WPUK: Israel & Palestine – Peace, Equality, Freedom, Justice

WPUK: Israel & Palestine

Peace, Equality, Freedom, Justice

October ’23

 

WPUK is a women’s rights campaign with a specific focus on women’s rights in the UK.

Nevertheless, we recognise that recent events, and the long-standing situation, in Palestine and Israel are of concern to many women in the UK, across a range of communities, both religious and secular including feminists in the Women’s Liberation Movement. Our governmental and political representatives are making interventions and policy decisions on our behalf. 

War disproportionately affects women. Peace, freedom, equality and justice are feminist issues. 

We are appalled by the violence of the Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens and others on 7th October and the bombardment of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank by the Israeli government.

We are horrified by the high numbers of dead, injured, displaced and orphaned; the targeting of civilians; and the very high number of women and child victims. As of 26 October, latest figures from the UN state that approximately 1,400 Israelis (including more than 30 children) and over 7,000 Palestinians (including nearly 3,000 children) have been killed since 7th October.

We condemn all human rights abuses including the blockade of medical supplies, fuel, food and water to Gaza and call on all parties to abide by international law.

We also condemn the rising antisemitism and Islamophobia in the UK and elsewhere which is manifesting in a climate of fear, abuse, intimidation, dehumanising language and physical assault against both Jews and Muslims.

We stand firmly against all racism, hatred, and violence. 

Feminists in the UK hold a range of diverse and opposing views on issues related to Israel and Palestine. Individuals and organisations must have the right to respectfully express opinions on what is happening and to engage in legitimate political activity without fear of misrepresentation or reprisal. Respectful and evidence-based discussion can increase understanding of the current situation as well as its history.

There are many voices calling for peace and dialogue from within Israel and Palestine as well as diverse religious and secular groups and individuals in the UK and around the world. In the UK, a YouGov poll indicated 76% support for a ceasefire. In every conflict, it is women who have most successfully led peace and conflict resolution movements and it is vital that these voices are heard now.

We call on the governments and opposition parties across the UK to do all they can to bring about the implementation of an immediate ceasefire, an end to the blockade of vital resources, the release of the Israeli and foreign national hostages from Gaza, and the achievement of a just peace in the region in line with international law.

 

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