Broad NGO alliance calls for protection of civilians in Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon

A broad alliance of over 30 civil society and humanitarian organizations is planning a rally in Berlin to advocate for peace in the Middle East and draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and Israel. The event's motto is: "For a Just Peace in Palestine and Israel – Protect Civilians, Stop Arms Exports!" and calls on the German government to play an active role in promoting an immediate ceasefire and ending all arms deliveries to the conflict zone.

Dr. Julia Duchrow of Amnesty International emphasizes the need to clearly name human rights violations in all countries involved and remind the international community of its responsibility. "Double standards damage human rights and international law in the long term," she says, calling for a diplomatic initiative by the German government for a comprehensive ceasefire.

Author Jules El-Khatib highlights the demand for a humanitarian ceasefire regardless of ethnic origin or nationality: "The killing in Gaza must be stopped immediately," he demands. He criticizes German policy, which, he claims, exacerbates the suffering in the Middle East through arms deliveries. As an alternative perspective, he advocates for recognizing Palestine as a state to de-escalate the conflict in the long term.

Dr. Alma Itzhaky from the group "Israelis for Peace" also sees the endless conflict as a threat to Israeli civilians. She argues that the Netanyahu government instrumentalizes the suffering of the population for political purposes. An immediate ceasefire and diplomatic solutions are necessary to leave this destructive path.

Background and Demands

The conflict between Palestine and Israel and the escalating tensions in Lebanon have claimed numerous victims and triggered a humanitarian catastrophe. According to Palestinian figures, over 42,000 people have died in the Gaza Strip. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has reported over 1,200 deaths and numerous hostages held in Gaza. Civilians in Lebanon are also suffering from the escalation, with at least 2,300 dead and tens of thousands injured.

In their joint appeal, the NGO alliance partners call on the German government to:

1. Implement an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed and enable the release of hostages.
2. Stop arms deliveries to Israel if their use is expected to violate international law.
3. Support international jurisdiction and end impunity.
4. Advocate for the end of the illegal occupation and settlement construction in the West Bank, in accordance with the International Court of Justice opinion.
5. Protect freedom of opinion and assembly in Germany, without restricting the right to peaceful protest.

The rally will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 5 PM to 7 PM in front of Berlin Central Station (Washingtonplatz). Prominent speakers expected include Dr. Julia Duchrow, Dr. Alma Itzhaky, Jules El-Khatib, Nazih Musharbash, and other well-known activists and human rights representatives.