National Governments, Local Government / Municipalities, and Political Parties
National and local government sanctions and divestment against Israel and Israeli companies complicit
in the Occupation, statements on Israel / Palestine and position statements of political parties.
Argentina
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Argentina, 6/10
A statement issued by Argentina condemned the attack on the Gaza aid flotilla by Israeli forces and said it 'deeply regrets the loss of human lives produced in this episode,' calling for a complete investigation into the incident. The government called for the 'immediate cessation of acts that worsen the situation in the Middle East' and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza. 'Argentina urges the strict observance of the international humanitarian law and the resolutions of the United Nations conducive to the achievement of a just and lasting peace in the region.' http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=288773
Australia
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Victoria State Government - Melbourne, Australia. 6/09
After a 4-month boycott campaign led by Australians for Palestine, during which some 100,000 pamphlets were distributed, Connex lost its contract with the Victorian State Government as train system operator for the city of Melbourne, Australia. The government and other observers attributed the contract cancellation to complaints about public transport as a result of mass cancellations on the train network in the preceding months. http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/2001.shtml
Political Parties / Organisations
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Socialist Alliance of Australia. 6/10
The Socialist Alliance condemned 'the completely unwarranted and murderous attack by Israel on the civilian Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.' http://links.org.au/node/1718
Austria
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Austria. 6/10
Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger said he was 'shocked' by Israel's raid of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla. He emphasized that Israel must end the counterproductive barrier policy to the Gaza strip, as has already been emphatically and repeatedly required by the UN Security Council in New York and by the European Union.' Austria was among at least 16 countries to summon its Israeli ambassador to explain the events that lead to the death of 9 activists. http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=288773
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Vienna Municipal Council, Austria. 5/10
The Vienna Municipal Council passed a resolution signed by all political parties on May 31, 2010, which condemned the Israeli raid on the Gaza aid flotilla. http://www.kawther.info/wpr/wp-content/uploads/Beschluss-Resolutions-Antrag-zu-PGL-2433-2010-0001-GAT782.pdf
Bahrain
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Bahrain. 6/10
The Government of Bahrain condemned Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. A statement carried by Bahrain's official BNA news agency read, 'The use of force by the Israeli army against civilians, including women, children and elderly people, who came from several countries to transport humanitarian aid to the besieged people in Gaza is condemned and unacceptable, and it runs counter to the basic laws and norms that regulate the operations in the international waters.'
http://www.nation.com.pk/pakistan-news-newspaper-daily-english-online/International/31-May-2010/Israeli-commandos-reportedly-storm-ships-carrying-aid-to-Gaza/1
Bangladesh
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Bangladesh. 6/10
Following Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, which it condemned, the Bangladeshi government 'called for collective international action to end the siege immediately, and to allow the people of Palestine to return to normal life.' http://english.cri.cn/6966/2010/06/01/1461s573834.htm
Bolivia
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Bolivia. 1/09, 6/10
On January 14, 2009, Bolivia broke off diplomatic relations with Israel over the attacks on Gaza, and called for Israeli leaders to be tried in the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. http://www.mawovancouver.org/articles/mawo_newsletter_cubavenbol.html
Brazil
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Brazil. 6/10
Brazil recalled its ambassador to Israel to express its 'indignation' over Israel's military attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. According to Agence France Presse (AFP), "Brazil condemns, in vehement terms, the Israeli action, given that there was no justification for a military intervention on a peaceful convoy of a strictly humanitarian character." Brazil also called for the 'blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip to be immediately lifted" and for inhabitants there to be given access to food and medicine. http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=128546§ionid=35102020
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Brazil Parliamentary Committee. 9/09
Brazil's Chamber of Deputies Committee on Foreign Relations and National Defense recommended to the Congress not to ratify the free trade agreement between Mercosur and Israel until 'Israel accepts the creation of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.' According to Globes Business News, 'The Chamber of Deputies is the lower house in the Brazilian Congress. Mercado Common del Sur (Mercosur) is the trading bloc of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Venezuela, aimed at lifting trade barriers between the member states.'
http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/docview.asp?did=1000498606&fid=942
http://www.palestinemonitor.org/spip/spip.php?article1072
Canada
Political Parties / Organisations
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Canadian Action Party (C.A.P.). 3/07
The Canadian Action Party became the first Canadian political party to officially support an international call for boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel's apartheid-like practices. In March 2007, it endorsed a call for a boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign against Israel's apartheid-like practices against the Palestinian people. http://www.canpalnet.ca/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=88&Itemid=1
China
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China. 6/10
The Chinese government condemned Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. In a statement, Ma Zhaoxu, a foreign ministry spokesman, said "We were shocked by the Israeli naval attack on the Turkish flotilla carrying humanitarian goods to Gaza which led to severe casualties and condemn it." http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/20105316216182630.html#china
Cuba
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Cuba. 5/10
On May 31, 2010, Cuba's Ministry of Foreign affairs called for a lifting of the Gaza blockade and condemned Israel's attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. http://america.cubaminrex.cu/English/Statements/Articulos/StatementsMINREX/2010/01-06-10.html
Cyprus
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Cyprus. 6/10
The Government, political parties, NGOs and members of the public roundly condemned the killing of the humanitarian activists by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in international waters on May 31, 2010. President Demetris Christofias condemned both the naval blockade of Gaza, which he said violated international law, as well as the attack. "The killing of people is condemnable for everyone and the killing of non combatants constitutes a criminal act,' he said. 'No one is happy, first of all with continuing blockade, which followed the attack against Gaza in December 2008 with its catastrophic results on Palestinians.' The continuing of this blockade violates International Law and 'challenges the human rights of each of us', he added. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2525441/posts
Political Parties / Organisations
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AKEL. 6/10
AKEL, the ruling party in Cyprus, condemned the May 31, 2010 Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. George Loucaides, an MP with AKEL said the party 'condemns in the strongest possible way this new Israeli atrocity" adding that "Israel is showing zero respect for human life and international law, killing activists in international waters." http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2525441/posts
Denmark
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Denmark. 5/31
Danish Foreign Minister Lene Esperson said in June, 2010, that 'it is a Danish priority immediately to open access to Gaza for humanitarian aid, reconstruction, materials and people.' http://politiken.dk/meningsmaaling/forside_Modul.html
http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//politiken.dk/politik/article983529.ece&langpair=auto|en
Ecuador
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Ecuador. 6/10
Ecuador recalled its ambassador to Israel in protest against Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla.
