Activists across the United States have initiated a week of actions, from January 1 to January 7, under the campaign "A New Year Without Israeli Genocide in Gaza." This movement, spearheaded by the US Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), Students for a Democratic Society, and the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (NAARPR), aims to convey the messages "Stand with Palestine" and "End US aid to Israel."

The protests include the following objectives:

Support the liberation of Palestine
Stop US-endorsed Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people
End US aid to Israel
End the siege on Gaza
End Israeli occupation and colonization of Palestinian and Arab lands

Frank Chapman, Executive Director of NAARPR, emphasized the organization's longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned the United States for its role in what he described as war crimes and genocide committed by Israel. Chapman asserted the need to end all US aid to Israel, denouncing the Israeli occupation and apartheid.

Chrisley Carpio, representing Students for a Democratic Society, highlighted the urgency of the issue, citing over 20,000 deaths in Gaza in recent months. Carpio reaffirmed the group's decade-long support for Palestine, condemning the Israeli occupation and calling for an immediate halt to US aid to Israel.

The protest plans are gaining momentum nationwide, with a growing list of participating organizations. Meredith Aby, a prominent anti-war leader in Minnesota, shared the Minnesota Free Palestine Coalition's enthusiasm for the week of action. The coalition plans various activities, culminating in a large community march on January 7, to send a powerful message against the occupation of Palestine and the conflict in Gaza.

PROTESTING TO STOP A GENOCIDE UNFOLDING IN REAL TIME

On Thursday, December 28, 2023, South Africa initiated legal proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. South Africa is seeking "provisional measures" to compel the Israeli Government and military to stop their actions in Gaza until a full hearing is conducted.

The 84-page Application filed by South Africa presents a scathing indictment against the State of Israel, its political and military leaders, and supporters in Israel, America, and Europe. It accuses them of engaging in genocidal acts and openly expressing genocidal intentions.

The Application emphasizes that these alleged genocidal acts are distinct from other violations of international law by Israel in Gaza, such as intentional attacks on civilians and civilian structures, torture, starvation as a warfare method, and other war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Furthermore, the Application provides a detailed account of the hardships imposed on Gazans by Israel, including a stringent blockade, restrictions on farming and fishing, limited food imports, reduced electrical power, and pollution of the primary natural drinking water source. This situation has led to high unemployment and poverty rates, with a significant portion of the population relying on international assistance.

Crucially, the Application also documents the context of the ongoing persecution and terrorization of the Palestinians by the state prior to the events of October 7. It assiduously documents the killing of approximately 7,500 Gazans, including around 1,700 children, in the three years before October 7 and the wounding of over 36,000 people, nearly 9,000 of them children, during 18 months of weekly protests at the separation fence.

The Application argues that Israel's actions meet the definition of genocide, all facets of it, under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, explicitly citing "acts intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group." It thoroughly documents these acts, including mass killings, causing serious bodily and mental harm, and inflicting conditions calculated to destroy Gazans physically.

TAKING PART

The National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, US Palestine Community Network, and Students for a Democratic Society are spearheading efforts. Contact one of these organizations to learn how you can participate.