An end to the blockade?

It's very saddening that it has taken the death of 9 pro-Palestinian activists to focus international attention on the shameful Israeli blockade on Gaza. The blockade, which in fact has been going on for 10 years but was greatly tightened from June 2007, when the Hamas political group took control of the territory. The BBC has an excellent web page describing the effects of the blockade here. The justification from the Israelis is the continuing sporadic rocket attacks on Israeli territory - well, with 40% unemployment, most people living at subsistence level and many of Gaza's industries ravaged in last year's military action by Israel, it is hardly surprising that militants can gain some traction here.

We still cannot be entirely sure how or why exactly the 9 unarmed activists were killed, when Israeli troops stormed the Turkish vessel heading for Gaza. It appears the other five boats in the flotilla were seized without loss of life. However, it isn't clear why the Israelis had any right to impede the vessels at all, since they were heading for port in Gaza, which is part of Palestine, a separate country recognized by international law, but which the Israelis have been occupying since 1967. In addition to that, the vessels were reportedly in international waters when they were forcibly boarded.

Around 500 activists have been arrested, most of whom have disobligingly refused to sign a document demanded by the Israelis, allowing them to be deported as soon as possible. The remainder are incarcerated in Israeli jails, awaiting trial, though what "crimes" they are to be charged with is not entirely clear.

Unfortunately it appears that, even in the face of international outrage, the United States is determined to continue protecting Israel. The latest suggestion from them - incredible as it may seem - is that the Israelis should investigate the whole incident themselves. It's depressing for those of us who hoped for some genuine backbone from the Obama administration. As long as Israel is granted a carte blanche to do what it likes in Palestine, peace in the Middle East remains a dim and distant prospect.

I gathered that there was a demonstration in York today which I heard about too late and was unable to join - however if there are further protests at the weekend I will definitely be involved.