http://www.jpost.com/Headlines/Article.aspx?id=177355
Egypt
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Egypt. 6/10, 7/10
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak criticized Israel's use of "excessive and unjustified force" in its raid on a flotilla of ships carrying aid to Gaza, and the foreign ministry summoned the Israeli ambassador to express its condemnation. Egypt temporarily opened its border with the Gaza Strip immediately following the raid. On July 14, 2010, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit condemned Israel's move to demolish houses owned by Palestinians in East Jerusalem, saying that Israel is racing against time to impose facts on the ground before proximity talks with the Palestinians are over. "This reflects Israel's intention to set obstacles in the way of peace talks," he added.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2010-07/15/c_111955189.htm,
http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=OTE2NTM1NzIw,
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/israel.gaza.raid.reaction/index.html
Estonia
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Estonia. 11/08, 5/10
Foreign Minister Urmas Paet pledged Estonia's enduring support for Palestine and its bid for sovereignty during a meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki in Marseille on Nov. 3, 2008. Estonia also condemned Israel's attack on the Gaza aid ships and called for a thorough investigation. A government statement said 'All the EU member states, including Estonia, call for the border points into Gaza to be opened to humanitarian aid, goods and people.' http://www.baltictimes.com/news/articles/21686/, http://www.vm.ee/?q=en/node/9536
France
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France. 6/10
The French president has condemned the Israeli attack on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla, accusing the regime of "disproportionate use of force." The French Ambassador to the United Nations Gerard Araud said the death toll indicated 'there was disproportionate use of force and a level of violence which nothing justifies and which we condemn.' http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=128516§ionid=351020603
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Greater Bordeaux (France) Municipal Government. 4/09
This French municipality rejected a bid from Veolia Transport Corporation to manage France's biggest urban transportation network. The firm faced intense public criticism of its construction of a "Jerusalem light railway designed to link West Jerusalem with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The contract, worth 750 million euros, was awarded to another firm. Although the municipality cited "commercial factors," their action mirrors those of governments in Stockholm and England responding to public pressure. Veolia has now lost contracts worth more than $7.5 billion. http://www.bigcampaign.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=413&cntnt01returnid=67
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Nanterre, France Tribunal. 4/09
The tribunal of Nanterre, near Paris, declared that it has the jurisdiction to examine whether Alstom and Veolia, two French companies, are participating in an illegal project designed to consolidate Israel's control over land it seized illegally after the 1967 war. Alstrom is laying the track and providing the cars for the light-rail system linking Jerusalem with West Bank Israeli settlements. Veolia is a participant in the consortium building the system and has agreed to operate the system for 30 years. The judicial complaint was brought by Association France-Palestine Solidarite, an anti-occupation group. www.online.wsj.com/article/SB123992141785126493.html# http://www.online.wsj.com/public/quotes/main.html?type=djn&symbol=1022047.fr
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Greater Bordeaux (France) Municipal Government. 4/09
This French municipality rejected a bid from Veolia Transport Corporation to manage France's biggest urban transportation network. The firm faced intense public criticism of its construction of a "Jerusalem light railway designed to link West Jerusalem with illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The contract, worth 750 million euros, was awarded to another firm. Although the municipality cited "commercial factors," their action mirrors those of governments in Stockholm and England responding to public pressure. Veolia has now lost contracts worth more than $7.5 billion. http://www.bigcampaign.org/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=413&cntnt01returnid=67
Political Parties / Organisations
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Bureau of the Fourth International, Paris. 6/10
The Bureau of the Fourth International, Paris, issued a statement condemning the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. They called for 'full and unconditional Palestinian self-determination, the right of return for the 1948 refugees (who make up four-fifths of the Gaza Strip's population), the dismantling of the Zionist state, and a political solution in which the Palestinian and Israeli Jewish peoples can live together in full equality of rights. http://links.org.au/node/1718
Germany
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Germany. 6/10
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle called for a "thorough and transparent investigation" of Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, and called for border crossings to be opened to humanitarian aid convoys. At least five Germans, including three members of Parliament, were on board the aid flotilla. In a strongly worded statement, German Chancellor Angela Merkel's office said Israel's response to the ships was disproportionate. On July 1, 2010 the German federal parliament (Bundestag) in Berlin unanimously approved a resolution demanding that the siege against the Gaza strip be lifted and calling for an international commission to investigate the attack against the Free Gaza Flotilla by the Israeli Navy on the 31th of May. A few weeks later, Germany announced that it would not provide funding for a sixth submarine for the Israel Navy, even though it had expressed a willingness in the past to help finance the project. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/israel.gaza.raid.reaction/index.html,
http://dwelle.de/dw/article/0,,5633390,00.html, also http://www.middleeastmonitor.org.uk/articles/europe/1314-germany-redefines-relations-with-israel,
http://www.alternativenews.org/english/index.php/topics/economy-of-the-occupation/2718-crisis-in-germanys-unconditional-support-of-israel-
Greece
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Greece. 12/08, 1/09, 6/10
