On October 7, 2023, Israel’s aggressive occupation of Palestine reached a fever pitch. Since its establishment, Israel has been hostile to Palestinians, and now their war of genocide has been brought to the centre of the global stage. In the weeks since the unrelenting violence began, more than 4,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed and upwards of 13,000 have been injured. 65% of these casualties are women and children.
Moreover, Israel’s assault has destroyed or damaged 70,000 homes and counting, along with many more public and private structures. Because of this, nearly a million Palestinians have been internally displaced in the Gaza Strip, which is home to 2.5 million Palestinians. Palestinians have been internally displaced within their country since the Israeli occupation began in 1948, but the level of destruction wrought by Israel in recent weeks has engendered unprecedented displacement. Israel’s 16-year-long blockade on the borders of the Strip has intensified severely, preventing the entry of important medical aid, food supplies, water and electrical utilities. Further, the blockade severely restricts movement in the region, preventing refugees from leaving Gaza in an attempt to find a safer place to live.
WAMIP is appalled by the atrocities committed by the Israeli government, and we stand in support of Palestine. To this end, we join the international community in petitioning the UN for the following:
- Investigation of and accountability for the perpetrators of war crimes. It is imperative to prosecute those who have committed atrocities before the International Criminal Court in compliance with international law and its mandates.
- Immediate and unconditional cessation of all violence. Citizens must not suffer the horrors of international hostility any longer.
- Safe passage and the opening of borders. The citizens of Palestine must have access to the supplies they need to live. Israel must be compelled to establish safe corridors and border crossings to allow for the entry of food and medical aid as well as for the evacuation of refugees and grievously injured citizens.
- The formation and application of International Investigative Committees. International committees must be established to facilitate the investigation of the unprecedented crimes committed in the course of this conflict. We must ensure that justice for innocent citizens is achieved and that the act of committing genocide is unequivocally punished.
It is unacceptable for the international community to remain neutral in the face of a war of extermination. We at WAMIP encourage individuals and organisations alike to make their voices heard in support of Palestine, justice, and the preservation of human rights. To express your solidarity with Palestine, please email UN Secretary General António Guterres regarding the international community’s demands or sign the petition here.