Dear Readers,
The international community is anxiously anticipating the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, a region that has witnessed unimaginable bloodshed and misery for nearly seven months. Over 34,000 lives have been lost and a countless number of people have endured starvation, illness, and loss due to the relentless unrest and destruction.
While a temporary ceasefire might bring momentary respite, it is merely a superficial solution. The path to enduring peace necessitates a permanent ceasefire, halt of arms supply by the US and other nations to Israel, and holding those guilty of war crimes accountable. Implementing these measures would effectively pave the way for urgently required humanitarian aid to reach the hundreds of thousands of impoverished and sick individuals languishing there and kickstart the process of recovery and rebuilding.
Regrettably, appeals to cease arms supplies have largely been disregarded so far. Could it be, then, that we may rely on the united strength of the people to effect substantial change? Analogous to the student-led protests of the Vietnam War in the 1970s and the student instigated Arab Spring that rose against authoritarianism, corruption, and deprivation during 2010 and 2011, resistance against Israel’s offensives in Gaza is gaining momentum. The high moral ground and certainty displayed by these student-led movements stand in stark contrast to the obvious deficiency of such qualities in the current Biden administration.
ActionAid and multiple other entities bundled under the “Ceasefire Now” campaign are calling for the prohibition of arms to Israel. This movement offers a platform for individuals globally to come together in unity and demand accountability from governments engaged in the arms trade.
The United States must heed the burning concern of the international community, exhibit compassion, and cease arms supply to Israel. The populace may succeed in instigating this change if the leadership continues to ignore the voices of their global counterparts.
An end to the sale of arms would undoubtedly bring about an end to Gaza’s rampant havoc. Aid would finally reach those in dire need and Palestinian casualties would be minimized. This would enable a closer look into war crimes and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Yours sincerely,
Karol Balfe,
Chief Executive Officer.
ActionAid Ireland,
Dublin 1.