In December 2008 Greek Member of Parliament Theodoros Pangalos returned a gift of three bottles of wine to the Israeli ambassador, noting that they were produced in the illegally occupied Golan Heights. In January 2009 the Greek Government blocked the use of a Greek port for transit of US arms to Israel during the bombardment of Gaza. The Greek foreign minister stated that neither the port of Astakos nor "any other location in Greece will be used for the supplying of the Israeli army." A Greek merchant shipping company had been hired by the Pentagon to deliver hundreds of tons of munitions to Israel, but the arrangement was canceled in the face of public anger at the Gaza assault. In June 2010 the Government of Greece summoned Israel's ambassador after Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla to demand an "immediate" report on the safety of about 30 Greeks on board. The foreign ministry said in a statement it had requested "immediate information concerning the safety of Greek citizens on board the boats... and stressed the need to take the necessary measures to ensure their security." Greece also canceled a joint military exercise with Israeli Air Forces to protest the attack. www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=82263§ionid=351020202 www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/US-Israel/bombsale http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=eu-demands-full-enquiry-on-israeli-attack-2010-05-31
Guyana
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Guyana. 6/10
The Government of Guyana condemned Israel for its deadly May 31 commando raid on an international flotilla to Gaza. In a statement to the National Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett said that the government joins the rest of the international community in 'unequivocally condemning the recent act launched by the Israeli military on a flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.' Guyana further called for a lifting of the blockade on Gaza. http://www.stabroeknews.com/2010/stories/06/04/gov%E2%80%99t-condemns-israeli-raid-on-gaza-aid-flotilla/
Iceland
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Iceland. 6/10
The Foreign Minister of Iceland, ÷ssur SkarphČđinsson, condemned Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla saying that "Gaza is in fact a giant prison where international law is violated. This must stop," and "We support the demands that have been made, e.g. by the EU, that this matter be thoroughly investigated. It is intolerable that Israel repeatedly exerts force in this way."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactions_to_the_Gaza_flotilla_raid
http://visir.is/ossur-fordaemir-framferdi-israela/article/2010519889386
http://www.ruv.is/frett/fordaemir-arasir-israela
India
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India. 5/10
India's Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement on May 31, 2010, condemning Israel's attack on ships carrying aid to Gaza. The statement said, in part, 'India deplores the tragic loss of life and the reports of killings and injuries to people on the boats carrying supplies for Gaza. There can be no justification for such indiscriminate use of force, which we condemn.' http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/india-condemns-israeli-attack-on-pro-palestinian-peace-activists_100372987.html, http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7009266.html
Political Parties / Organisations
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Congress Party, India. 6/10
India's ruling Congress party has condemned the deadly Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. Party general secretary Janardan Dwevedi said, "Such use of force is blatant negation of all human values. The party expresses its sympathy with the families who have lost their members and with those who have suffered injuries." http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90851/7009266.html
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CPI (ML) Liberation (Communist Party of India). 6/10.
The Communist Party of India condemned the Israeli raid on the Gaza aid flotilla. http://links.org.au/node/1718
Indonesia
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Indonesia. 6/10
The Government of Indonesia strongly condemned Israel's attack on a Turkish ship carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of 9 passengers. "We condemned Israel's storming of the Mavi Marmara, which was sailing in international waters," the government of Indonesia said in a statement. The statement called the blockade against Gaza "a violation of international law." http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2010/06/01/indonesia-condemns-israel039s-attack-gaza-aid-flotilla.html, http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/israel.gaza.raid.reaction/index.html
Political Parties / Organisations
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The People's Democratic Party (PRD), Indonesia. 5/10
The People's Democratic Party (PRD) of Indonesia strongly condemned the Israeli military action against volunteers delivering aid to the Gaza Strip on May 31, 2010. http://links.org.au/node/1718
Iran
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Iran. 6/10
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad strongly condemned Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, calling it an 'inhuman Zionist regime action against Gazans.' http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/20105316216182630.html#china
Ireland
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Ireland. 6/10
The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Miche·l Martin issued a statement after the Israeli government seized an Irish flagged ship, the 'Rachel Corrie,' which was transferring humanitarian aid to Gaza in June, 2010. The statement urged the Israeli government to ensure that the entire cargo of humanitarian aid carried by the ship was transferred to Gaza. The statement urged an end to the Israeli siege of Gaza, saying, 'The Government continues to call on Israel to lift its blockade of Gaza. Pending that, Israel should immediately facilitate the import into Gaza of all goods, other than weapons." http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=83566
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Dublin City Council. 5/10
The Dublin City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling on the City Manager not to sign or renew any contracts with French multinational Veolia - the operators of the light rail system LUAS and bidders for the Metro North project in Dublin. Veolia operates Israeli rail, bus and waste services in the illegally occupied West Bank, making them complicit in Israel's contravention of the Fourth Geneva Convention. http://www.indymedia.ie/article/96594
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Galway City Council, Ireland. 2009
The Galway City Council voted not to renew its contract with Veolia, a French company which has been vigorously criticized for its role in a light rail system to connect Jerusalem to illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. See http://www.passia.org/publications/bulletins/Jerusalem2009/pdf/Web-Bulletin%20-%20Jeursalem%202009%20Final%2021.pdf
Italy
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Italy.
