Statement on the War in the Middle EastOn Saturday, December 27th 2008, the Israeli air force has started massive attacks against the Gaza strip, soon followed by the invasion of ground troops into Palestinian territory.
As an international peace organisation, Service Civil International (SCI) is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence, and of hatred on both sides, that are the consequences of this military action.
We are also concerned about its dramatic humanitarian consequences. We cannot accept the logic of “collateral damage” – dozens of children and other unarmed civilians are being killed whereas the Israeli government claims to target not the Palestinian population but only their political and military leadership, in order to protect Israeli citizens against missile attacks out of Gaza. At the same time, these attacks from the side of Hamas and other groups are being intensified and even more people are being killed. We also condemn these violent actions that cannot be justified by any means.
In this respect, we urge all parties involved in the conflict to stop the use of weapons, and accept the recent UN Security Council resolution “calling for an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire leading to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza”. Furthermore, we ask the US and the European governments to clear the way for honest and constructive negotiations towards a lasting and just peace in the Middle East. These negotiations have to involve all major conflict parties (including Hamas), but at the same time should aim to strengthen civil society actors and peace activists on both sides. A peaceful solution to this conflict is not possible without offering the perspective of a life in safety, dignity and social justice for all human beings in the region, no matter what their ethnic descent or religious beliefs are. In our view, a continuation of the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israeli forces and settlers does not offer such a perspective, therefore the occupation has to end.
At the same time we recall that there are unsolved violent conflicts going on in many different parts of the world, among others in Sri Lanka, Kashmir, Sudan and Somalia. Furthermore, in Afghanistan as well as in Iraq, the international community is facing very difficult and violent situations. This clearly shows that the use of military force, even by Western governments rhetorically committed to freedom, democracy and human rights, is not leading forward but rather jeopardises these values.
International Executive Committee of Service Civil International, January 10th, 2009 |
