make clear what steps would be taken if they did.
A Madrid court has decided to shelve its investigation into the Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara, but leaves possibility of reopening probe.
A Madrid court on Thursday shelved a five-year-old investigation into the Israeli raid on the Gaza-bound Marmara flotilla.
The investigation could potentially be re-opened if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ever visits Spain.
The 2010 raid killed nine Turkish activists, while a tenth Turk died four years later from his injuries. Spanish activists were also present on the ships.
Spain has been pioneering the use of universal jurisdiction, a concept where crimes against humanity can be prosecuted across borders. The law has recently been changed, however, so that judges can only investigate such cases if there is a Spanish connection, either victim or perpetrator.
The Madrid court said in a written ruling on Thursday that it was closing the case against Netanyahu and several of his ministers, which accused them of crimes against humanity. But left the possibility that the case could be re-opened, saying the investigation was closed until Netanyahu and those targeted by it came to Spain.
The statment did not make clear what steps would be taken if they did.
2 june 2015
Although five years have passed on the Freedom Flotilla bloody massacre, the Gazans still remember its painful and horrific details which prompted many Gazan men and women to organize a rally in the Gaza Sea to show solidarity with the victims of that massacre. The activists raised the Turkish flag and pictures of the martyrs.
The event stressed the besieged Strip’s right to break its blockade and to establish a waterway by declaring its readiness to receive the first solidarity ship after the massacre at the end of next month, according to the PIC correspondent who accompanied the activists in their sea tour.
Freedom battle
Even minors and the handicapped participated in the event so as to convey a message to the whole world that Gaza is in pain and that the tightened siege is killing its people.
Ali al-Nazli, the representative of Miles of Smiles aid convoys to Gaza, said in the press conference held at Gaza seaport before launching the sea tour: "We are here today to show gratitude and to honor the martyrs of Freedom Flotilla who fought the battle of freedom and dignity against the Israeli enemy. Their blood will remain a beacon guiding the world's free people."
He declared: "Gaza, history, and the world's free people will never forget the blood of Marmara martyrs." And he hailed the Turkish government and people.
Al-Nazli also praised what he called ships' intifada (uprising) against the Israeli occupation, pointing to the ships which came from Sweden, France, and Denmark seeking to break the Gaza blockade. Freedom Flotilla massacre took place on May 31, 2010 causing the death of nine Turkish martyrs.
Freedom Flotilla 3
For his part, Ala al-Din al-Batta, head of the governmental committee for lifting the siege, announced that Freedom Flotilla 3 is expected to arrive at the end of the next month, and pointed out that many people want to participate in it.
During the sea tour, the participants threw red and white flowers into the sea as a symbol of the martyrs' blood and a motivation to continue demanding the right to establish a waterway in Gaza to break the blockade.
The event stressed the besieged Strip’s right to break its blockade and to establish a waterway by declaring its readiness to receive the first solidarity ship after the massacre at the end of next month, according to the PIC correspondent who accompanied the activists in their sea tour.
Freedom battle
Even minors and the handicapped participated in the event so as to convey a message to the whole world that Gaza is in pain and that the tightened siege is killing its people.
Ali al-Nazli, the representative of Miles of Smiles aid convoys to Gaza, said in the press conference held at Gaza seaport before launching the sea tour: "We are here today to show gratitude and to honor the martyrs of Freedom Flotilla who fought the battle of freedom and dignity against the Israeli enemy. Their blood will remain a beacon guiding the world's free people."
He declared: "Gaza, history, and the world's free people will never forget the blood of Marmara martyrs." And he hailed the Turkish government and people.
Al-Nazli also praised what he called ships' intifada (uprising) against the Israeli occupation, pointing to the ships which came from Sweden, France, and Denmark seeking to break the Gaza blockade. Freedom Flotilla massacre took place on May 31, 2010 causing the death of nine Turkish martyrs.
Freedom Flotilla 3
For his part, Ala al-Din al-Batta, head of the governmental committee for lifting the siege, announced that Freedom Flotilla 3 is expected to arrive at the end of the next month, and pointed out that many people want to participate in it.
During the sea tour, the participants threw red and white flowers into the sea as a symbol of the martyrs' blood and a motivation to continue demanding the right to establish a waterway in Gaza to break the blockade.
31 may 2015
A group of Turkish people from the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (İHH) prayed the Morning Prayer before the Israeli embassy in Ankara to mark the fifth anniversary of Israel’s raid on the “Mavi Marmara” flotilla ship.
