As the horrific events unfold and news of killings are on people's screens, Bolton's community is particularly concerned, having raised over £32,000 to send goods with the Aid convoy. Accompanying the medical and educational supplies is a volunteer from Bolton who is on one of the ships that are being targeted.

The Turkish convoy, coordinated by the Turkish Relief Foundation (IHH) charity, is a multi-national effort to bring aid to Gaza's coast as a means of rebuilding what was destroyed 15 months ago. Gaza is currently suffering from an economic boycott which means basic facilities of life (food, shelter, clothing) are not available to the ordinary Palestinian citizens. The cargo consists of donated goods from different countries and has on board many civilians.
 
UN representatives as well as many countries have already shared their condemnation. The Bolton Council of Mosques also condemns the acts of the Israeli Government and the killing of innocent civilians and urges Bolton's MP's to do the same.
 
BCOM have stated that "these are innocent volunteers who have travelled to lend support in the form of humanitarian aid, to a people who are being continually deprived of their basic human rights. What the Israeli Government have done is wrong, it's immoral and inhumane. Surely a sense of humanity is what's needed as a core value for all communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the convoy."
 
There is a peaceful gathering organised by concerned members of the community, in support of the convoy and in denouncement of the killings. The gathering will take place at 5pm, in Victoria Square, at Bolton Town Centre.

BCOM urges members of the community to express their heartfelt disgust to their local MP's.  

1. Contact your local MP and MEP and raise concerns about the situation. Check to see if anyone from your locality was on the flotilla and inform your MP if they were.

2. Contact the Foreign Office and ask them what they are doing to ensure the safety of the British citizens on board.

Use the following addresses to contact William Hague's This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

3. Contact the Deputy Prime Minister: Email Nick Clegg at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

4. Talk to your local - Mosque or place of gathering, and ask them to tell the congregation about the issue and pray for the safe return of all Passengers, and for the families of those who were killed.