As an organization that works towards solutions to protect the Earth’s resources, our climate, and our communities, Earthworks is committed to creating a more just, peaceful, and equitable world. It is why, as we continue to witness the devastating violence, dehumanization, and loss of life in Israel and Palestine, we find ourselves compelled to add our voice to the calls for an immediate ceasefire and for the US government to do all in its power to support the Palestinian right to self-determination, safety, and an end to the occupation. We support the advancement of peace, dignity and justice for Israelis, Palestinians and all people in the region. This devastating loss of life cannot be allowed to continue.
We strongly condemn the heinous attacks by Hamas on Israeli lives and the devastating, deadly, and indiscriminate attacks by Israel on the Palestinian people. The disproportionate nature of Israel’s response has killed thousands and left millions without access to food, water, electricity and on the brink of a massive displacement. We absolutely reject Islamophobia and anti-Semitism in all forms. We call on the US government to demand a ceasefire, an immediate end to military aid to Israel, and for an end to the occupation of Palestine. We support all efforts to de-escalate this crisis immediately and for urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza to the hundreds of thousands of people in dire need of the basic necessities for life, and for protection for humanitarians, medics, and other non-combatants as defined by the Geneva Convention.
Earthworks stands with millions demanding action to prevent further death and suffering of all peoples in this conflict.
We acknowledge that many groups are working for peace in Palestine and Israel. Here are some of the other organizations and resources we are following that inform our statement and understanding of the situation:
- A timeline of historical context of the loss of Palestinian land since the creation of Israel, in violation of numerous international agreements.
- In calling for an end to the occupation, we are asking the US to put pressure on Israel to A) Withdraw illegal settlements from the West Bank B) Withdraw Israeli military forces from Gaza and C) End the blockade of Gaza. For background on Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, see Amnesty International’s resource pages.
- Raz Segal’s “A Textbook Case of Genocide” both the OpEd here and the interview with Democracy Now! Here.
- Jewish Current’s rolling “Explainer on the Hamas Attacks and Israeli Response“
- As Israel and Gaza erupt, the US must commit to ending the violence — By Phyllis Bennis, Institute for Policy Studies (The Hill)
- Public Statement: Scholars Warn of Potential Genocide in Gaza (Third World Approaches to International Law Review) Joint statement from Al-Haq and other Palestinian Human Rights organizations calling for Third States to intervene and uphold international law.
- Israel’s stated policy of disproportionate response.
- Some resources re: the U.S. government’s provision of weapons for Israel to use against civilians.
- Jewish organizations calling for an end to Palestinian Oppression Jewish Voices for Peace (US) , If Not Now (US), Na’amod (UK), and Independent Jewish Voices (Canada).
- Climate Justice Alliance is aggregating resources on a more ongoing basis, including webinars and discussions for climate activists.
- UN report on the occupation: https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/10/1129722
