About Hands Off Rafah Global Day of Action

DESCRIPTION:

Millions will take to the streets worldwide on March 2nd in a global day of protest in support of Gaza, as tensions escalate over the Israeli government's plans for a full-scale invasion of Rafah on March 9th, just one day before the commencement of Ramadan. This announcement comes in the wake of the United States vetoing a United Nations resolution that called for Israel to immediately halt its extensive military actions in Gaza, actions increasingly equated with the war crimes and crimes against humanity of ethnic cleansing and genocide.

The global protest is a response to the dire situation in Gaza, where the region faces famine, its hospitals are under siege, and the threat of a ground invasion looms. Israel's continued military operations in the Gaza Strip affect over 2 million Palestinians, sparking international outcry and calls for immediate action.

The widespread mobilization for Palestine has notably isolated the United States and Israel on the international stage amid growing internal divisions and increasing political pressure on both countries. Advocates for Palestine argue that the current moment presents a critical opportunity to apply pressure, emphasizing that the upcoming protests could significantly influence the pursuit of a lasting ceasefire and an end to the siege on Gaza.

Activists are urging individuals worldwide, including those in the United States, to mobilize within their communities and institutions, emphasizing the importance of widespread participation in the protests on March 2nd.

The rallying cries of "All out for Rafah! All out for Gaza! Stop the genocide!" reflect the urgency and the scale of the global response to address the crisis.

The primary enablers of Israel's War on Gaza are the governments of the United States and Germany. As of March 1st, both nations have cases brought against them in the International Court of Justice for complicity in genocide. Israel's case of genocide is awaiting the judgment of the court.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

Picket Israeli, American, and German embassies and consulates.
Boycott companies that profit from Israel's occupation of Palestine (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Caterpillar, Elbit Systems)
Host speak-outs.
Wear a keffiyeh.
Wear a black armband.
Write your government representatives.

HISTORY OF "SHUT IT DOWN FOR PALESTINE"

Activists and people of conscience across the world are intensifying their efforts to spotlight the Israeli occupation and suspected genocide through a series of organized protests, walk-outs, sit-ins, and other forms of direct action. This initiative, dubbed "Shut It Down for Palestine," is part of an international campaign urging a halt to support for Israel. The movement seeks to leverage political and economic pressure on offices, businesses, and institutions seen as contributors or collaborators in the occupation.

The campaign has garnered significant participation worldwide, with notable events emphasizing solidarity with Palestine. On November 4th, Washington DC witnessed a historic turnout, as over 500,000 individuals rallied in one of the largest marches of recent times. Similar expressions of support erupted in London, where half a million people took to the streets, and in Canada, where activists occupied the offices of over 17 Members of Parliament. In Belgium, dock workers refused to transport weapons destined for Israel, highlighting a broader, growing support for the demands of the movement. These demands include an immediate ceasefire, cessation of all aid to Israel, and lifting the blockade on Gaza.

The movement has already seen tangible effects, with protests leading to the shutdown of major transportation hubs in the United States and activists targeting Israeli arms manufacturers. In a show of solidarity, several countries, including Bolivia, Jordan, Chile, and Colombia, have taken diplomatic actions against Israel.

Organizers held their first event on Friday, December 8th, 2023, backed by a broad coalition of societal sectors—including labor unions, students, media, and healthcare workers. It called for an immediate ceasefire, the cutting of all aid to Israel, and the lifting of the Gaza siege.

Shut It Down for Palestine aims to disrupt "business as usual" until Palestine is free from occupation and all people in the region enjoy equal rights. The campaign, which began on November 9th, intends to maintain and build momentum through continuous action days, signaling a new phase in the global struggle for Palestine.

As of March 2nd, in 148 days, Israel has destroyed 70% of the Gaza Strip using the combined firepower of more than two atomic bombs. The nation state has killed over 30,000 people, two-thirds of whom were women and children. Another 600,000 civilians are at severe risk of starvation and dehydration within the next ten days. Ninety percent of the population cannot find food or water. No one can leave the walled-in enclave, even by sea.

Outside of the Gaza Strip, Israel continues to kill hundreds of men, women, and children, in addition to disappearing and detaining over 8,000 civilians without charge or counsel throughout the Occupied Territories.