Free Palestine – From River to Sea!
Hold Israel Accountable for Provocation and Occupation of Palestine!
The All India Students Association (AISA) unequivocally condemns the escalation of Israeli aggression against the civilian population in Palestine. Israel’s occupation of Palestine has continued unabated, which has resulted in gross atrocities against the Palestinian children, women and its innocent people through killings, unlawful detentions and violence. Israel has occupied Palestinian land, attacked religious places, denied decent living, and has violated human rights of the Palestinians.
It is important to note, Palestinian struggle is not a religious fight. It is a struggle to free itself from the clutches of oppression and occupation of Israel. As a country who fought against colonialism of Britain, India understands the importance of Palestinians struggle for freedom. It is this spirit that has guided, not only India but other third world countries like South Africa, who have strongly stood against the policy of apartheid practiced by Israel on Palestinians.
Indian foreign policy has long stood with Palestine and it is surprising and sad, that India while condemning Hamas attack on Israel people, failed to take notice of the violations Israel has been committing since 1948. Israel has been violating international laws and committing human rights violations against the people of Palestine. In the past five decades, the US-led imperialist forces have been complicit with the occupying forces by staying silent against these atrocities of Israel. However, their quick denouncement of the attacks by Hamas against Israel, clearly shows how desperate US is to equate Hamas with the Palestinian movement.
Anyone who is aware of Palestine Liberation Organisation and struggle of Palestinian people, will know such generalisation is not right, but a criminal act to call for action against all Palestinians. This is exactly what Israel is doing. In the name of Hamas, Israel has called for complete blockade of Gaza by denying the two million population out of which 50% are children – electricity, water, food and dignity and is planning a complete military action to wipeout the population. This shows the hypocrisy of the US-led western countries, who are working against Palestinians fighting for their homeland and for their right to live with dignity.
We appeal to the international community to urge for peace between Israel and Palestine, and to hold Israel responsible for all the war crimes. We must demand for immediate ceasefire to be declared and diplomacy to be restored. India should stand with Palestine and not draw false equivalence to Hamas and draw further marginalisation of Palestinians and aid the attacks of islamophobia world over. The people of Palestine deserved to be treated as equals, and their right to exist and have a nation of their own must be respected and guaranteed.
The Killing of Innocents Must Stop!
Ensure Peace!
Prasenjeet Kumar
General Secretary
Nilasis Bose
President
