Vancouver Protest Against Israeli War Crimes In Rafah
Today, Wednesday May 19, Israeli helicopters and tanks opened fire on unarmed demonstrators at a non-violent protest in Rafah, massacring at least 10 Palestinian civilians and wounding at least 50, including many schoolchildren. For more information see http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,2763,1220300,00.html This is just the latest outrage of the ongoing massive Israeli army invasion of Rafah that has killed 50 Palestinians in the last three days, wounded hundreds more, and destroyed many buildings, including a mosque.
In the last two weeks, the Israeli army has also demolished more than 200 homes in Rafah refugee camp making more than 2000 refugees homeless for the second time. Amnesty International and a coalition of Israeli human rights groups have declared these Israeli military actions are "grave violations of human rights" and "war crimes."
We call on the Canadian government to strongly condemn these Israeli war crimes and demand that Israel end the invasion of Rafah immediately. We also call on the Canadian government to live up to its rhetoric of being a champion of international law and human rights by initiating an international campaign to bring UN monitors to the region to protect civilian lives and preserve fundamental human rights.
Those wanting to join the protest at Stephen Owen's office should meet at Java Express, 38th and West Boulevard, on Friday May 21 at 11:45am.
In Solidarity, ISM Vancouver
p.s. ISM Vancouver is showing the "The Killing Zone," a British documentary about the extreme level of "ordinary" Israeli military violence in Rafah, on Thursday, May 20, 7:30pm at SFU Harbour Centre, (Rm 1900 - 515 West Hastings). We'll have an update on the current situation in Rafah at the screening.
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