ACTION ALERT:

MK Haneen Zoubi (BALAD) faces death threats as the Israeli Knesset House Committee votes to revoke her Parliamentary privileges for participating in the Gaza-bound humanitarian aid Flotilla and protesting against the blockade.

An Appeal to Parliamentarians Worldwide

June 9, 2010

On June 7, 2010, the Knesset House Committee of the Israeli parliament voted by a majority of seven-to-one to recommend that the parliamentary privileges of MK Haneen Zoubi (NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC ASSEMBLY-BALAD) be revoked. In accordance with the committee's decision, MK Zoubi will be stripped of three rights usually enjoyed by members of the Israeli parliament. First, her diplomatic passport will be rescinded. Second, her privileges regarding travel abroad will be curtailed. Third, her legal costs incurred while in service will no longer be covered by the Knesset. Before taking effect, the revocation of these privileges must be approved by the Knesset plenum. A vote on these matters may take place as early as next week.

The House Committee decision followed several stormy days in the Knesset, during which MK Zoubi was accused by fellow parliamentarians of being a "terrorist" and a "traitor," and subjected to racist and sexist remarks so offensive and abusive, that some were ordered stricken from the public record. In light of this hateful atmosphere, it is likely that the Knesset plenum will approve the House Committee's recommendations.

There are unconfirmed reports received by Friends of Al Aqsa that Ismail Patel, the chair of Friends of Al Aqsa, and the other British activists are safe and well.

In a statement on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website, William Hague, the Foreign Secretary said "I deplore the loss of life during the interception of the Gaza Flotilla. Our Embassy is in urgent contact with the Israeli Government. We are asking for more information and urgent access to any UK nationals involved'

The FCO is said to have told families of the British Nationals on the Flotilla that Israel has said 'no Britons are among injured or dead'

Friends of Al Aqsa, 31st May 2010

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is 90 miles away from the Gaza shores; sailing in international waters where Israel has no jurisdiction. 4 Israeli war ships have surrounded the Flotilla, running parallel to them.

Once again Israel, Israel is breaking international law and committing piracy. It has long threatened this peaceful Flotilla, and is now determined to stop it from reaching its destination.

Approximately 700 civilians are on board the 7 ships which make up the Gaza Flotilla, of whom 28 are British citizens.

Source: Friends of Al-Aqsa

The British Foreign Office has failed to respond to Israel's threat to intercept the Gaza Freedom Flotilla despite the presence of 28 Britons aboard the convoy.

The Foreign Office's failure comes despite letters and emails from concerned activists campaigning for the safety of passengers on board the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is due to arrive in Gaza on May 29 and consists of 9 vessels, 10,000 tons of aid and reconstruction materials, and 750 politicians and activists from over 40 countries across the world.

The aim of the flotilla is to take much needed aid and materials to Gaza which Israel has either banned outright, or allowed to enter Gaza in insufficient quantities.