The announcement of a four-day truce in Gaza has provided a brief reprieve for the Palestinian people, but the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) is urging the international community to seize this opportunity and work towards achieving a permanent ceasefire and an end to Israel’s war crimes and illegal siege on Gaza.
Nasser Mashni, the President of APAN, acknowledges that the truce offers some relief to the people of Gaza, allowing for the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential supplies to the besieged enclave. However, he emphasizes that this temporary pause in hostilities does not signify an end to Israel’s violations of international law and war crimes. Mashni stresses the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire to ensure lasting peace for the Palestinians.
Although the release of 150 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons as part of the truce deal brings some relief to Palestinian families and communities, Mashni emphasizes that this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are currently 7000 Palestinian political prisoners, including 2070 administrative detainees, 200 children, and 62 women, being held in Israeli detention without charge, according to the Prisoner Support Human Rights Association (ADDAMEER).
Mashni also highlights the importance of extending any cessation of violence beyond Gaza to the West Bank. He draws attention to the escalating violence and terror being perpetrated by the Israeli government and settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, which has largely gone unnoticed due to the focus on Gaza. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports an increase in settler attacks on Palestinians, as well as a significant number of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers.
In light of these ongoing atrocities, Mashni calls for action to end the violence in both Gaza and the West Bank, lift the siege on Gaza, and ensure freedom, justice, and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
About APAN:
The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) is committed to advocating for Australian policies that uphold Palestinian human rights, justice, and equality. Their work focuses on raising awareness and promoting change in the Australian government’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