Italy backed the United Nations Security Council Resolution in June 2010, condemning Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. Italian foreign minister Franco Frattini has said that Israel's occupation of Syria's Golan Heights plateau is 'one of the main obstacles to peace in the Middle East." On July 21, the Palestinian Authority announced that the Italian government has provided a long-term interest-free loan of Ä30 million for the Palestinian agricultural sector.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=301212 http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Politics/?id=3.1.478101269, http://www.adnkronos.com/AKI/English/Politics/?id=3.0.3191899343
Jordan
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Jordan. 5/10
Jordan summoned the Israeli charge d'affaires at the Israeli embassy in Amman on May 31 and handed him a strongly-worded message condemning Israel's raid on a flotilla of aid ships bound for Gaza Strip. In a statement released by the government on Monday, Jordan condemned Israel's raid on the flotilla, calling on the Israeli government to secure the safety of Jordanians on board the flotilla. Jordan's Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Nabil Sharif called on the international community to take immediate action to place pressure on Israel to lift the siege it imposes on the Gaza Strip. http://balita.ph/2010/06/01/jordan-summons-israeli-diplomat-condemns-israels-raid-on-gaza-bound-flotilla/
Kenya
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Kenya. 6/10
The Government of Kenya has condemned Israel's attack on aid ships to Gaza and called for an investigation into the incident. The statement said the incident served to reinforce calls "by the international community for Israel to end the blockade of Gaza". http://www.africanews.com/site/Kenya_condemns_Israel_raid_on_aid_ships/list_messages/32408
Laos
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Laos. 6/10
The government of Laos condemned the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. It called for Israel to comply with the UN Security Council's resolution No. 1860 by opening its border and revoking the blockade of Gaza so that humanitarian aid could reach the conflict zone and enable local people to resume normal life promptly. http://laovoices.com/2010/06/02/laos-condemns-israeli-attack-on-gaza-aid-flotilla/
Lebanon
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Lebanon. 6/10
The government of Lebanon denounced Israel's attack on the aid ships bound for Gaza. Prime Minister Saad Hariri said, 'Lebanon firmly denounces this attack and calls on the international community, notably major powers ... to take action in order to end this continued violation of human rights and threat to international peace. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/israel.gaza.raid.reaction/index.html
Luxembourg
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Luxembourg. 11/09, 5/10
In December 2009, Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said East Jerusalem, which Palestinians want as a national capital, is "not part of Israel" adding, 'We all recognise, in discussions, that East Jerusalem is occupied, and if it is occupied then it is not part of Israel,' Asselborn told reporters as he arrived for EU talks in Brussels. 'I don't understand how Israel fails to recognise that Palestine is composed of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.' Asselborn strongly condemned those responsible for Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla on May 31, 2010. http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/mideast-diplomacy.1tl
http://lequotidien.editpress.lu/index.php/politique-et-societe/12042-condamne-fermement-les-responsables-raid-contre-flottille.html
Malaysia
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Malaysia. 5/10
Malaysia condemned Israel's attack on a flotilla of ships in international waters carrying aid to Gaza. The Malaysian government called the act 'a serious breech of international law.' It called for the immediate release of the volunteers and the ships, and urged the UN Security Council to meet to consider action against Israel and to immediately lift the siege on the Gaza Strip.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malaysia-condemns-israeli-attack-wants-security-council-to-meet/
Political Parties / Organisations
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Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM). 6/10
The Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) strongly condemned the attack by Israeli commandos on a convoy of ships carrying aid to the Gaza Strip. http://links.org.au/node/1718
Malta
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Malta. 5/10
Malta has condemned the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, with Foreign Minister Tonio Borg issuing a statement: 'Malta deeply regrets the loss of life as a result of the Israeli military operation against the Flotilla sailing to Gaza and offers its condolences to the families of the victims. Malta condemns the disproportionate use of violence that has produced a very high number of victims among the members of the flotilla and demands a full inquiry into the attack. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains a source of grave concern. We need to urgently achieve a durable solution to the situation in Gaza.' http://www.di-ve.com/Default.aspx?ID=72&NewsId=73103
Mauritania
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Mauritania. 1/09, 6/10
The Mauritanian government severed its bilateral diplomatic ties with Israel in mid-January 2009, to protest the "Cast Lead" military operation in Gaza. In June 2010, the country officially ended all diplomatic relations with Israel to protest Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. Mauritania strongly condemned Israel's attack on the ships and urged the international community 'to compel Israel to end its occupation of all Arab territories and to lift the unjust blockade on the Palestinian people.'
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=121349§ionid=351020506 http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp%3Fnoticia%3D403413&langpair=auto|en
Mexico
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Mexico. 1/09
The Republic of Mexico has joined an increasing number of nations that have taken strong diplomatic action against Israel for its indiscriminate bombing of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. On January 15, 2009, "La SecretarĂa de Relaciones Exteriores" (SRE) issued what it termed "a most energetic condemnation" of Israel's bombing of three hospitals and a United Nations center for humanitarian aid where over 1,000 tons of food, medicine and other supplies needed by besieged Palestinian families were destroyed. http://www.aztlan.net/mexico_condemns_israel.htm
Morocco
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Morocco. 6/08, 5/10
In June 2008, Morocco's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva denounced Israel's persistence in flouting international resolutions by continuing to commit human rights abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories. He deplored the situation that keeps on deteriorating in the occupied territories due to Israel's 'reprehensible acts' and the blockade imposed on Palestinians, which constitutes "a blatant violation of their political and civil rights and an obstacle preventing them from exercising their full economic, social and cultural rights." Morocco also condemned Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, calling the action 'disgraceful.' http://www.marocpost.net/news/Headlines/ViewArticle.cfm?ArticleID=8131, http://www.aufaitmaroc.com/actualites/aujourd-hui/2010/5/31/flottille-le-maroc-denonce-lignoble-attaque-israelienne-ministre
Netherlands
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The Netherlands. 2008, 11/2009
The Dutch Government's influence was apparent in the decision of Heineken Breweries to press its newly acquired company, Barkan Wineries, to move its facilities out of an illegal settlement in the West Bank. The move reflects the Dutch Government's expectation that multi-nationals registered in Holland will adhere to UN human rights guidelines when operating abroad. Heineken is one of 38 Dutch companies that have joined the UN Global Compact, promising to make sure that they are not "complicit in human rights abuses." The Dutch commitment is part of a nascent international drive toward Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) promoted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Under "Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises," companies are asked to 'support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights' throughout their entire supply chain and within their operational sphere of influence. In November 2009, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for an investigation into products imported from Ahava, which produces these in the illegal settlement of Mitzpe Shalem. The ministry stated that 'If these products are produced in the occupied Palestinian territories then they are falsely labelled as 'Made in Israel'.' The ministry further said that products from the Occupied Palestinian West Bank should not receive special tax deductions. http://english.pnn.ps/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3683&Itemid=31
