November 12, 2018
CODEPINK sends its solidarity to the people of Gaza as they face massive Israeli airstrikes and the possibility of another all-out war.
The current escalation began on Sunday November 11, when Israeli Special Forces, despite ceasefire talks being underway, raided Southern Gaza. Seven Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed in the firefight. Hamas and other factions in Gaza responded with a barrage of rockets at Southern Israel and Israel retaliated with massive airstrikes. One Israeli soldier was injured from the rockets and at least three Palestinians killed from the airstrikes. The Israeli military has warned that they will continue to pound the strip with airstrikes.
Over the past 10 years the people of Gaza have endured three wars by Israel, killing an enormous number of civilians and destroying vital infrastructure. Gaza is now in a humanitarian crisis: sewage treatment plants cannot function, hospitals are without sufficient electricity and medical supplies, 97% of the water is unfit for human consumption and electricity is only available for 4-8 hours per day. Another all-out war on Gaza would gravely exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.
Our thoughts are with all civilians - in Gaza and in Israel - who are suffering and at risk of injury and death. We recognize the massive disproportionality of power between Gaza and Israel - Israel ranks among the top military powers in the world. Moreover, it is Israel’s siege on Gaza and failure to adhere to international law that is the root cause of this escalation. We call on both sides, and particularly Israel as the occupying power, to take immediate steps to restore calm and return to talks. We call on Israel to end its crippling siege on Gaza, occupation of the West Bank and unequal treatment of Palestinians.