I write as one of the internationals who were under seige with the
Palestinians in Moqataa, Ramallah Palestine. I am now free, but members of my
organization, The International Solidarity Movement, are being detained
illegally by The Israeli Defence Force. Eleven activists, including 3 UK and 6US citizens, were arrested while attempting to
deliver much needed food to those inside the church of nativity Bethlehem on
2nd May, now 4 days ago, where 11 acitivists managed to gain access and
deliver food. None of those detained have been charged with anything. They are
being held in Palestine and Israel.The men were being held at Kiryat Arba, an
illegal settlement in al-Khalil (Hebron) where their lives were in danger at
due to the volatile situation brought about by IDF actions
recently.Two have already been deported without charge. Two activists,one from the UK the other US with an Israeli ID,
were being illegally detained at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv
and awaiting deportation. They have now all been transferred to Ramle prison outisde Tel Aviv. All have been denied access to legal aid and have
been denied any information as to their ultimate fate. The two detained at the
airport have been on hunger strike for 3 days, protesting at this blatant
violation of international law being committed by the IDF.

If any country other than Israel was doing this, all states involved would
have condemned the action. Why the double standard? In particular , the United
States government is welcoming the Prime Minister of a state that illegally
holds US nationals against their will.

When they were arrested tyring to deliver food which was being witheld against
international law by the Israeli Occupying Army, the women and men were
separated. The women were shackled hand to foot, and their belongings,
including money and mobile phones were confiscated. At 2 am they were then
dropped off individually around Jerusalem, one woman was hit accros the face
when she protested against this action. Their passports were taken, and they
were told to report to the Ministry of Interior at 9 am the following morning,
and have since been held illegally.

This only adds to the multitude of human rights abuses occurring throughout
Palestine and we ask citizens, governments and the media to take and interest
and be a voice for what is happening.Please spread this information as you can, as you may not hear much about it in mainstream media, although i am trying my hardest to make this happen