NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BLACK LAWYERS CONDEMNS THE MASSACRE IN GAZA

PRESS RELEASE



-----------------

12/31/08

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF BLACK LAWYERS CONDEMNS THE MASSACRE IN GAZA



The National Conference of Black Lawyers ("NCBL") condemns the massive

military attack by Israel upon Gaza. Since Saturday, December

27 Israel's bombs have rained on Gaza, hitting targets such as a

refugee camp and a university. News agencies reported today that over

375 Palestinians, including women and children as young as age 4, have

been murdered. Over 1400 have been wounded.



The military attacks are not Israel's only act of aggression towards

Gaza. For over a year the Israeli government has held a stranglehold on

Gaza, preventing the entry of necessary goods such as food and medicine

into the territory. Israel's actions are inhumane and are in violation

of international law. Israel controls both access to Gaza and the

freedom of movement of Gazans. As an occupying power, Israel's

blockade amounts to collective punishment in violation of Article 33

of the Fourth Geneva Convention. United Nations Special Rapporteur

Richard Falk has even characterized the blockade policies as a crime

against humanity. In addition, Israel's indiscriminate firing on

civilian populations violates the rules of war and the Fourth Geneva

Convention.



Each year the United States government gives billions of dollars

in taxpayer money to Israel, described as "aid." As taxpayers we demand

that the United States stop funding Israel's illegal actions. Further,

the NCBL calls on the international community to decry the military

attacks on Gaza, as well as the blockade.

-------------------------------