[WCUSP] Crisis in Gaza - a WILPF Declaration

[Marlena Santoyo]

BRAVO! Thanks to Marge Van Cleef, WCUSP & Board & all of WILPF for
sending this out to the world. 

An important statement!

 

Marlena Santoyo

 

 


Subject: [WCUSP] Crisis in Gaza - a WILPF Declaration

 

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, U.S. Section
(WILPF US), having considered reports of an escalating humanitarian
crisis in Gaza including Israel's continuing siege, deprivation,
bombardment, and military assault upon the citizens of Gaza resulting in
civilian deaths and countless injuries during the past months and that
indiscriminate random rocket attacks have been launched from Gaza into
Israel resulting in a number of injuries to Israeli citizens; 

Taking note of statements by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) that
"Gaza's border closures are without precedent," leaving Palestinians
"effectively incarcerated...without fuel and spare parts, public health
conditions are declining steeply as water and sanitation services
struggle to function. The electricity supply is sporadic," 

Recalling UNICEF's statement that."the supply of safe water
to...Palestinians (is threatened)...hospitals are paralysed by power
failures and the shortage of fuel for generators...the possibility of
(hospital equipment) repair or maintenance (are limited) as spare parts
are not available...treatment (is) delayed or denied, worsening medical
conditions are causing preventable deaths," 

1. Welcomes efforts by the United Nations High Commission for Human
Rights (UNHCR) to call for a cease fire by all parties and an end to the
blockade and siege of Gaza and the resolution passed by the UN Security
Council on January 23, 2008 calling upon the international community "to
ensure unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian
people and to open the border crossings to facilitate the passage of
exports and imports to the Gaza Strip."; 

2. Applauds the international NGO community for organizing a convoy
which will bring humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza this week; 

3. Calls upon the government of the United States to press Israel to end
its hostile armed assaults on Gaza and its life threatening practices
which prevent the people of Gaza from meeting their basic human needs; 

4. Calls upon those in Gaza who are responsible to cease rocket attacks
into Israeli territory. 

The above statement was written by Joan Drake and initially adopted by
members at a regional gathering in Philadelphia on January 26, 2008.
Upon the recommendation of the Middle East Campaign leadership team, it
has been adopted by the U.S. Section.

If you would like to comment about the above statement, please submit a
response to the blog post on this topic at: http://www.wilpf.org/blog

This statement is also available on our website at:
http://www.wilpf.org/node/689

and is featured on the main page of our website.

Make Peace a Reality - Donate to WILPF!
http://www.wilpf.org/donate

 

 

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