7 and 8 October 2024 will mark one year of armed conflict between Israeli forces and the Hamas militia - an armed conflict which grinds on and has spread.
On 8 October 2023, in light of the 7 October Hamas attack and the start of the Israeli response in the Gaza Strip, the Association of World Citizens called for five immediate steps that it hoped would create a climate of dialogue and the start of negotiations in good faith. The proposals were posted on the World Citizens website, sent to the Israeli Missions to the United Nations and to groups that might have avenues of communication with Hamas.
" As Citizens of the World, we call for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian armed conflict;
For the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian groups;
For the release of all Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, often under administrative detention without trial;
For preventing the extention of the conflict to the Lebanon frontier through negotiations with Hizbollah;
For preventing an increase in violence on the West Bank among Israeli settlers and Palestinian villages;
For the start of negotiations in good faith for a political solution that ensures freedom and the collective safety of Israelis and Palestinians. "
A year later, the armed violence has increased: in Gaza with a high number of persons killed, wounded and displaced, on the West Bank, in Lebanon, has expanded to Iran and brought in elements of the conflict in Yemen.
There have been relevent resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly, of the International Court of Justice, and appeals for a ceasefire and negotiations from many non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Due to the spiraling growth of destruction, as NGOs we must continue and increase our efforts.
René Wadlow, Association of World Citizens
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