KUWAIT CITY, May 31: Kuwait Society for Basic Elements of Human Rights and a committee formed to support Kuwaitis onboard the besieged Freedom Flotilla, carrying supplies to people of Gaza, organized a rally Monday in front of the Parliament to protest the killing of innocent peaceniks by Israeli navy.
Hundreds turned up at the rally to show their solidarity with the 16 Kuwaiti activist and others from the international community who undertook the voyage to Gaza. Families of the activists, politicians, religious figures, civil societies and students union took part in the rally.
Speaking at the rally, MP Jaman Al- Harbash said, “The kings of the Arab world are not those who occupy the thrones and seats of power. Our kings are those who are aboard Freedom Flotilla and risking their lives for the sake our brethren in Gaza.

“Kuwaitis form the second largest nationality, behind Turks, in the contingent bound for Gaza.”
The MP praised the Turkish government and its people for the brave efforts and the initiative undertaken to reach aid and supplies to the isolated people of Gaza and reduce their misery.
Harbash further said that the ships tried to circumvent the inhuman blockade against Gaza to alleviate the pains of common people suffering under inhuman sanctions aimed to crush a people.
MP Adnan Abdul Samad, who was also part of the rally, said, “This act of aggression by Israel does not come as a big surprise. It is what is expected of them. They are known for such ruthlessness against unarmed innocents even in the past.”
MP Abdul Samad urged the Arab countries to remove the flags of Israel from their lands. “Egypt should also end its blockade against Gaza, and be more humane to their fellow brethren.

“Civil society institutions must apply greater pressure on the international community to end lift the sanctions against Gaza.”
MP Musallam Al- Barrak expressed hope that soon a similar gathering will be organized to celebrate the lifting of sanctions on Gaza. He hailed Hassan Nasrallah as a leader “who fought for the rights of Palestinians and the Arabs in general against Israel.
“Today, we have 17 Kuwaitis who have shown their willingness to lay down their lives for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Gaza. If we have the will, then we can do much more to regain our past glory and ensure justice in the region. However, the weakness of our leadership is a stumbling block from realizing those goals.
“We are calling for the passage of a bill to sever ties with countries that maintain cordial relations with Israel in the region.” Our government has requested other brotherly countries to ensure that no Israeli flags fly in any Arab country, Al- Barrack noted.
MP Khalid Al- Sultan for his part said that Kuwaitis have been part of a great mission that has revealed the ugly face of Israel and the failures of the Arab leaders.”
He urged Egypt to call off its ties with Israel and work for the lifting of sanctions against the innocent people of Gaza. “Arabs have the power to stop Israel’s aggressive policies, but don’t have the will to do so.”

A woman who spoke on behalf of the families of the Kuwaitis on the ship said, “The Freedom Flotilla’s mission is a success. Because they have sent a great message to the world and to Israel. They have shown the solidarity of kind hearted souls of the world with those in Gaza.
“The Kuwaitis who went on the voyage have made Kuwait proud. They have shown what we can do if we have the will and have inspired the rest of the region. Now they number 17, the next time they will number 20 and their tribe will keep increasing.”
Meanwhile it was announced that the Kuwait Students Union will open a counter starting from Tuesday for the people to register their names to go on the next fleet of ships to Gaza.
Dr Ibtihal Al- Khateeb of Kuwait Human Rights Society said, “We condemn the act of aggression by Israel for attacking the unarmed fleets killing innocent people.
“The sanctions against Gaza are a violation against humanity. We blame Israel not as a whole country, but only those who are responsible for the misdeeds.
“We urge Israel to respect the freedom and rights of organizations supplying humanitarian aid to the downtrodden and the needy.”
I appeal to the international community to wake up to the reality of these human rights violations by Israel and do something to stop them, she added.