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Israelis speak out on Gaza crisis
By Sister Miriam Ward, Rutland Herald/Times Argus/St. Albans Messenger/Burlington Free Press 12/8/2006
In an unprecedented joint statement, nine Israeli human rights organizations called upon the international community to ensure human rights in Gaza. On December 2nd, in 107 cities worldwide, including Burlington, Vermont, people held vigils in solidarity with these Israelis and with suffering Palestinians. The nine Israeli human rights groups describe the dire situation of Palestinians: Since June 2006, the Israeli military has killed 400 Palestinians in Gaza including 75 children. Two Israelis killed, several injured during this same period. They excoriate Israel for the June 28th bombing of Gaza’s only independent power station with disastrous consequences on water supply, sewage treatment, food storage, hospital functioning, and public health. They blame Israel for sealing off Gaza. Farmers can not export their produce. Fishermen can not go to sea. 70% of Gazans are without work. In listing six ways in which Israel maintains a "broad scope of control in the Gaza Strip" (Control over land, sea, air; Palestinian population registry; movement of Palestinians; taxation system; exports/imports; Israeli military operations inside Gaza), the statement asserts that "Israel cannot shirk its responsibility for this growing crisis. Israel has a right to defend itself, but must respect the provisions of international humanitarian law." For the complete list of Israeli signatory organizations, see www.Btselem or www.HaMoked.As one who has witnessed this man-made catastrophe, and for the sake of peace, I urge: listen to these Israelis who dissent from their government’s inhumane treatment of Palestinians. Tell Congress to suspend US aid to Israel until it stops violating the human rights of Palestinians. -- See also: B''tselem and Hamoked
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