We, the undersigned, who are members of the Indo-Palestine Solidarity Group – (IPSN) stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza to demand an end to the violent assaults on Gaza and the humanitarian crisis that has plagued the people. Our immediate concern also stems from the recent criminal assault by Israel in the Gaza Strip in which over 400 people were killed. Most of them were women and children. It has spread and as a result, neighboring countries including Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon are suffering.    

Even before the war in Gaza beginning October 7th 2023, the people of Gaza had withstood five wars in which they were brutally assaulted by the IDF. Gaza was placed under a crippling blockade. People were blocked held hostage in virtual imprisonment for nearly two decades. Gaza confronted 50% unemployment rates, 70% of the population had to rely on international aid, hugely restricted access to electricity, water, and medical care including trauma and psychological distress for generations of Palestinians. Gaza has been unlivable for nearly two decades and is a virtual prison.   

The escalation of violence since October 7th 2023 after Hamas fighters’ invaded Israeli territories in retaliation of the nearly 20 years of crimes against the Gazan people. Israel resorted to levels of violence that has left countless innocent people dead, injured, or displaced. Gaza has been flattened. Still the people have returned to their battered homes. Israel has lost far more in material and human terms than it is belied to have. They were not victors but losers in the war. The people of Gaza assert their audacity to hope with their defiance and steadfastness to assert their rights and dignity. 

Towards this, we demand that:

1.    Israel must be obliged to immediately stop the bombardment of Gaza. 

2.    Israel and all those countries that supported it militarily must act to provide reparations for their crimes against humanity. 

3.    Israel ‘Lift the blockade’ against Gaza and instantly allow for the free flow of goods, people, and services in and out of Gaza.

4.    Guarantee that all Gazans are treated with dignity and their human rights protected.

5.    Provide Gazans with urgent humanitarian assistance including food, shelter, medical care, and psychological support.

6.    Demilitarize Gaza and put in place an International Peace Keeping Force

7.    Promoting a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on international law and human rights.

8.    The UN act robustly to suspend Israel from the body until it complies with all resolutions applicable to it.

The signed petition will be sent by IPSN to the UN Secretary General and the Foreign Minister, Government of India.