This week marks the one year anniversary of the historic Great March of Return and Israel has spent the past few days commemorating it the only way they seem to know how: by bombing Gaza. Israel claims the air strikes are defensive in response to a rocket from Gaza that struck Northern Israel at the beginning of the week, but the reality is that for over a decade Israeli attacks on Gaza and violence against Palestinians are a near daily occurrence. Recent call-up orders by Israel for thousands of reserve troops signal that a new large-scale Israel attack on Gaza may be forthcoming.
We must do everything possible to push for a halt to violence that could result in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. Tell Congress to support an end to the blockade of Gaza and for Israel to accept a cease fire.
Since March 30, 2018, Palestinians in Gaza have been engaged in non-violent protests at the Israeli-imposed border in order to demand their rights — the right to return to their homes and an end to the blockade that has created a humanitarian crisis for those living in Gaza. Israel has responded to the protests with deadly violence, intentionally targeting medical personnel, journalists, and children. These war crimes, documented by the U.N. Human Rights Commission, have been backed by unconditional US military aid and diplomatic support.
Israel is saying their conditions for a cease-fire include that Palestinians in Gaza cease protesting at the border fence. In other words “if you don’t stop peacefully advocating for your basic human rights and for us to adhere to international law, we will bomb you into the stone age.” This is outrageous and why it’s critical that we call on Congress to take political action in support of Palestinian rights.
The blockade of Gaza is an illegal act of collective punishment according to the United Nations and the Red Cross, impacting every aspect of life for Palestinians in Gaza. Israel prevents Gaza from importing basic medical supplies, denies permits to people seeking medical care outside of Gaza, and cuts electricity to homes, schools, and hospitals. Without being able to import supplies to repair and maintain infrastructure, the population of Gaza is without regular access to clean water and ongoing electricity. Not only this, but since the latest assault began, Israel has closed all of their crossings into and out of Gaza and is denying access to the sea for fishermen. Denying people access to the necessities of life is violence!
Israeli violence against Palestinians is not confined to Gaza. Just this morning Israeli forces shot dead a 17-year-old Palestinian volunteer paramedic, Sajid Mezher, who was serving at the Deheisheh refugee camp in Bethlehem.
The only way to achieve peace is through diplomacy and by putting an end to the violence of Israeli occupation. Join us by calling on Congress to push for an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza and to speak out for the Palestinian people’s right to freedom.
Sending love to the people of Gaza,
