Bradford Demo in Support of Gaza Aid Flotilla

On Tuesday 1st June around 100 people gathered at the Cenotaph in Bradford in solidarity with the ships travelling to Palestine loaded with aid which have been attacked by Israeli armed forces.

The group of ships included a large ferry style ship able to carry up to 600 people. They were loaded with aid supplies including supplies for schools, medical and dental equipment and building materials. Aboard the vessels were activists from around the world. Flying a Turkish flag, and sailing in International waters, the Israeli Government has yet to make clear their reasoning for boarding the ship. Those on board have said that the armed forces opened fire on them using machine guns, many of the crew have been taken to hospitals in Israel. Up to 15 people were killed in the attacks.

There is a fuller story on Indymedia UK (please click here)

Mohammed Bhaiyat, a 26-year-old man from Bradford, was on the ship and his family now fear for his life. His father Ziauddin Bhaiyat said "He just went there to give humanitarian aid to people who have nothing and they were in international waters - they should not have the right to attack people just like that." It is not yet known where Mohammed is at the moment.

The rally in Bradford began at 4pm and culminated in speeches and lit candles. Below you can listen to some of the people who attened. At 6pm a procession was lead up to Desmond Tutu House, where a meeting was held to discuss how the group would continue to act in solidarity with those from the ships and the people of Palestine. A march will be held on Saturday 5th June at 12 Midday at Infirmary Fields, Westgate/End of Lumb Lane, Bradford to which all are invited.

A video from the demo can be seen here on Youtube. Please be aware that although Northern Indymedia is not recording who is visiting this website, Youtube will do as soon as you click on the link. The video will be up on Northern Indymedia as soon as we've sorted out the technical difficulties.

Attached Files

Audio from Palestinian Solidarity Rally 1st June 2010