Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Chairman of the Perdana Global Peace Organisation and Honorary President of the Perdana Leadership Foundation, today gave a Press Conference to condemn the Israeli attack on the Free Gaza Flotilla, which consists of Malaysian ships sponsored by the Perdana Global Peace Organisation and privately-sponsored Turkish ships.

The ships, he informed the media, were anchored in international waters, 65 kilometeres from the shores of Gaza, and were not in Israeli waters as claimed by Israel, when the main ship was stormed by Israeli military. More than ten people on board are believed to have been shot dead by the Israelis.

Tun expressed his anger at the use of force against the people on board the ship, who were all non-combatants and carried no weapons. The Israeli attack, he said, reflects the Israeli government’s blatant disregard for humanitarian considerations and international laws. “They are a law unto themselves,” he stated.

Another ship sponsored by PGPO, the MV Rachel Corrie, which was originally part of the flotilla, is now on its way to Gaza. It had encountered engine problems earlier and had to be taken to Malta to be repaired. The PGPO representatives Matthias Chang and Shamsul Akmar, along with two TV3 crew members, are all on board the Rachel Corrie. The Rachel Corrie will still make an attempt to break through the blockade and is prepared to be towed and detained by Israeli military, Tun said.

Tun Dr. Mahathir urged the world would take action against Israel’s three-year blockade of Gaza, where food, medical supplies and building materials have been unable to reach the beleaguered citizens of Gaza. The blockade against Gaza’s seafront is “illegal”, Tun said, pointing out that the seafront is Gaza territory leading to international waters, and is not within Israel’s legal boundaries. Israel’s actions are akin to that of an uncivilised race, Tun stated.

The Perdana Global Peace Organisation has bought three ships, two of which are passenger ships and one, the MV Rachel Corrie, a cargo ship. The Rachel Corrie is carrying wheelchairs, medical supplies and building materials.