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Dutch Pension Fund PFZW. 11/09
In November 2009, the second-largest Dutch pension fund PFZW joined an already impressive group of investors that have divested from Africa-Israel. PFZW represents employees throughout the healthcare and social work sectors in the Netherlands. Africa-Israel is the target of an international boycott campaign by Palestine solidarity activists because of its involvement in the construction of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. http://www.alternativenews.org/english/2310-more-investors-abandoning-lev-leviev-and-africa-israel-.html
New Zealand
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New Zealand. 6/10
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully condemned Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla and summoned the Israeli ambassador to express the government's concern. A New Zealander was on board the flotilla. American and Israeli flags were burned at protests held in Auckland. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10648901 http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/image.cfm?c_id=1&gal_objectid=10648901&gallery_id=111656#6947432
Nicaragua
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Nicaragua. 6/10
The country of Nicaragua has suspended diplomatic relations with Israel over the Gaza Flotilla raid. Managua "underscored the illegal nature of the attack on a humanitarian mission in clear violation of international and humanitarian law." Nicaragua reiterated its support for the Palestinian people and urged an end to the blockade on the Gaza Strip. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3897773,00.html
Norway
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Norway. 9/09, 6/10
In September, 2009, the Norwegian Ministry of Finance excluded the Israeli company Elbit Systems Ltd. from the Government Pension Fund - Global, on the basis of the Council on Ethics' recommendation. In a press release, the ministry stated, 'The Council on Ethics has found that investment in Elbit constitutes an unacceptable risk of contribution to serious violations of fundamental ethical norms as a result of the company's integral involvement in Israel's construction of a separation barrier on occupied territory. 'We do not wish to fund companies that so directly contribute to violations of international humanitarian law,' says Minister of Finance Kristin Halvorsen'.The Ethics Council opinion states clearly that the construction of the separation barrier and its associated control regime along the chosen route must be regarded as being in contravention of international law.' In June, 2010, the Norwegian Government condemned the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said, 'A military attack against civilian activists is totally unacceptable. We are shocked at the news that Israeli naval forces have attacked ships bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza.' Kristin Halvorsen, Norway's health minister, called for the international community to boycott arms trade with Israel, in line with Norway's existing policy. http://english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/2010/05/20105316216182630.html#china http://bdsmovement.net/?q=node/533, http://www.swedishwire.com/nordic/4831-norwegians-ready-to-boycott-israel
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Norwegian Provincial Parliament: the Soer-Trondeleim District. 12/05
Norwegian Provincial Parliament: the Soer-Trondeleim District, representing about 7% of the population of Norway, including Trondheim, the third largest city, voted in December 2005 to 'completely and totally' prohibit the purchase or sale of Israeli products by all provincial government bodies and to launch an awareness campaign calling on the populace to do the same. Significantly, this Parliament was the first Norwegian government body to boycott South African Apartheid. http://stopthewall.org/worldwideactivism/print1061.shtml
Pakistan
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Pakistan. 8/06, 6/10
In August, 2006, Pakistan told the U.N. Security Council Tuesday that Israel's 38 year occupation of the Palestinian and Arab territories is the root cause of the conflicts in the Middle East, and made a strong plea for a peaceful settlement. Following Israel's raid on the Gaza aid ships, the foreign ministry of Pakistan stated: 'The government of Pakistan strongly condemns the use of brazen force by Israel against a humanitarian mission that was embarked on delivering humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza.'
http://www.pakistantimes.net/2006/08/24/top4.htm,
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/israel.gaza.raid.reaction/index.html,
Political Parties / Organisations
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Labor Party, Pakistan. 6/10
The Labour Party Pakistan strongly condemned the attack of Israeli commandos on a convoy of ships carrying aid to the Gaza Strip. The group demanded an end to the siege of Gaza, an end to military aid to Israel from the United States and other countries, and an arms embargo against Israel. They also demanded that the United Nations include the Israeli Defense Forces in its list of terrorist organisations and put Israel on the list of states that officially sponsor terrorism. http://links.org.au/node/1718
Palestine
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Palestinian Authority. 5/10
In May, 2010, the Palestinian Authority launched a widespread boycott of settlement goods. Residents in the occupied West Bank received hand-delivered lists of blacklisted settlement products as the Palestinian Authority kicked off its door-to-door anti-settlement produce campaign. The PA has produced an 88-page guide on how to participate in the boycott, including logos of well-known brand names, furnishing companies, farms, dairy produce, water, wine, household fixtures, and toys as well as plastics and surgical equipment manufactured on illegal West Bank settlements. http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=285299
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Palestinian Customs. 12/09
On December 16, 2009 Palestinian customs officials dumped tens of thousands of dollars worth of Dead Sea beauty products into dumpsters as part of a boycott of goods made in Israeli settlements. "This destruction ... is in keeping with the decision of the Palestinian leadership to prevent the import and sale of products produced in the settlements," local official Munthar Erakat said. http://www.bdsmovement.net/?q=node/614
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Sabeel
Sabeel, a Jerusalem-based international organization representing Palestinian Christians, has stated that 'There is a spiritual dimension to all investment.'Sabeel explains that: '1. Earning money through investment in companies whose products and services are used to violate International Law and human rights is equivalent to profiting from unlawful acts and the oppression of others. 2. Continuing such investments, once the facts are brought to our attention, constitutes enabling harm to innocent civilians under Occupation and condoning illegal settlement policies that lead to human rights violations.'Sabeel cites Israeli human rights lawyer Shamai Liebovitz: 'If the Jewish people are ever to become 'a light of all nations'and return to their core values of justice and human dignity, Israelis and Jews of conscience must call for effective measures to end the occupation of millions of Palestinians. I believe that selective economic pressure is the most effective way to end the brutal occupation.''The churches have exhausted all other options,'says Sabeel founder Naim Ateek, a Palestinian-Israeli Anglican priest. (See 'Morally Responsible Investment: A Nonviolent Response to the Occupation,' 8/05.) http://www.cc-vw.org/articles/mri.htm, http://www.sabeel.org/pdfs/mri.htm
Political Parties / Organisations
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Fatah. 6/10
The Fatah Foreign Relations Commission issued the following statement on May 31, 2010: 'The Israeli attack against the Gaza Freedom Fleet is piracy and a crime against humanity. At a time when the recent Israeli war crimes against Gaza remains fresh in our memory, Israeli occupation warships attacked today the Freedom Fleet, a flotilla of aid boats manned by dozens of international peace activists, parliamentarians and journalists. Israeli occupation forces assaulted the fleet while the ships were still in international waters, attempting to reach the Gaza shores to deliver desperately needed humanitarian supplies to the population. This aggression has resulted in the killing and injury of dozens of activists aboard these boats. The Fatah Foreign Relations Commission condemns this heinous crime in the strongest possible way.'http://links.org.au/node/1718
