Israel Seizes Former Congresswoman and Nobel Laureate on Humanitarian Aid Ship on Route to Gaza

Israel seizes humanitarian activists from across the globe including former Congresswoman Cynthia Mckinney and Nobel Laureate Mairead Maguire.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) condemns the Israeli naval commandeering of a ship carrying humanitarian supplies to the besieged territory of Gaza.

The ship, which left from the Cypirot port of Larnaca, was approximately 20 miles off the coast of Gaza when it was board by Israeli Navy personnel and redirected to the city of Ashdod.

The ship was flying a Greek flag and traveled through international waters but was stopped during their approach to the occupied Gaza Strip.

The "Spirit of Humanity" is crewed by a number of humanitarian activists from across the globe including former Congresswoman Cynthia Mckinney and Nobel Laureate Mairead Maguire. Reports indicate that all of the ship's 21 crew members have been taken into custody by Israel.

The siege of the Gaza Strip has continued unabated for over two years and badly needed reconstruction aid has been prevented from entering the Strip after the 22-day war on Gaza this past winter.

Recently, President Obama called for humanitarian supplies to be permitted to enter the Gaza Strip and a number of members of Congress have traveled to the Strip and remarked on the dire circumstances facing the impoverished civilian population.

ADC echoes the calls of President Obama and others who have called for an end to the inhumane siege of the Gaza Strip, the immediate release of the human rights activists who were aboard the ship, and stern repercussions for the flagrant and continuing Israeli violations of international law.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee states, "You can take a moment to send a note to your member of Congress and President Obama demanding the release of the crew members of the "Spirit of Humanity" and an end to the siege by clicking here: Tell Your Representatives to End the Siege of Gaza Now!"

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JB July 1, 2009 7:50 pm (Pacific time)

Cynthia should slap her captors and they might let her go. Let's hear about Obama unleashing thousands of US Marines in Afghanistan. We know how much damage that's gonna cause, OO-RAH.

Jennifer H. July 1, 2009 3:27 pm (Pacific time)

Your article was so one-sided as to be ridiculous. I am embarrassed for you. Israel is trying to protect itself and I am sure after a proper vetting these people will be released to go home. Also, in your opinion you said that Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney was not a "wacko", well why is she a "former" Congresswoman? She has physically assaulted her colleagues in the Congress and has made comments that are on the edge of lunacy. Please for all of our sanities write both sides of each story. 58m36

Editor: Thanks for being concerned over whether we are embarrassed; FYI we are not at all, only for all the people who root for the Israeli war machine and its murder of innocent people in Gaza who did nothing. The notion of Israel's alleged innocence and persecution is a world-class lie. Just like Israel's lying all these years over being a non-nuclear entity. Liars and warmongers, those are the words to use when talking about Israeli politics and the IDF. What was the score during Israel's murderous attack on Gaza in December and January, do you know? Over 1400 civilians killed, among them more that 400 were children. Do you even care? Do you realize that supporting Israel's military means you have blood on your hands? Israel lost 14, read that again,,, f o u r t e e n people. Four of Israel's losses were friendly fire, they were killed by their own. Of the Hamas rocket attacks, there were 4 Israeli deaths. In the wake of their illegal and cruel attack on the people and children of the historic city of Gaza, Israel has blocked construction and rebuilding supplies, they have halted medical supplies, and they keep the innocents of Gaza trapped in a fence like animals. Yes, the Israeli Navy took these people hostage. People like you sit on your rear here in the states while people in Palestine suffer under Israel and you have the audacity to tell me you are embarrassed that I write about this. In fact it is a news release from an organization trying to help the people of Gaza. That line about writing to representatives is part of a quote, and even if it wasn't I don't care. I care so much about the people of Palestine and you are 'one of them' - just another suppoerter of Zionist racist Israel that is a cruel and evil state, at least in its actions. Also, while you beat your little drum, there are thousands and thousands of good people in Israel who hate the oppression and military attacks on the civilians, They hate what their government does, as most of us did under the last U.S. President. That GOD for them, beyond that my friend, Insha'Allah. What else is there to say?

Scott July 1, 2009 2:11 pm (Pacific time)

Who says the vessel was in international waters?

Jeff K July 1, 2009 3:42 am (Pacific time)

McKinney is total wacko! How come there's no outcry from those nutjobs about the hostages Hamas grabbed, and still hold, when those TERRORIST MURDERERS killed soldiers to do that? No one has killed more arabs then arabs.

Editor: Your opinion about McKinney does not excuse this action. In reply to your question: In recent years, Hezbollah and Hamas have taken hostages for the purpose of exchanging military prisoners, civilian hostages and soldiers missing in action with Israel. Outcry? Israel holds many more hostages than Hamas ever has. Thanks for making note of it.

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