President Asked to Intervene on Behalf of Former US Congresswoman

Washington, DC: The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) July 1 “urged President Obama to demand the release of a former member of the US Congress who was detained yesterday by Israel while trying to bring humanitarian relief to Palestinians under blockade in the Gaza Strip,” says a CAIR announcement.

Former Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney and 20 others were held after their relief ship was stopped in international waters. The Greek-flagged ship, the Spirit of Humanity, was carrying medical supplies, olive trees and children's toys.

“Our government must take action to protect the right of American citizens to provide humanitarian relief to those suffering under an inhumane blockade,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “We must not be complicit in the immoral and unjust siege placed on the people of Gaza.”

Awad also urged the Obama administration to assist American citizens trapped in Gaza by the blockade. He said CAIR has been seeking assistance since January for one Gaza family with American children.

SEE: Family with American Children Stranded in Gaza
SEE ALSO: CAIR Seeks Sponsors for Gaza Evacuees

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