Open Letter to Murray McCully:
The New Zealand Government acknowledges that there is great danger for shipping passing through Palestinian waters off
the coast of Gaza. Specifically, the New Zealand Government travel website warns that vessels face the “threat of kidnapping and potential for retaliatory military operations.” This is quite correct, as the crews of Palestinian fishing boats, who are fired upon almost daily, will attest. The
Israeli Navy also periodically hijacks Palestinian fishing boats.
A UN Report in August concluded that almost everyone in Gaza faced urgent need for basic protection, healthcare,
housing, food and water. As the Women's Boat to Gaza, with its caring message of goodwill,approaches the Palestinian
coast, the Israeli daily newspaper Maariv reports that the Israeli Navy has received orders to hijack the Women’s Boat to Gaza and abduct passengers and crew.
The people of Gaza have announced that they welcome with open arms the Women's Boat to Gaza. What steps has the New
Zealand Government taken to demand that Israel allow safe passage for the Women's Boat to Gaza, in accordance with the
provisions of international maritime law?
Leslie Bravery – Palestine Human Rights Campaign