Eight Quaker agencies discern genocide is occurring in Gaza and urge courageous action
Quakers in Britain has joined other Quaker agencies around the world to speak out against what they have prayerfully discerned to be genocidal violence in Gaza.
The statement signed by the Quaker United Nations Office, Friends World Committee for Consultation, Quaker Council for European Affairs and others, calls for courageous action from governments to end the genocide.
The statement reminds all states that they have a legal duty under the Genocide Convention to prevent genocide and call for:
- An immediate, permanent ceasefire and full humanitarian access.
- The application of robust, targeted, and timebound sanctions. A comprehensive arms embargo aimed at ending Israel's genocide in Gaza and the related system of apartheid.
- Respect for international law and accountability. Supporting the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and removing any obstacles to support the International Criminal Court (ICC) rulings.
- Protection of free speech and the right to protest. Rejection of all institutional efforts to criminalise solidarity with Palestine and ensuring public spaces remain open for peaceful assemblies demanding justice.
- Dismantling of oppression and establishing a just permanent peace, ending occupation and apartheid policies across Palestine.
The Quaker agencies commit to advocating relentlessly for the end of the Israeli genocide in Gaza, boycotting settlement goods and divesting from companies profiting from occupation, apartheid, or genocide.
At the same time Quakers will reach out in love to Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian communities, confronting antisemitism, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate.
The agencies advocate for the universal human rights of all people in Palestine and Israel – ensuring they can live in freedom and dignity, without fear, and with lasting peace and security.
The statement ends by saying that “We hold in the Light all suffering peoples and leaders, praying they choose justice."