17 October 2024 - We condemn the continued escalation of Israel’s violence in Palestine and Lebanon, and urge all governments to use all tools and policies at their disposal to urgently break this horrific unfolding genocide and cycle of oppression tearing through Gaza. We renew our solidarity with all the families of Palestinian and Israeli civilians who have been suffering under the brutal violence and devastating instability in the region.

The world has watched wave after wave of unimaginable violence and breaches of international law for over a year now. Instead of ceasing, the violence is escalating, with continued ongoing attacks in Gaza, and Lebanon also now under siege. In the past two weeks alone, this has included Israel's military siege on the Jabalia refugee camp, where 400,000 Palestinians are cut off from access to food, water and essential supplies; the deadly bombing of schools in Nuseirat and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah where hospital patients connected to IVs were burned alive; as well as strikes in dense residential neighbourhoods of the Lebanese capital, and deliberate attacks on peacekeepers which the UN has described as “shocking violations” which made Pope Francis to publicly appeal for the troops to be "respected." 

In the face of this horrific, ongoing and escalating violence, we reiterate our statement released in October 2023, which called for an immediate ceasefire, an arms embargo, respect for international humanitarian and human rights laws, the release of all hostages and political prisoners, the provision of humanitarian aid and supplies, an end to the illegal occupation, and air, land and sea blockade of Gaza. We join thousands of organisations globally, including Jewish Voice for Peace and a coalition of Israeli Human Rights NGOs, and support the demands of our allies at the Climate Action Network International in calling on all governments to urgently seek:

• An end to the illegal Israeli Occupation and the full implementation of Israel’s obligations as set out in the ICJ advisory opinion

• An immediate and permanent ceasefire

• An immediate arms embargo against Israel 

• An end to the supply of fossil fuels and other materials to Israel, which contributes to fuelling the genocide and conflict, in accordance with international law

• All UN member states take all actions against Israel to end the occupation in accordance with the UNGA resolution, including implementing sanctions against Israel

There can be no climate justice without human rights. A recent report from the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) found that “for decades, fossil fuels have shaped, exacerbated, sustained or prolonged inter-state conflicts and violence across the world unlike any other commodity”, and that “fossil fuels are the very lifeblood of powering conflicts and military activity worldwide as militaries are particularly dependent on fossil fuels as an energy source.” 

In this context, it is critical that the global movement for a fossil fuel-free future speaks out at this moment as the oil industry continues to play a crucial role in fuelling Israel’s war on Gaza, as shown in recent research by Oil Change International. The extraction and exploitation of fossil fuels exacerbate tensions, hinder peace efforts, and lead to widespread human rights violations and “are instrumental to Israel’s war machine: to operate its army tanks, armoured personnel carriers, ships and military bulldozers” as outlined by the Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy in their call for a Global Energy Embargo.

In 2023, global military expenditure increased for the ninth consecutive year, exceeding $2.4 billion. Funds for military conflicts and aggressions are available at the ready, yet funds to protect life on earth from the climate crisis and fossil fuel extraction are continuously delayed.

We call for international cooperation, dialogue and diplomacy to build stable and lasting peace in the region and equal human dignity for all. We believe that collective action, non-violence, and international cooperation, taking into account historic injustices, are some of our most powerful tools to bring about lasting peace. Indiscriminate attacks and targeting of civilians is a war crime, and there must be accountability for any and all actors for crimes violating international humanitarian and human rights laws and conventions, including the Geneva Conventions.

Over the past year, we have seen a series of efforts to use international law to constrain Israel’s actions, including urgent proceedings brought before the International Court of Justice by South Africa, which resulted in the ICJ mandating Israel to take 'immediate and effective measures' to protect Palestinians in Gaza from the risk of genocide, as well as several UN resolutions. Despite these efforts, Israel continues to act with impunity as the international community at large has failed to hold them to account and create real consequences or impose significant sanctions for its violations of international law.

In the context of decolonisation, we must also recognise that true peace and justice can only be achieved when we dismantle the systems that perpetuate colonial exploitation and conflict. We must recognise the inherent connection between natural resource exploitation and the continued oppression of peoples across the world. The quest for sovereignty and self-determination must be freed from the interests of powerful nations.

We urge leaders to act in line with the principles of international law, justice and universal human rights, and to apply pressure to end the blockade of Gaza, end the crime against humanity of apartheid, and act on the calls of citizens from across the world, including Palestinians and Jews, who have taken to the streets, demanding an immediate ceasefire and arms embargo. 
As a network committed to decolonisation, justice, equity and international cooperation, we strongly oppose all forms of discrimination, military occupation, racism, violence and genocide, and remain steadfast in our defence of fundamental human rights and the right of peoples to self-determination, freedom and liberation.