A group of people from the Konya branch of the İHH was on their way to Istanbul for the “Free Jerusalem March” which will be held at 5 p.m. on May 31, before the Fatih Mosque in the city.
After the Morning Prayer, head of the IHH’s Konya branch Hasan Uysal said 11 buses went out of Konya heading to Istanbul. “We hope we will pray for the feast and Friday in Jerusalem all together,” he said.
In May 2010, Israeli commandos killed nine Turkish nationals and an American of Turkish origin in a raid on the Mavi Marmara, which was part of the “Gaza Freedom Flotilla.” Another person died in a Turkish hospital in 2014 after being in a coma for almost four years.
A group of people from the Konya branch of the İHH was on their way to Istanbul for the “Free Jerusalem March” which will be held at 5 p.m. on May 31, before the Fatih Mosque in the city.
After the Morning Prayer, head of the IHH’s Konya branch Hasan Uysal said 11 buses went out of Konya heading to Istanbul. “We hope we will pray for the feast and Friday in Jerusalem all together,” he said.
In May 2010, Israeli commandos killed nine Turkish nationals and an American of Turkish origin in a raid on the Mavi Marmara, which was part of the “Gaza Freedom Flotilla.” Another person died in a Turkish hospital in 2014 after being in a coma for almost four years.
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Scores of Palestinians on Saturday marked the anniversary of a deadly attack by the Israeli navy on a Turkish aid flotilla that sought to break the siege on the Gaza Strip in 2010.
Ten activists were killed on board of the Turkish aid flotilla Mavi Marmara in May of 2010 when Israel's navy attacked the ship as it sought to break Gaza's blockade that has been in place since 2007. Mehmet Kaya, the representative of the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation which organiSed the event, said the people who gathered on Saturday only wanted to remember their brothers who were killed in 2010 in their attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. "The blood of the martyrs of Mavi Marmara will not go in vain," Kaya told Anadolu Agency. |
He said his foundation would not stop supporting the Palestinian people, calling on the Palestinians to stay united in order to liberate their country.
Senior Hamas figure, Bassem Naeem, meanwhile, said the Mavi Marmara attack was "seminal" in the history of the Islamic nation.
He called for bringing Israel to court for killing the Turkish activists on board of the Turkish aid ship and also committing crimes against the Palestinian people for decades.
Naeem said Turkey had contributed millions of dollars in support for the Palestinian people and also offered political, diplomatic and media support.
Six civilian ships in the aid flotilla were attacked in international waters by Israeli forces on May 31, 2010, as they tried to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Nine Turkish activists were killed and 30 other people injured, including one activist who died nearly four years after being critically injured.
The raid raised tensions between Israel and Turkey, which recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv.
Senior Hamas figure, Bassem Naeem, meanwhile, said the Mavi Marmara attack was "seminal" in the history of the Islamic nation.
He called for bringing Israel to court for killing the Turkish activists on board of the Turkish aid ship and also committing crimes against the Palestinian people for decades.
Naeem said Turkey had contributed millions of dollars in support for the Palestinian people and also offered political, diplomatic and media support.
Six civilian ships in the aid flotilla were attacked in international waters by Israeli forces on May 31, 2010, as they tried to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Nine Turkish activists were killed and 30 other people injured, including one activist who died nearly four years after being critically injured.
The raid raised tensions between Israel and Turkey, which recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv.
30 may 2015
The Turkish non-governmental Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) declared its intention to organize a march in central Istanbul on Sunday to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Freedom Flotilla massacre in 2010.
Six civilian ships in the aid flotilla were attacked in international waters by Israeli forces on May 31, 2010, as they tried to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Nine Turkish activists were killed and 30 other people were injured, including one activist who died nearly four years after being critically injured.
Bulent Yildirim, the head of the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) which organized the convoy for Gaza, said a march on Sunday would attract thousands of people.
"Last year, nearly 200,000 people attended the commemorations. I think this number will increase," Yildirim said.
Saying that they will give a message that the Turkish ship was part of a “fleet for freedom” and that the victims would not be forgotten, Yildirim said that the Mavi Marmara case was not only linked to Palestine or Turkey.
"It is the case of all the conscientious people across the world. I invite everyone to attend the commemoration march to prove it to Israel," Yildirim said.