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Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. 6/10
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine condemned the 'Israeli massacre on the high seas, in international waters, the brutal assault on the international Freedom Flotilla to Gaza on May 31, 2010.'http://links.org.au/node/1718
Paraguay
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Paraguay. 6/10
The government of Paraguay condemned the attack by Israeli forces in international waters on the convoy called 'Freedom Flotilla,' carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza. It supported the UN call for a full investigation. http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//www.lanacion.com.py/noticias_um-309384.htm&langpair=auto|en, http://www.lanacion.com.py/noticias_um-309384.htm,
Portugal
Political Parties / Organisations
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Portuguese Communist Party. 6/10
The Portuguese Communist Party was one of the groups demonstrating against the Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla in front of the Israeli Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal on June 2, 2010. In a joint statement, the group condemned the raid. The protestors also demanded the release of the activists detained by Israel and the dismantlement of the Israeli settlements in Palestine. http://english.sina.com/world/2010/0602/322813.html
Qatar
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Qatar. 6/10
His Highness the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani condemned Israel's deadly raid against a Gaza- bound aid flotilla, branding it an 'act of piracy.' 'The crimes that were committed at dawn today... remind all of us that there is an unjust blockade' in place against Gaza, the Emir told the 10th Doha Forum, calling for an end to the lockdown imposed by Israel. In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim underscored Qatar's condemnation of the armed attack by Israel's naval forces against the aid flotilla. The Prime Minister termed the attack as 'a premeditated assault on the innocent and a clear-cut violation of the international law and a flagrant breach to the international norms and conventions.'
http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=365293&version=1&template_id=57&parent_id=56
Russia
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Russia. 6/10, 7/10
Russia's Foreign Ministry expressed Russia's "condemnation and deep concern" over the May 2010 Israeli attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, and called for a full investigation. The ministry statement added that the use of "weapons against citizens and the seizing of ships in open waters with no legal grounds [is] a gross violation of commonly accepted international legal norms." It said the events proved the "necessity to halt the Gaza blockade." In July 2010, Russia donated 50 armored personnel carriers to the Palestinian Authority.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=288773, http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=301215
Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia. 11/06, 6/10
In November 2006, Saudi Arabia condemned Israel's actions against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. The country has supported the Arab Peace plan which offers to normalize diplomatic relations with Israel if it withdraws from territory it occupied during the 1967 war. Saudi Arabia condemned the 'massacre committed by Israel' against the Gaza aid flotilla on May 31, 2010, and urged the international community 'to 'assume its responsibility in face of (Israel's) aggressions.' http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L09373074.htm, http://www.q8nri.com/home/2010/06/01/world-shocked-outraged-at-israel-after-freedom-flotilla-deadly-attack/,
South Africa
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South Africa. 6/10
South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel to protest Israel's attack on the flotilla of ships carrying humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=177408
Political Parties / Organisations
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African National Congress (ANC) Youth League. 6/10
The African National Congress (ANC) Youth League condemned on Wednesday the Israeli raid on the humanitarian flotilla that was headed to Gaza to provide relief. The Youth League stated that they view this as a provocative attack by Israel and a threat to international peace, and they condemn it in the strongest terms. The ANC Youth League called upon the South African government and the International Community to isolate the State of Israel and cut all diplomatic ties in solidarity with the people of Palestine. http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world/african-national-congress-youth-league-condemns-israeli-raid-on-gaza-relief-flotilla_100374108.html
South Korea
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South Korea. 6/10
South Korea downgraded a June visit from Israeli President Shimon Peres from a 'state visit' to a working visit in the aftermath of Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla. However, South Korea has often abstained from UN votes criticizing Israel's actions against Palestinians. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/south-korea-lowers-status-of-peres-visit-in-wake-of-gaza-flotilla-raid-1.294523?localLinksEnabled=false
Spain
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Spain. 9/09, 6/10
In September, 2009, the government of Spain excluded the University Center of Ariel in Samaria (AUCS) from a prestigious university competition about sustainable architecture. The University Center is in the West Bank on occupied Palestinian land, and is in the illegal settlement of Ariel. AUCS was one of 21 teams selected to compete for the Solar Decathlon-Madrid 2010, the most prestigious competition for sustainable architecture in the world. Sergio Vega, General Director of Solar Decathlon Europe said: 'The decision has been taken by the Government of Spain based upon the fact that the University is located in the [occupied] West Bank. The Government of Spain is obliged to respect the international agreements under the framework of the European Union and the United Nations regarding this geographical area.' This represents the first case of sanctions against an Israeli academic institution in Spain and one of the first such actions in the West. http://www.kibush.co.il/show_file.asp?num=35748 In June, 2010, Spain's Foreign Ministry condemned Israel's military action against an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. Spain's government considers that the military action was "completely disproportionate, and fully supports the European Union query that Israel carries out an investigation, and that it finds out who's responsible," the ministry said in a release the day after the raid. The Government of Spain, which holds the current European Union presidency, called the Israeli ambassador to Madrid to explain what Spain called an 'unacceptable' operation. http://www.dowjones.de/site/2010/05/spain-condemns-israel-raid-against-gaza-aid-flotilla.html
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Villanueva de Duero City Council, Spain. 7/10
After lobbying efforts by Spanish activists, the City Council of Villanueva de Duero has decided to remove Eden-brand water products from government buildings. Eden is a company in Syria's Golan Heights, which has been occupied by Israeli military forces since 1967. Local leaders of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel campaign requested that the municipality cease its support for a company that they say profits from illegally occupied and annexed lands. http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=299415
Sudan
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Sudan. 5/10
The Sudanese government condemned the May 31 2010 Israeli attack on the Freedom Flotilla which was heading to Gaza, and urged the international community to condemn the incident and punish Israel. http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90854/7007196.html
Sweden
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Sweden. 5/10
Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage summoned the Israeli ambassador following Israel's attack on the Gaza aid ships on May 31, 2010. He called the attack 'completely unacceptable.' http://www.swedishwire.com/component/content/article/2-politics/4769-sweden-israeli-raid-completely-unacceptable.
