Barbara Lee Urges Safety of American Citizens Delivering Aid to Gaza
For Immediate Release
May 31, 2010
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Calls Attention to Humanitarian Crisis in the Region
Washington, DC – In response to reports of civilian injuries and possible fatalities as a result of confrontation between Israeli naval forces and a civilian marine convoy en route to Gaza, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-D) issued the following statement:
“I am deeply disturbed by reports of military action against civilians on a mission of humanitarian relief. I urge the Government of Israel to explain the circumstances that have led to the extreme use of force and ensure the safety and humane treatment of all individuals, including American citizens, participating in the international aid convoy to Gaza.”
“My thoughts and prayers go out to all that have been impacted by this tragedy.”
In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton dated May 21, 2010, Congresswoman Lee raised her concerns for the safety of constituents and other American citizens traveling as part of an international civilian marine convoy for the purpose of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. Excerpts of the letter are below:
“Beyond expressing my immediate concerns for the welfare of my constituents and other civilian participants seeking to deliver much-needed humanitarian relief to the residents of Gaza, I would like to call attention to the continued economic, social, and humanitarian crisis in the region that must be addressed with the utmost urgency.
“I encourage the State Department to use all means at its disposal to ensure the safety of American citizens, including my constituents, who will be travelling on this trip.
“Further, it is imperative that the State Department work to bring all elements of United States diplomatic and development capabilities to bear in working to identify and overcome obstacles to recovery and the delivery of humanitarian goods and reconstruction materials in the Gaza Strip.
“The long-term interests of peace and securing a viable two-state solution in the Middle East are served by improving access to basic necessities and the flow of goods and people into and out of Gaza while maintaining appropriate and necessary Israeli security parameters.”
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