The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) condemns Israel’s use of violence against Palestinian peaceful protesters in Gaza. This violence is an escalation of the Israeli state violence against Gaza. Israel for years has engaged in the unconscionable practice of besieging Gaza and treating it as a big open air prison.
A basic human right is to peacefully protest. The Palestinians of Gaza have the right to protest near the border with Israel. These protests are designed to draw attention to the plight of the Palestinian people. The Palestinians of Gaza organized the Great March for Return to commemorate Palestine Land Day and to draw attention to the plight of the Palestinian refugees that were forced off their land by the Zionist militias that predated the birth of the state of Israel.
AHRC calls on all peace loving individuals, organizations and nations to unequivocally condemn the Israeli army for its use of deadly force against peaceful protesters. AHRC affirms its position that Israel’s occupation; illegal, immoral and unethical; is the root of all the turmoil and hardship in mandatory Palestine. Ending the occupation and granting Palestinians their basic human and political rights is long overdue. There will be no peace in the Holy Land without justice for the Palestinians.
AHRC calls for an immediate United Nations intervention. Israel must be compelled to adhere to international law and to basic norms of decency. AHRC is alarmed by the world’s lack of adequate action to help end Palestinian suffering.
AHRC calls for genuine peace efforts to end Palestinian suffering. Not only must Israel not get away with its premeditated killing and injuring of Palestinians, the siege of Gaza must end and the Israeli occupation must end.
“Israel as a member of the United Nations and a self-proclaimed democracy should respect international laws and norms,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “No country in the world should be allowed to get away with violations of international laws and norms,” added Hamad.