De-escalate the violence in Israel and Gaza:

We are horrified by the recent escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza and appalled by the loss of life. We condemn the violent attack by Hamas against the Israeli civilian population in the strongest terms. We also, decidedly, condemn the violence used by Israeli Forces against the Palestinian civilian population. Together with civil society and peace organisations in Israel and Palestine, we call upon all decision-makers there to respect International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and human rights and to protect the civilian populations through all available means. This includes, among others, an immediate end to Hamas’ hostage-taking of civilians and to the blockade of Gaza imposed by the Israeli government, cutting the population off, especially from access to water, food, electricity and fuel.

Racism, violence and war are devastating and inhumane. They fuel conflict through suffering, isolation and repression, thus further exacerbating despair and hatred and poisoning societies, destroying all hopes for a peaceful future. This cycle of violence must stop.

We stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow women peacebuilders in Israel and Palestine in this time of suffering, destruction and violence. For decades, women in Israel and Palestine have been at the forefront of peacebuilding. They have shaped their own narratives to counter political and social visions that fuel violence. They have demanded peace negotiations, while building bridges in communities and demanding non-violent approaches to conflict transformation.

Today, again, we witness how their work is being crushed by the escalation of violence. Today, again, we witness how the civilian population, and in particular women, bear the brunt of war.

As we write these words, women are being killed, violated, abducted, and injured. They are fleeing their homes, fearing for their lives and those of their loved ones. They say goodbye to their children, and partners, who are being drawn into a war they did not choose. They cry at funerals and pray in hospitals. Peace for them has become an imperative for survival.

In our solidarity with them and with the civilian populations in Palestine and Israel, we demand an immediate end to the violence and killing. We demand the destruction must end.

The need for the de-escalation of the current situation, both in actions and in words, is immediate and urgent. We call upon the decision-makers to stop all warmongering and find ways to engage in non-violent dialogues. Recent statements by the Israeli Government give rise to a very real concern that actions are driven by a thirst for vengeance and an unwillingness to acknowledge the enduring suffering it has imposed on the Palestinian people.

A path towards sustainable peace is more urgent than ever, a path that includes guarantees for the full respect of human rights and freedoms for all Palestinians and genuine human security for all Israelis.

PeaceWomen Across the Globe, 10 October 2023