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Swedish National Pension Fund. 3/09
Swedish national pension fund AP7 has excluded the French transportation giant Alstom from its portfolio. Alstom was excluded because of the company's involvement in Israel's occupation of Palestinian land. Specifically, the company delivered a monitoring system to parts of the barrier built on Palestinian land in the West Bank. The First, Second, Third and Fourth National Pension Fund (AP1, AP2, AP3 and AP4) have also decided to exclude the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems from their investments. http://usacbi.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/divestment-campaign-gains-momentum-in-europe/, http://www.dn.se/ekonomi/ap-fonder-ratar-israeliskt-bolag-1.1069483
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Stockholm Community Council, Sweden. 1/09
The Stockholm Community Council cancelled its long-standing contract with Veolia Corp. Veolia, a French multinational, was criticized for involvement with a tramway linking West Jerusalem to illegal West Bank settlements. Veolia lost the bid although it had operated Stockholm's public transit system for ten years and sought an eight-year extension worth 3.5 Billion Euros, said to be the biggest public contract under negotiation in Europe. The Stockholm Council had received petitions signed by thousands of residents protesting further support for Veolia. www.labournet.net/world/0901/veolia2.html
Switzerland
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Switzerland. 11/08
The Swiss Foreign Ministry notified the Israeli Foreign Ministry that Switzerland regards the demolition of Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem and near Ramallah as "violations of international humanitarian law." Swiss officials stated that over 600 homes in East Jerusalem and 1600 in the West Bank had been destroyed since 2000 in violation of the Geneva Convention's rules on military occupation. www.canpalnet-ottawa.org/Paju-407.html
Syria
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Syria. 6/10, 7/10
In Damascus, Syria, a senior adviser to President Bashar al-Assad, Buthaina Shaaban, called the Israeli attack on aid ships "a terrorist crime against innocent civilians and supporters of the Palestinian people who had no weapons, no armaments with them." On July 19, 2010, Syria's President Assad joined with Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in calling for further action to bring an end to the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/syrian-president-turkish-fm-jointly-call-for-end-to-gaza-siege-1.302884, http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/05/31/israel.gaza.raid.reaction/index.html
Tunisia
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Tunisia. 6/10
Tunisia condemned the Israeli raid on international aid convoy, urging the international community to take quick moves to stop Palestinians' sufferings and broker a breakthrough in the Middle East peace process, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday. "Tunisia firmly condemns the aggression perpetrated by Israeli occupation forces in international waters against the Gaza-bound aid flotilla which killed and injured dozens of people," the ministry said in a statement. Tunisia asked "the international community, particularly the influential powers, to intervene immediately to lift the unjust blockade imposed on the Palestinian people in Gaza and put an end to their sufferings." http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90854/7007190.html
Turkey
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Turkey. 6/10
Turkey announced that it was recalling its ambassador to Israel after at least nine Turkish activists were killed when Israel Navy commandoes stormed a ship bringing aid to the Gaza Strip. Turkey threatened to break all ties with Israel unless the government apologized for the raid. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/turkey-recalls-envoy-over-gaza-flotilla-deaths-accuses-israel-of-state-terrorism-1.293186
United Arab Emirates
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United Arab Emirates. 6/10
The United Arab Emirates denounced Israel's 'barbaric aggression,' against volunteers transporting aid to Gaza as Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahayan urged UN chief Ban Ki-Moon to investigate the attack and report back to the United Nations. http://www.q8nri.com/home/2010/06/01/world-shocked-outraged-at-israel-after-freedom-flotilla-deadly-attack/
United Kingdom
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United Kingdom. 8/06
During Israel's war with Lebanon and the Gaza Strip in 2006, UK government officials barred US flights from Prestwick Airport in Scotland. The planes were carrying bombs to Israel for attacks on Lebanon. Diversion to RAF military bases for refueling followed talks between the Scots Secretary and the UK Defense and Foreign Secretaries. After a meeting with the US Consul, Scottish Parliament Member Patrick Harvie of the Green Party reported: 'We tried to convey the extreme concern, indeed disgust, among the Scottish public and politicians that a Scottish airport is being used to ferry arms to Israel.' www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/
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UK House of Commons Select Committee on International Development. 1/07
The Select Committee reported severe limitations on Palestinian trade and development caused by Israeli restrictions on movement and access to goods and markets. Meanwhile, the European Union continues to boost the Israeli economy by giving preferential treatment to Israeli products in European markets through a trade agreement. The Select Committee noted this "incongruity" and said "the UK should urge the EU to use its Agreement with Israel as a lever for change and to consider suspending the Agreement until there are further improvements in access arrangements." www.parliament.uk/indcom
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British Government. 2008, 3/09, 7/09, 12/09, 6/10
The British government cancelled plans to relocate its embassy in Tel Aviv to a building owned by an Israeli settlement builder. "The UK government's firm stance is that the construction of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is unlawful under international law," said a Foreign Office spokesperson. An embassy representative added: "The UK government has always regarded settlements as illegal but what has happened in recent months is that we are looking for ways to make a difference on this issue. We see them as an obstacle to peace." www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1236103154560
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Settlement Goods 12/09
In 2008, England began targeting goods labeled "Israeli" for inspection to determine if they were in fact produced within illegal West Bank settlements and are violating Israel-EU tariff agreements. In December 2009, the British government food labeling guidelines were changed to recommend that food labels in supermarkets should identify settlement products by labeling items from the West Bank either "Israeli settlement produce" or "Palestinian produce." www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/britain-to-crack-down-on- exports-from-israeli-settlements-986854, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8407289.stm
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Defence Exports 07/09
