June 12, 2006

(Los Angeles - 6/12/06) -- The brutal murder of seven Palestinians on a Gaza beach on Friday is a brutal and illegal act that exemplifies the severe oppression of the Palestinian people. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert expressed regret over the deaths over the weekend, and ordered a military inquiry into the incident.

MPAC echoes the sentiments expressed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who called for a full investigation of the killing. Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that Annan "reminds all concerned of their obligations under international humanitarian law to avoid placing civilians in danger, while urging the utmost restraint to avoid further escalation and bloodshed."

This type of activity escalates tensions on the ground and directly leads to reactions that are further destructive for both Palestinains and Israelis. It is also an example of what is perceived as incitement by those elements of the society that are looking to engage in violence.

The fact is that Palestinian families are now terrorized from accessing one of the only breathing areas left to them. This is indicative of the failure of Israel's "unilateral" disengagement from Gaza. It will not achieve peace in the region for either Israelis and Palestinians.

MPAC calls on the Bush administration to take a decisive stand by denouncing this targeted killing, to re-emphasize the importance of adherence to international law regarding civilians by all parties in the conflict, and to call for the restoration of human rights for the Palestinian people.

[CONTACT: Edina Lekovic, 213-383-3443, communications@mpac.org]