Greater Manchester Respect

"The massacre on the Mavi Marmara must be a turning point. Passengers from 32 countries were murderously attacked by the israeli forces.

"This is the Sharpeville and the Soweto of the movement for Palestinian solidarity.

"People of those countries around the world must now tell their governments that we are not prepared to continue to allow Israel to flout international law. The inhuman siege of Gaza must end now!

"The Israeli government has used terror for political ends. But we are not afraid.

"We who survived the Mavi Marmara massacre will redouble our efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine and end this siege!"

Kevin Ovenden was on board the Gaza flotilla ship Mavi Mamara during the Israeli assault. He has organised three aid convoys to Gaza with Viva Palestina and is  a member of the Respect Party's National Council. Kevin confirms that he, Nicola Enchmarch and Nader Daher are all safe and well.