JVP mourns brutal Israeli attacks on Gaza and Nablus

The Nakba is not just a historical event, but an ongoing structure of violence and ethnic cleansing.

New York, NY (May 9 2023)—We are grieving and enraged by the Israeli government’s assault on Palestinians in Gaza last night and today that killed at least 15 Palestinians, including 4 children.

Last night, as Palestinians in Gaza slept, the Israeli military led an aerial bombardment of the densely populated cities of Gaza, breaking a tenuous ceasefire. This morning, the Israeli military led an incursion into the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank, reportedly injuring over 145 Palestinians, including 12 people who were shot with live fire. Our hearts break in the face of this latest round of Israeli escalation and violence.

It’s been less than one year since Israel’s horrific three-day assault on Gaza last August, when the military killed over 49 Palestinians, including 17 children. These brutal attacks are not part of a “conflict”. They are one of the world’s largest militaries bombarding 2 million Palestinians trapped under a suffocating blockade.

The attacks of last night and today are a clear and cynical move by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to attempt to save his own political career and unify his crumbling far-right and extremist government behind the drums of war. The Israeli government is proving that, as always, it awards no value to Palestinian lives.

Stefanie Fox, Executive Director, Jewish Voice for Peace“In just under one week, Palestinians will mark 75 years since the Nakba – the catastrophe, in Arabic. The attacks we are witnessing from last night and today are a cruel reminder that the Nakba is not just a historical event, but an ongoing structure of violence and ethnic cleansing. American Jews are waking up, and we must join in solidarity with Palestinians in their struggle for liberation.” 

JVP staff are available to speak with the media.

Get

the Wire

Stay up to date on the most important news from Palestine and the Palestine solidarity movement, and receive action alerts and invitations to online events.