Effective support for Gaza

Today, I spoke on behalf of the Scottish Green Party at the Scottish National Demonstration for Palestine in Glasgow. Thousands gathered to let the world know that Scotland supports Palestine - Stop Bombing Gaza! End the Occupation! Free Palestine!

Dave Moxham from STUC

I give support to the call by Caroline Lucas MP urging the UK Government's Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, to step up action to secure an end to this week's escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, and to oppose the Israel military ground attack in Gaza. Unless the international community speaks with one voice to demand a cease fire, yet more civilians lifes will be lost and more families will be torn apart by grief. 

The Palestinian death toll is increasing rapidly and Israel needs be held accountable for using missiles in densely populated neighbourhoods. This policy is in breach of international human rights standards. The collective punishment of the Palestinian people is unacceptable. However, so too is the firing of rockets into Israel by Hamas fighters. Use of violence on both sides has to be condemned. The UK and Scottish Governments can do much more to work towards securing a long term and just peace in the region, based on a two state solution. 

In addition, Scottish Greens are supporting the calls for the UK and Scottish Governments to take action as part of the global movement for boycotts, divestment and sanctions to put immediate economic pressure on the Israeli government. 

Eurig Scandrett from Friends of the Earth International

In 2005, Palestinian grassroots organisations were inspired by the South African anti-apartheid movement, the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement. They have developed mass support and are persuading companies, cultural institutions, artists and governments to join or observe the boycott of Israel.

The successes and growth of the global boycott, disinvestment and boycott movement has only been possible because of the creative and determined action by people and organizations and trade unions across the world.

Get involved today and help to build the international movement against Israel’s regime of occupation, colonialism and apartheid. The most basic step is to stop buying products and services of Israeli companies and, whenever feasible, of international companies involved in Israel’s human rights violations.  

It is UN International Year of Solidarity with Palestinian People. This was agreed by resolution A/68/12 dated 26 November 2013 at the UN General Assembly. We can work to promote solidarity with the Palestinian people and contribute to mobilization of global action towards the achievement of a comprehensive, just and lasting solution of the question of Palestine in accordance with international law and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations.

Useful links:

BDS Movement - http://www.bdsmovement.net/