Óige Ghlas condemns Israel’s ongoing military assault in Gaza that has resulted in over 10,000 civilian deaths and the displacement of upwards of 1.5 million people.
The indiscriminate bombing campaign by Israel in Gaza, including the targeting of hospitals, ambulances, schools and UN shelters is resulting in the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people as defined by the 1994 United Nations report S/1994/674 - “… a purposeful policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious group from certain geographic areas.”
Alongside the indiscriminate bombing, Gazans are facing a parallel humanitarian catastrophe due to Israel's blockade of water, electricity, food, fuel and humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. These actions unequivocally violate international law and can be considered crimes against humanity. The international community must hold the perpetrators to account and ensure that they are prosecuted for these war crimes. Israel has every right to defend itself against Hamas, but this does not extend to the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians in Gaza. No matter the context, collective punishment is wrong.
Óige Ghlas calls for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of all political violence. Additionally we are calling for the recognition of the State of Palestine, the adoption of the Control of Economic Activities (Occupied Territories) Bill, releasing of all hostages (including Palestinians held in administrative detention by Israel) and an end to the blockade of Gaza and occupation of Palestinian land.
Israeli actions in Gaza are ethnic cleansing and rapidly escalating toward genocide. Ireland and others in the international community must do more to prevent this from going any further. The time to act is now.
— Young Greens-Óige Ghlas Executive Committee