Earlier this week, Israeli lawmakers defended the right of the Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) to rape and torture Palestinian prisoners. “If he is Nukhba, everything is legitimate to do. Everything,” said Hanoch Milwidsky, a lawmaker in Netanyahu’s party. The Knesset debated whether or not sexual abuse was a legitimate tactic for Israeli soldiers while right-wing Israeli protesters violently rioted on Monday to free the nine arrested soldiers accused of the heinous war crime.
Two days later, Israel assassinated Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, a day after the targeted killing of a Hezbollah commander in Beirut. These aggressions by Israel were designed to thwart ceasefire efforts in Gaza and have once again instigated a regional war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to salvage his political career as he loses popularity by escalating the crisis. The Hamas chief was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of the new Iranian President, who has vowed revenge as a show of strength as one of his first acts as the new leader of the country.
These developments show the clear intention of Israel: they do not want a ceasefire and have no qualms about expanding the genocidal extermination of Palestinians, knowing they have the unwavering support of the United States.
After ten months of worldwide protests, the call and urgency for us to continue to demand a permanent ceasefire and a weapons embargo need to escalate. Today marks 300 days of the siege of Gaza, and the IOF has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, including at least 15,000 children. This genocide must stop. The pressure on governments to honour international law and hold Israel accountable must continue.
Economic boycotts have made a dent. Starbucks and McDonald’s experienced declining global sales and profits due to boycotts. #BDS is working.
This week, we invite you to take action for a #FreePalestine. Let us know what you did. It could be resharing an Instagram post, joining a local action or boycotting a company that participates in the occupation and colonisation of Palestine.
In the meantime, be inspired by songs of resistance.
Small works of solidarity motivated by love and liberation work.
