The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is enraged by the callous and murderous actions of the Israeli naval commandos when they raided a Turkish led international humanitarian envoy to the Israeli blockaded Hamas ruled Gaza Palestinian territory. The pro-Palestinian flotilla led boat, the Turkish Marmora, with 600 mixed nationals activists aboard, was violently intercepted by the Israeli commandos resulting in the death of 19 reported deaths.
The NUM is concerned that the latest action of the state of Israel threatens the peace process and the realization of a two state solution to the Israeli - Palestine conflict. These callous and barbaric actions amount to a violation of international law because the incident took place 80 miles out to sea in international waters and has increased tensions and threats of armed retaliatory conflict along the Mediterranean peninsula.
While the NUM supports the UN Security Council's call for Israel to conduct a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation of the flotilla incident and condemning of the Israeli acts of violence and the immediate release of ships and civilians held by Israel, we do not believe that Israel is capable to conduct such an investigation. We instead call for an international, independent inquiry under the auspices of a United Nations agency and a consideration for sanctions to be imposed against Israel upon an adverse finding of the investigation against Israel.
"We applaud the bold diplomatic action by Spain to recall its ambassador and call upon nation states to do the same as a sign of protest against the action of the Israeli State. We also call upon the international community to demand the lifting of the blockade" says Senzeni Zokwana,the NUM President and President of the 20 million member International Chemical, Energy, Mining and General Workers Union (ICEM).
Senzeni Zokwana- (NUM & ICEM President)- 082 804 9170
Glen Mpufane - (NUM Head of International Relations)- 082 883 7299
Lesiba Seshoka (NUM Spokesman)- 082 803 6719