The Portuguese Communists Party condemns the criminal massacre perpetrated by Israeli military forces against the humanitarian aid mission destined for Palestine, carrying about ten thousand tons of necessity goods to face the calamitous humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, a result of the illegal blockade upon this territory and its people.

The attack against the humanitarian convoy, which has caused up until now the lives of 15 civilians of several nationalities, constitutes a flagrant and shocking violation of the most basic rules of international law, an act of piracy and a further proof of the terrorist policy of a State that has relied upon the complicity and support of the USA and the European Union.

Given this serious event, the PCP demands that the Portuguese government clearly and readily condemn this new Israeli crime. A condemnation that, in the framework of Portuguese foreign policy and Portugal's participation in the diverse international institutions, gives Israel no immunity and derives from this event all the political, diplomatic and foreign relations consequences regarding the State of Israel.

PCP reiterates its unequivocal support of the Palestinian people in their struggle for edification of a Palestinian State along the pre-1967 borders with its capital in Jerusalem, and appeals to the Portuguese people and organizations within the movements for peace and solidarity with the Palestinian people that they express their protest, indignation and condemnation against this additional heinous act of the Israeli government and its military forces.

May 31st, 2010

The Secretariat of the Central Committee of the

Portuguese Communist Party