Yildirim also noted that the IHH supports ‘Ship to Gaza’, a Swedish organization that aims to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Marianne departed from Gothenburg port on May 10 as part of Freedom Flotilla III expedition. The boat is carrying solar panels and medical equipment to Gaza.
The 1.8 million inhabitants of Gaza have been deprived of many of their most basic needs under the near decade-long Israeli blockade.
Six civilian ships in the aid flotilla were attacked in international waters by Israeli forces on May 31, 2010, as they tried to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Nine Turkish activists were killed and 30 other people were injured, including one activist who died nearly four years after being critically injured.
Bulent Yildirim, the head of the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) which organized the convoy for Gaza, said a march on Sunday would attract thousands of people.
"Last year, nearly 200,000 people attended the commemorations. I think this number will increase," Yildirim said.
Saying that they will give a message that the Turkish ship was part of a “fleet for freedom” and that the victims would not be forgotten, Yildirim said that the Mavi Marmara case was not only linked to Palestine or Turkey.
"It is the case of all the conscientious people across the world. I invite everyone to attend the commemoration march to prove it to Israel," Yildirim said.
Yildirim also noted that the IHH supports ‘Ship to Gaza’, a Swedish organization that aims to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Marianne departed from Gothenburg port on May 10 as part of Freedom Flotilla III expedition. The boat is carrying solar panels and medical equipment to Gaza.
The 1.8 million inhabitants of Gaza have been deprived of many of their most basic needs under the near decade-long Israeli blockade.
15 mar 2015
The Maghrebian nationals who witnessed Israel’s 2010 deadly attack on the Turkish Mavi Marmara flotilla, which was heading to the Gaza Strip, gave a gripping description, on March 11 and 12, of the ordeal in an Istanbul court.
The Maghrebian delegation said in a statement on Saturday that a series of testimonies were released by its members during a hearing in Istanbul’s 7th High Criminal Court.
In May 2010, Israeli occupation commandos killed eight Turkish nationals and an American of Turkish origin in a raid on the Mavi Marmara, a ship that was part of the “Gaza Freedom Flotilla.”
Istanbul’s 7th High Criminal Court has territorial jurisdiction on Mavi Marmara flotilla, meaning, the crimes occurred on board the Mavi Marmara, as a result of the Israeli attacks, fall within the jurisdiction of the Court since they were launched against a Turkish ship.
In May 2014, the Istanbul’s 7th High Criminal Court ordered the arrest of four Israeli officials - Israel's former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, former navy chief Eliezer Marom, former head of military intelligence Amos Yadlin, and former air force intelligence chief Avishai Levy- who are being tried in absentia for their responsibility in the raid.
The charges against members of the Israeli military include, voluntary manslaughter, attempted murder, commandeering vehicles, persecution and causing damage to the ship.
In the wake of a verdict issued during the last court hearing in 2014, ordering arrest warrants against the Israeli perpetrators and appealing to the Interpol to issue similar international arrest warrants, Israel stepped up pressure to discredit Turkey’s jurisdiction over the crime. Similar pressures were exerted on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to that very end after the latter, and for the first time, indicted Israel for proven war crimes.
The casualties voiced firm rebuff of any potential concessions and urged the ICC and Istanbul’s 7th High Court to take a tougher line against Israeli criminals. They further pushed for lifting the Gaza siege and receiving compensations for the sustained damage.
The Maghrebian delegation said in a statement on Saturday that a series of testimonies were released by its members during a hearing in Istanbul’s 7th High Criminal Court.
In May 2010, Israeli occupation commandos killed eight Turkish nationals and an American of Turkish origin in a raid on the Mavi Marmara, a ship that was part of the “Gaza Freedom Flotilla.”
Istanbul’s 7th High Criminal Court has territorial jurisdiction on Mavi Marmara flotilla, meaning, the crimes occurred on board the Mavi Marmara, as a result of the Israeli attacks, fall within the jurisdiction of the Court since they were launched against a Turkish ship.
In May 2014, the Istanbul’s 7th High Criminal Court ordered the arrest of four Israeli officials - Israel's former Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, former navy chief Eliezer Marom, former head of military intelligence Amos Yadlin, and former air force intelligence chief Avishai Levy- who are being tried in absentia for their responsibility in the raid.
The charges against members of the Israeli military include, voluntary manslaughter, attempted murder, commandeering vehicles, persecution and causing damage to the ship.
