PAME condemns the seizure of the ship Handala in international waters by the murderous state of Israel and the abduction of its 21 passengers, among them Christian Smalls, founder of the Amazon labour union, during its peaceful mission to the Gaza Strip for the delivery of symbolic humanitarian aid.

The seizure of the vessel, the abduction of its passengers, and the confiscation of its cargo, including infant formula, diapers, food, and medicine, is yet another unacceptable and condemnable act by the terrorist state of Israel, which escalates the atrocities and crimes against the Palestinian people by continuing to deny the people of Gaza even the basic access to humanitarian aid and healthcare, condemning them to famine and extermination.

The EU, the USA, and NATO bear criminal responsibility for supporting Israel and its murderous actions to promote their interests in the Middle East. Likewise, the Greek government maintains military, economic, and political relations with it, considering it a “strategic ally.” In this context, it intensifies the repression and the attacks against the solidarity actions of the unions and the Greek people in support of the Palestinian people.

EU, USA, NATO, and the Greek government, are complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people and in the implementation of Israel’s murderous plan to obstruct and undermine the creation of an independent and viable Palestinian State. 

We demand the immediate release of the ship and all members of its crew and mission.

We demand the immediate lifting of the blockade on Gaza and the termination of all support to the murderous state of Israel.

Recognition of the Palestinian State within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with UN resolutions.

History has one just side — with Palestine, until freedom!