Given the principles of international human rights law, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the Geneva Conventions, we, La Via Campesina (LVC), a global peasant movement, voice our profound concern regarding the genocide war committed by the Israeli occupation in Gaza.
Since October 7th, Israel has been waging a genocide war against the Palestinian people. This relentless aggression has tragically claimed the lives of nearly 4,000 Palestinian civilians and left over 13,000 injured, with a staggering 65% of the casualties being women and children. This assault has caused extensive destruction, obliterating, or damaging around 70,000 homes and numerous public and private structures.
As a result, close to a million Palestinians have been internally displaced within the Gaza Strip. Simultaneously, the Israeli occupation has imposed an unparalleled blockade on the Gaza Strip, inhabited by 2.5 million Palestinians. This embargo includes prohibiting the entry of food, cutting off water and electricity supplies, and restricting movement throughout the region.
Considering the aforementioned, we, the undersigned, call for the following immediate actions:
- Unconditional Cessation of Hostilities: An immediate and unconditional cessation of ongoing hostilities and acts of violence against civilians.
- Safe Passage and Border Openings: The establishment of safe corridors and the opening of all border crossings to facilitate the swift entry of medical aid, and food, and to expediently transport the injured for urgent medical care.
- Accountability for War Crimes: Prosecution of those responsible for war crimes before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in line with its mandate and international law.
- Formation of International Investigative Committees: Establishment of international committees to investigate and report on the unprecedented crimes committed during this conflict. In advocating for these actions, we stand in solidarity with all civilians caught in the crossfire and seek justice, peace, and the upholding of fundamental human rights.