Israel came under international censure after its navy commandos raided a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza on May 31. Fifteen activists, including nine with Turkish nationality or of Turkish origin, were killed, while more than 30 were injured.

The six-ship flotilla, organized by the Free Gaza Movement, carried about 750 activists from a number of countries as well as more than 10,000 tons of medical supplies and food.

Israeli news outlets claimed the deadly conflict was initiated by the activists, only to be rejected by the international media.

INTERNATIONAL OUTCRY: Protestors demonstrate in Lyon, France, on June 5 against Israeli commandos' raid of a Gaza aid flotilla (XINHUA/AFP)

Shortly after this hotly contested incident, Lebanese authorities in June gave permission for the aid ship Julia to set sail for Gaza via Cyprus. In July, the Libya-based Gaddafi International Charity and Development Foundation also sent an aid ship toward the territory in an attempt to break Israel's blockade. Without a doubt, activists will continue to launch various aid programs before the Palestinians' difficulties are alleviated.

A Palestinian-Israeli issue

HUMANITARIAN SPIRIT: A truck carrying medical aid, which was sent on a Libyan aid ship to an Egyptian port, crosses to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and southern Gaza on July 18. The Libyan ship failed to break Israel's Gaza blockade and was unloaded in the Egyptian port of el-Arish (XINHUA)

The international community reacted strongly after the flotilla raid. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said on May 31 he condemned the violent attack, while calling on Israeli authorities to "urgently provide a full explanation." The UN Security Council held a meeting the next day demanding a probe into the incident.

While expressing its shock and condemnation, China urged Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, in keeping with UN Security Council resolutions.

The EU demanded Israel lift its siege on the people of Gaza "immediately and unconditionally." Demonstrations were staged in many European countries such as Britain and Sweden. At some European ports, workers refused to service Israeli ships in protest.

Even the United States, Israel's strongest ally, said it found the situation in Gaza unacceptable, though it refrained from denouncing Israel for the flotilla raid.

The bloody raid is a telling reminder of the urgency of the longstanding Palestinian-Israeli conflict. For the past six decades, the Palestinians have sought to establish an Arab state—a cause that enjoys the backing of the international community.

During George W. Bush's presidency, the United States also changed its previous policy in order to support a Palestinian state. President Barack Obama has taken an active part in Middle East affairs since taking office last year. He also introduced an ambitious vision for the creation of a Palestinian state in two years, on condition that Israel's security is guaranteed.

Concerned over the Palestinians' misery, NGOs around the world have delivered relief materials to the occupied Palestinian territories. They have also dispatched activists to support the Palestinians' struggle for statehood.

The Palestinians on March 16 named a street in the West Bank city Ramallah after American activist Rachel Corrie. Corrie, a member of the International Solidarity Movement, was crushed to death by an Israeli Defense Forces bulldozer in a protest against house demolitions in Gaza seven years ago.