We, the undersigned international Jewish organisations, call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza and the release of the Israeli hostages followed by diplomatic action to reach comprehensive regional peace an security.
Following the brutal attack on communities in Southern Israel conducted by Hamas forces on 7th October 2023, the State of Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza. The stated objectives were to dismantle Hamas’ military power and free the captured hostages. Over a year later the IDF is still heavily engaged in Gaza, tens of thousands of Gazans are dead and many more are wounded and permanently maimed. Damage from bombing and shelling has destroyed essential infrastructure and made Gaza almost uninhabitable for the survivors. Although Hamas’s military capabilities have been degraded, the organisation retains significant control of Gaza and continues to hold 101 Israeli hostages, with the actual numbers of living or dead unknown.
While we fully support Israel’s right to defend itself, the events of the past year and the tragic toll being paid by both sides stand as proof that there is no military solution The only way to meet the original objectives is by securing an immediate agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release, a significant surge in humanitarian assistance and a multilateral framework for negotiations for the future reconstruction and governance of Gaza.
We therefore call on the Government of Israel to agree to end the war, withdraw all Israeli forces from Gaza, and press for a security arrangement in exchange for a return of all the hostages. We also call on the international community to engage in a comprehensive diplomatic process to create a secure future for all Israelis and Palestinians based on the right of self-determination for both peoples in two sovereign states.
Signed, The J-Link Coordinating Committee Barbara Landau (JSpaceCanada), Ken Bob (Ameinu, U.S.A.), Basil Dubb (JDI, South Africa), Giorgio Gomel (JCall Europe, Italy), Alon Liel (PWG, Israel), Shlomo Slutzky (J Amlat).
J-Link is an international network of progressive Jewish organizations. We share a love of Israel and a commitment to democracy, human rights, religious pluralism, and a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We believe in the values enshrined in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, which promise “complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex.
” For more information visit: www.jlinknetwork.org
