Maltese NGOs join in the international condemnation of attack

The Independent, 02 June 2010

In reactions in Malta, Imam Muhammad el Sadi on behalf of the Muslim community of Malta called upon the international community to bring the Israeli perpetrators to justice. The Imam urged the American government to stop its ‘blind support’ for Israel and apply justice with the oppressed Palestinian people. The community wonders how the United States would be able to convince the world that it is against terrorism while it ignores the state terrorism committed by Israel.

While the Muslim community, appreciates the EU’s stance on the Israeli offensive, it called on the US, the EU and governments to exert pressure on Israel to end the Gaza siege and withdraw the forces from occupied Palestine according to various United Nations resolutions.

“A clear message should be sent to Israel to stop its aggressive practices against the Palestinian people. Through such atrocities, it is obvious that Israel does not believe in peace. The disrespect to international law, is more proof of Israel’s arrogance and contempt for world legitimacy,” said the Imam.

The Imam went on hailing the pro-peace protestors, including the American and European ones, whom he considers as heroes. At the same time he offered his and the community’s condolences to the families of those who were left dead and offered his prayers for those who were wounded.

Moviment Graffitti also condemned the attack in a statement. The Israeli attack, said Graffitti, “confirms Israel’s track record of human rights abuses and disregard for international law. The Israeli navy carried out its unprovoked attack in international waters on peaceful activists concerned about the inhumane conditions of the Gazan people. When one considers that Israel committed this barbaric act when the whole world was watching, one can imagine the atrocious acts it commits against the Palestinian people whom it considers as its enemy. Ironically this attack took place only a few days after Israel was welcomed as a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ”. The NGO also urged the international authorities to press for justice.

http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=106979