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!