In July, 2009, at the end of a three-month government review of all defense exports to Israel, the British government decided to cancel five of the licenses. An official explanatory announcement by the British Embassy in Tel Aviv stated that the embargo was related to Israel's offensive in Gaza, Operation Cast Lead. "U.K. equipment was not exported for specific use in Operation Cast Lead," the embassy stated. "We do not grant export licenses where there is a clear risk that arms will be used for external aggression or internal repression.' http://bdsmovement.net/?q=node/466, http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/12/10-8 In June, 2010 the new British prime minister David Cameron called Israel's attack on the Gaza aid flotilla "completely unacceptable", saying 'We should do everything we can through the United Nations, where resolution 1860 is absolutely clear about the need to end the blockade and open up Gaza....[F]riends of Israel - - and I count myself a friend of Israel -- should be saying to the Israelis that the blockade actually strengthens Hamas's grip on the economy and on Gaza, and it's in their own interests to lift it and allow these vital supplies to get through.' http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=177338, http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90853/7010349.html
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Scotland. 6/10
In Edinburgh, Scotland, as many as 5,000 protesters marched through the center of the city to protest Israel's violent attack on the Gaza aid flotilla, which killed 9 volunteers aboard the Turkish ship 'Mavi Marmara.' The Scottish government issued a statement: 'The Scottish Government condemns the Israeli authorities' actions that resulted in the tragic loss of life on the Mavi Marmara,' the statement read. "We have added Scotland's voice to that of the wider international community in condemning it, and calling for the immediate lifting of the Israeli blockade of Gaza.' http://www.juancole.com/2010/06/tel-aviv-protests-against-gaza-blockade-wave-ofprotests-govt-condemnation.html
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Swansea City Council, Wales. 7/10
An historic decision was taken by Swansea City Council on June 17, 2010 to bar future contracts with Veolia on the grounds of its illegal activities in the West Bank. Swansea City Council approved the following resolution unamended on Thursday June 17th 2010: "The UN not only does not recognise Israel's annexation and occupation of East Jerusalem, but has repeatedly stated its view that the Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank contravene international law, and it has demanded that Israeli settlement activities and occupation should not be supported. The international trading company, Veolia, is a leading partner in a consortium seeking to build a light railway system linking Israel to illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem, a project that clearly not only contravenes UN demands but is in contravention of international law. This Council therefore calls on the Leader & Chief Executive not to sign or allow to be signed any new contracts or renewal of any existing contracts with Veolia or any other company in breach of international law, so long as to do so would not be in breach of any relevant legislation." http://www.inminds.com/article.php?id=10454
Political Parties / Organisations
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British Liberal Democrats. 12/08
During Israel's assault on Gaza in December 2008, Nick Clegg, the leader of the British Liberal Democrats, called for suspension of a proposed co-operation agreement between Israel and the European Parliament. Clegg pointed out that the EU has "enormous potential leverage in the Middle East as the major donor of aid to the Palestinian community and the main market for Israeli exports." He called for suspension of the proposed agreement until "there is a transformation of the conditions on the ground in Gaza." Clegg added that EU Foreign Ministers must also reiterate that they would be prepared to talk to Hamas if it "permanently renounces terrorist violence." The EU would then be able to support "a unified Palestinian leadership covering both Gaza and the West Bank, an essential ingredient for any lasting peace." http://www.nickclegg.com/2008/12/clegg-calls-for-suspension-of-israeleu-agreement/
United States of America
Political Parties / Organisations
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Green Party, US. 11/05, 4/10
The Green Party in the United States 'calls for divestment from and boycott of the State of Israel until such time as the full individual and collective rights of the Palestinian people are realized. The party calls on all civil society institutions and organizations around the world to implement a comprehensive divestment and boycott program. The party calls on all governments to support this program and to implement state-level boycotts.'The Green Party issued another statement in April, 2010, renewing its call for divestment. http://www.gp.org/press/pr_2005_11_28.shtm
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Minnesota Democratic Farmer Labor Party Progressive Caucus. 1/10
On January 10, 2010 the Progressive Caucus of the DFL unanimously passed a resolution for the state of Minnesota to divest from Israel Bonds. Divestment from Israel Bonds and a broader program of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel's occupation are supported by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network ó Twin Cities (IJAN-TC). http://www.ajwnews.com/archives/4678, http://www.ijsn.net/C89/, http://bdsmovement.net/?q=node/627
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Socialist Party USA. 6/10
The co-chairs of the Socialist Party USA issued a statement condemning the Israeli Defense Forces raid on the Gaza flotilla. http://links.org.au/node/1718
Venezuela
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Venezuela. 1/09
Both Venezuela and Bolivia have broken ties with the Israeli government over the 2008-09 Gaza offensive. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry said its government was responding to "the cruel persecution of the Palestinian people, directed by Israeli authorities," citing "19 days of continuous bombardment, the assassination of more than 1,000 people and the destruction of the infrastructure of the population of Gaza." Calling this "state terrorism," they said Israeli leaders should be tried before an international court for crimes against humanity. http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/01/14/bolivia.israel/, See also www.france24.com/en/20090115-chavez-breaks-diplomatic-ties-with-israel http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=29791
Vietnam
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Vietnam. 6/10
Protesting the Israeli attack on a convoy of ships carrying aid to Gaza, Vietnam cancelled a state visit planned by Israeli President Shimon Peres. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/south-korea-lowers-status-of-peres-visit-in-wake-of-gaza-flotilla-raid-1.294523
Acknowledgments
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The Global DBS Maps, which have been produced by Sadaka, use 'mapper.js' from Christian Effenburger http://www.netzgesta.de/mapper/. Most of the information is taken from 'Global Actions to End Israel's Occupation' (http://www.interfaithpeaceinitiative.com/globalactions.pdf) produced by the Palestine-Israel Action Group, a committee of Ann Arbor, Michigan Quakers (http://www.quakerpi.org/Q-Action.shtml)