Aid Flotilla 'Treated Like Animals,' UN Still Working on Its Strongly Worded Memo
Activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla reported being 'treated like animals' and subjected to violence by Israeli forces after attempting to deliver aid to Gaza, a besieged territory now facing engineered famine. Paolo Romano, an Italian regional councilor, detailed being forced onto his knees and hit. Turkish activist Ersin Celik alleged Greta Thunberg was 'dragged by her hair... beat her, and
forced her to kiss the Israeli flag.' (Middle East Eye) This isn't an isolated incident. The 2010 Mavi Marmara flotilla, also attempting to break the Gaza blockade, resulted in the killing of nine activists by Israeli commandos. Despite widespread international condemnation, including from the UN, which called the blockade 'unlawful,' these interventions continue. One might wonder if the
'international community' is simply too busy drafting stern letters to actually enforce international law, or if the sheer volume of U.S. aid—$3.8 billion annually for Israel (Congressional Research Service)—dilutes any real diplomatic will. The pattern suggests 'humanitarian concern' is inversely proportional to military assistance.