 |
       |
 |
|
Contact: Cecilie Surasky 510-465-1777, cecilie@jvp.org Jewish Voice for Peace Condemns Israeli Siege of Gaza: Reporters barred entry as 1.5 million Gazans denied access to food, humanitarian supplies, and fuel. JVP calls for end to all ceasefire violations including killings of Palestinians and firing of Qassam rockets on Israelis [Oakland, November 17, 2008] American peace group Jewish Voice for Peace expressed outrage and sadness today at the latest escalation of violence and collective punishment in Gaza and Sderot. JVP condemns violations of the five-month-old joint ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, with Israeli incursions into Gaza resulting in the deaths of 15 Palestinians since November 4. We also condemn the response of Hamas militants to these incursions and killings-- some 120 homemade Qassam rocket and mortar attacks on the people of Sderot and Ashkelon, which have led to some injuries. Now the Israeli government has tightened its 17-month blockade of Gaza, barring badly needed food, medical supplies and fuel from an already desperately poor and malnourished 1.5 million Palestinians. Half the population relies on food aid to survive, and the fuel cut-off has shut down Gaza's only power plant. Israel has the right and obligation to defend its citizens from Qassam rockets--life for the residents of Sderot and Ashkelon has been made intolerable by the onslaught of rockets. But Israel's decades-long practice of disproportionate force and collective punishment is a blatant violation of international law, creates widespread suffering of innocents, and has been proven to be completely ineffective in providing relief to Israelis. The US must cease support for such measures. Only a true end to occupation and collective punishment can bring peace to the region. Condemnation of Israel's siege of Gaza is widespread and growing: * UKs Independent reports that a leaked Red Cross report about the Israeli blockade of Gaza says "'Chronic malnutrition is on a steadily rising trend...". * The United Nations Relief and Works Agency said four days ago it had run out of food for 750,000 Gazans * Dion Nissenbaum of the McClatchy Newspapers wrote ".. the Israeli government is taking the rare step of barring journalists from going inside to see what's happening." "'We consider it a serious problem for freedom of the press,' added Steve Gutkin, chairman of the Foreign Press Association. 'We serve as the window for the world into Gaza." * BBC reported: "The UK-based aid agency Oxfam has warned of catastrophe for Gaza and nearby areas of Israel if a truce agreed last June is not maintained. Oxfam called on world leaders to do everything they could to break Israel's blockade of Gaza and urged Israel to resume supplies without delay." About Jewish Voice for Peace Founded in 1996, Jewish Voice for Peace is a national grassroots peace organization dedicated to promoting a US foreign policy in the Middle East based on peace, democracy, human rights and respect for international law. |
