Statement of AzPal Network on the recent atrocities in Gaza and Israel

Arizona Palestine Network unequivocally condemns the horrible killings and hostage taking of Israeli civilians committed by Hamas in its October 7, 2023 operation, as well as Israel’s disproportionate response and mass killings of Palestinian civilians. Israel’s continuing crimes against humanity including apartheid and war crimes against Palestinians committed over many decades have helped create the oppressive conditions for such atrocities. The current cycle of violence is fueled by Israel’s 56-year occupation, as well as the 17-year siege of Gaza by Israel that has made Gaza into an open-air prison. Ironically, the majority of those living in Gaza and their descendants were ethnically cleansed from present-day Israel in 1948 by Zionist forces. Repeating the cycles of violence and revenge is a recipe for more disaster and suffering. Israelis and Palestinians are forever inextricably linked and must learn to live together. We join with many countries and organizations worldwide in an international call for an immediate ceasefire. Israeli forces must stop the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza that is killing thousands. Hamas must stop launching rockets into Israel. We at Arizona Palestine Network work for a vision of full equality and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis which can only be obtained through diligent nonviolence and protest, divestment and boycott, negotiation, and compliance with international law by all parties.