Flotilla Volunteer Tommy Marcus and Human Rights Lawyer Diana Buttu Speak Out Against Israel’s Aid Blockade and Bombardment on Gaza
In a recent interview with The Intercept, flotilla volunteer Tommy Marcus and human rights lawyer Diana Buttu shed light on the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the brutal tactics used by the Israeli government to maintain control over the Palestinian territory.
Marcus, a 26-year-old activist from New York, was part of a group of volunteers aboard the Al Awda, a boat that was intercepted and attacked by Israeli forces in July as it attempted to break the blockade and deliver much-needed aid to the people of Gaza. Despite the violence and aggression they faced, Marcus and his fellow volunteers remain determined to bring attention to the dire situation in Gaza and to continue their efforts to break the blockade.
According to Marcus, the conditions in Gaza are dire and the blockade imposed by Israel has only worsened the situation. “The people of Gaza are living in an open-air prison,” he said. “They are denied access to basic necessities like food, medicine, and building materials. It’s a humanitarian disaster that is being ignored by the international community.”
Buttu, a Palestinian-Canadian lawyer and former advisor to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, echoed Marcus’ sentiments and highlighted the devastating impact of the blockade on the people of Gaza. “The blockade has been in place for over a decade now and has had a catastrophic effect on the economy, infrastructure, and the overall well-being of the people of Gaza,” she said.
Buttu also pointed out that the blockade is in violation of international law and amounts to collective punishment of the entire population of Gaza. “The people of Gaza have been denied their basic human rights and are being punished for simply being Palestinian,” she added.
The recent attack on the Al Awda is just the latest in a series of violent incidents in which Israeli forces have targeted boats attempting to break the blockade. The boat was in international waters at the time of the attack and was clearly marked as a civilian vessel carrying humanitarian aid. Despite this, Israeli forces used excessive force, firing tear gas and stun grenades, and even ramming the boat with a large military vessel.
Marcus described the harrowing experience of being attacked by drones and military boats, saying, “It was a terrifying and traumatic experience. We were unarmed civilians on a peaceful mission, yet we were met with violence and aggression.”
But despite the fear and danger they faced, Marcus and his fellow volunteers remain committed to their cause. “We will not be deterred by these attacks. We will continue to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and demand an end to the blockade,” he asserted.
Buttu also emphasized the importance of international support for the people of Gaza and the need for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. “We cannot allow this humanitarian crisis to continue. It is the responsibility of the international community to take action and put an end to the blockade and the illegal occupation of Palestinian land,” she stated.
The attack on the Al Awda has once again brought attention to the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the need for immediate action to alleviate the suffering of its people. The volunteers aboard the boat, including Marcus and Buttu, have shown incredible bravery and determination in the face of violence and adversity. Their efforts serve as a reminder of the power of solidarity and the importance of standing up for what is right.
It is time for the world to take notice and demand an end to the blockade and the unjust treatment of the people of Gaza. As Marcus aptly put it, “The people of Gaza are not alone. We will continue to fight for their freedom and their right to a dignified life.” Let us all join in this fight and ensure that the people of Gaza receive the aid and support they so desperately need.
