LA VIA CAMPESINA SOLIDARITY STATEMENT WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE
(Bagnolet, May 24, 2024) The genocide war committed by the Israeli
occupation against Gaza has now reached 230 consecutive days. The
Palestinian people continue to endure a brutal genocide that has
escalated into one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent
history. The unyielding assault has resulted in the loss of tens of
thousands of lives, with countless more injured or displaced, their
homes and communities reduced to rubble amidst relentless bombings.
In a ground breaking development, we commend the initiative of Karim
Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, who has
formally requested the court's judges to issue arrest warrants against
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his Minister of War, Yoav Gallant.
This marks a historic step toward achieving accountability for the
high-ranking officials responsible for orchestrating widespread
atrocities against the Palestinian people. This move by the ICC
represents a critical advancement in the long pursuit of justice for
Palestine, signalling to world leaders that impunity for war crimes will
not be tolerated.
Among the backdrop of this relentless genocide war, La Via Campesina
stands firmly in solidarity with the Palestinian people, whose
resilience in the face of such adversity is nothing short of heroic. The
Palestinian spirit of resistance, manifested in their steadfast refusal
to surrender their rights and dignity, inspires all who stand against
oppression and strive for justice worldwide.
We urgently call upon the international community to recognize the dire
situation in Gaza as a famine zone. The ongoing siege and the strategic
use of starvation by the Israeli occupation as a weapon of war have
pushed Gaza to the brink of a humanitarian disaster. This situation must
be addressed immediately to prevent further loss of life.
Moreover, we reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire and the
unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. The continued
refusal of the Israeli government to agree to ceasefire proposals,
despite Palestinian acceptance, is indefensible and exacerbates the
suffering of countless innocent civilians.
La Via Campesina salutes the enduring struggle of the Palestinian people
as they courageously fight for their legitimate rights to freedom and
self-determination. We stand with the peasants and agricultural workers
of Palestine, who face the harshest conditions under occupation,
including land confiscation, home demolitions, and the destruction of
their livelihoods. Their unyielding fight for justice and the
restoration of their land highlights the profound impact of grassroots
resistance against oppressive forces.
Today, as La Via Campesina gathers in solidarity, we pledge to amplify
the voices of those fighting on the frontlines in Palestine and to
mobilize international support for their cause. Let the struggle of the
Palestinian people serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the
human spirit against overwhelming odds.
Together, we call for a future where justice prevails, and Palestine is
free. Long live the struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity in
Palestine and around the world!