In the wake of a verdict issued during the last court hearing in 2014, ordering arrest warrants against the Israeli perpetrators and appealing to the Interpol to issue similar international arrest warrants, Israel stepped up pressure to discredit Turkey’s jurisdiction over the crime. Similar pressures were exerted on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to that very end after the latter, and for the first time, indicted Israel for proven war crimes.
The casualties voiced firm rebuff of any potential concessions and urged the ICC and Istanbul’s 7th High Court to take a tougher line against Israeli criminals. They further pushed for lifting the Gaza siege and receiving compensations for the sustained damage.
4 jan 2015
The
Turkish courage in supporting the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and
the massacre committed by the Israeli navy on the Turkish aid ship Mavi
Marmara motivated the Palestinian refugee Muhammad Shana'a to name his
son after the then Turkish Prime Minister and current President Recep
Tayyip Erdogan.
Back then, Shana'a didn't know that this child will cause a drastic change in his family's harsh life in the Lebanese refugee camps.
Erdogan's visit to Saida in 2010 to sponsor the opening of the Turkish Hospital was a golden opportunity for Shana'a to meet the distinguished guest.
After 4 years of that meeting, Shana'a learned that his son "Recep Tayyip Erdogan" and then his five siblings, his father and mother were granted the Turkish nationality, giving them the chance to start a whole new life that would compensate them for the life of poverty and suffering they lived in the refugee camps. Shana'a lives in a small house that lacks the minimum necessities of life in al Miyah wa Miyah camp.
"After I named my son, I said that one day the great president Erdogan will carry him, and after about a month I came to know that he will visit Saida to open the Turkish Hospital so I prepared myself to attend the opening to see him even if from afar," Shana'a said.
Surprisingly, Shana'a received a phone call from Lebanese MP Bahia al-Hariri asking him about his son and his address and he was taken to the inauguration ceremony, and in a historic moment that changed the life of the displaced family, Erdogan, then Prime Minister, carried Erdogan, the Palestinian child, kissed him, promised the family to offer help and asked for their identification papers.
After a short period of communicating with the Turkish President via different means, Shana'a received a phone call from the Turkish Embassy telling him that the whole family has been granted the Turkish nationality.
The Turkish flag is rising on the small Palestinian house and photos of the Turkish President are hanging on its walls including the historic photo of him carrying and kissing the child.
The Palestinian refugee gratefully thanked the Turkish President saying: "despite his many preoccupations, Erdogan has never forgotten us, al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem or Gaza". Shana'a believes that the Turkish nationality will change his whole life because, according to him, carrying the nationality of such a great country will allow him to travel freely and enjoy his full rights.
Back then, Shana'a didn't know that this child will cause a drastic change in his family's harsh life in the Lebanese refugee camps.
Erdogan's visit to Saida in 2010 to sponsor the opening of the Turkish Hospital was a golden opportunity for Shana'a to meet the distinguished guest.
After 4 years of that meeting, Shana'a learned that his son "Recep Tayyip Erdogan" and then his five siblings, his father and mother were granted the Turkish nationality, giving them the chance to start a whole new life that would compensate them for the life of poverty and suffering they lived in the refugee camps. Shana'a lives in a small house that lacks the minimum necessities of life in al Miyah wa Miyah camp.
"After I named my son, I said that one day the great president Erdogan will carry him, and after about a month I came to know that he will visit Saida to open the Turkish Hospital so I prepared myself to attend the opening to see him even if from afar," Shana'a said.
Surprisingly, Shana'a received a phone call from Lebanese MP Bahia al-Hariri asking him about his son and his address and he was taken to the inauguration ceremony, and in a historic moment that changed the life of the displaced family, Erdogan, then Prime Minister, carried Erdogan, the Palestinian child, kissed him, promised the family to offer help and asked for their identification papers.
After a short period of communicating with the Turkish President via different means, Shana'a received a phone call from the Turkish Embassy telling him that the whole family has been granted the Turkish nationality.
The Turkish flag is rising on the small Palestinian house and photos of the Turkish President are hanging on its walls including the historic photo of him carrying and kissing the child.
The Palestinian refugee gratefully thanked the Turkish President saying: "despite his many preoccupations, Erdogan has never forgotten us, al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem or Gaza". Shana'a believes that the Turkish nationality will change his whole life because, according to him, carrying the nationality of such a great country will allow him to travel freely and enjoy his full rights.
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