RNS–Muslims, Churches Blast Israel for Deaths in Raid

Tens of thousands of Muslims in the Middle East and North Africa on Tuesday (June 1) continued demonstrations against Israel’s deadly interception of a flotilla of ships trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

Nine pro-Palestinian activists were killed on the passenger ferry Mavi Mamara when Israeli commandoes boarded the ship early Monday (May 31) morning. The Mavi Mamara was one of six Turkish ships trying to break Israel’s blockade of Hamas-controlled Gaza.

Across the Arab world and in Israel””where Arabs comprise 20 percent of the population””angry protestors demanded an end to the blockade. Ishmael Haniyeh, the prime minister of Hamas, declared a day of mourning. Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa said the attack “indicates Israel is not ready for peace.”

In Rome, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi told Agence France-Presse that the Holy See feels “deep sadness and concern” over the flotilla incident, which also injured several activists and seven Israeli commandoes.

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One comment on “RNS–Muslims, Churches Blast Israel for Deaths in Raid

  1. Jill Woodliff says:

    Father,
    We pray for an open heaven over Jerusalem. May Your holy radiance bathe this land and Jerusalem’s righteousness shine out like the dawn. May Your revelation fill the hearts of her people. May Jerusalem’s salvation shine like a blazing torch.
    We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May those who love Jerusalem be secure. May there be peace within her walls and security within her citadels. For the sake of our brothers and friends, we will say, “Peace be within you.” Amen.
    Isaiah 62:1-7, Psalm 122:6-9