IJPC’S Response to Human Rights’ Violations in Gaza

In keeping with IJPC’s mission, we oppose all violations of the human rights of both Palestinian and Israeli citizens. We fully support all peaceful efforts to resolve disputes and to establish a culture of respectful coexistence among all peoples of the Middle East.

The recent events urge IJPC to voice opposition to the actions taken by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) against the Palestinian people in Gaza, and the U.S. complicity in these actions. Though there are accounts of some Palestinian violence, the IDF response is unjustifiable. With no reported IDF casualties, more than 60 Palestinians have been killed and thousands more seriously injured, including children, reporters, and First Aid workers, all while exercising the right to free expression and peaceful resistance to injustice.

Palestinians called for a 6 day nonviolent protest of the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to what they consider to be the capital, Jerusalem. This time marks the 70th anniversary of “Nakba,” the forced displacement of more than 800,000 Palestinians when Israel was established in 1948. The U.S. provides billions of dollars in annual aid to Israel despite the long history of human rights violations against the Palestinian people.

Yesterday, some Members of Congress were denied access to Gaza. Call your elected officials to publicly condemn the actions of the IDF and to withdraw U.S. aid to Israel while the violence continues. The Leahy Law is intended to prevent US-funded assistance from reaching specific security force units or individuals who have committed gross violations of human rights. There is anemergency petition circulating to demand IDF stop using lethal forces against Palestinian protesters.

As an organization steeped in history of public demonstrations, IJPC recognizes the power of protest. Palestinians protest because they know they must advocate strongly for their freedom and rights. They refuse to remain silent. We stand with the nonviolent protesters.