Above Photo: From Bdsmovement.net
We are witnessing Israel’s ongoing massacre against unarmed Palestinian protesters in Gaza. Through inspiring popular demonstrations, they are protesting Israel’s 12-year siege, and demanding their UN-sanctioned right of return to the homes they were ethnically cleansed from.
Palestinian activists in Gaza are asking, “What is the world doing while Israel’s massacre is live streamed?” It’s up to us to make sure they are not facing Israel’s crimes alone.
We must channel our rage at Israel’s atrocities into effective actions to hold Israel accountable. Together, we can escalate Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns.
Our concrete, strategic solidarity will send a strong message of support to Palestinians in Gaza: You are not alone, and we will work to hold Israel accountable for its murder of Palestinian protesters.
Strengthening, mainstreaming and popularizing Palestinians’ call for a two-way military embargo on Israel is the most effective response to Israel’s ongoing massacre. This means working to end all weapons sales and purchases to and from Israel, and ending military or police partnerships with the Israeli state.
The Palestinian BDS National Committee, Palestinian civil society’s largest coalition, calls on people of conscience, unions, municipalities, political parties, social movements, student groups, academics, artists, churches and LGBTQI groups, around the world to:
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Plan actions to intensify and amplify campaigns that are linked to the call to end military and security ties with Israel. For example, a protest against G4S, HP, or complicit banks (like Axa and HSBC) and companies with military ties, spreading campaigns to end partnerships with Israeli police, such as the Deadly Exchange campaign, etc. Include the hashtag #MilitaryEmbargo or #StopArmingIsrael
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Demand a position and/or debate on a military embargo against Israel in your parliament: Pressure your political parties, elected representatives and government to end military ties with Israel.
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Pass a motion to demand a military embargo against Israel at your city council, church, union or other civil society organizations. These motions are essential to popularize the demand for a military embargo on Israel, a demand which we can build in a sustained manner from the grassroots level.
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Organize a protest to pressure your government: Mobilize protests to pressure your government to end military and security ties with Israel.
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Write your local paper to express why you support a military embargo.
Visit the BNC’s military embargo campaign page for more information.
Please write to us with your action plans, questions and photos!
Two million Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip are showing incredible courage and determination to attain their rights. The #GreatReturnMarch continues despite Israel’s deliberate murder of more than 30 unarmed protesters and injuring of over 3,000. Palestinian journalists, children, women, youth and medical personnel have all been among those targeted.
Together, we can ensure they are not alone!
The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC) is the largest coalition in Palestinian civil society. It leads and supports the global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement for Palestinian rights.