Position of All-Ukrainian Association of Social Organizations "Аlraid" on Situation in Gaza

In the first days of aviablows across Gaza on behalf of all members of our association was published "Reference of Muslims of Ukraine to the society in connection with bombardment of Gaza" which condemned aggression of Israel in relation to civilians.

From the moment of the beginning of military operations against Palestinian people started worldwide — from Australia and Indonesia to the countries of Europe, the USA and Latin America — mass demonstrations and meetings in protest of actions of the Israeli authorities. We are solidary with Palestinian people, we sympathize them, we support them, we participate in all peace actions of solidarity and constantly pray to God about the war termination.

Biennial blockade of Gaza led to humanitarian catastrophe: prior to the beginning of military operation about 80 percent of its population completely depended on the humanitarian help rendered by the United Nations and other international organizations.

The Israeli heavy artillery fires in the day and night densely populated areas of the sector, systematically destroying houses, schools, universities, kindergartens, mosques and hospitals — the infrastructure of Gaza is almost destroyed. Gaza lacks foodstuff, water and medicines. People perish not only under bullets and shells, but from hunger and overcooling.

Takes place a full-scale destruction of civilians. More than 1000 persons are killed, half of the victims being women and children. The quantity of wounded men also reaches 5000 persons. As a result of actions of the Israeli armies constantly perish doctors, employees of humanitarian missions and journalists.

In spite of the fact that all world demands immediate and unconditional cease of fire in Gaza and withdrawal of Israeli troops, Israel continues aggression against Palestinians, including the use in this densely populated region of phosphoric bombs — the weapon forbidden by the Geneva convention of 1980 to use for conducting of military operations against civilians.

Many countries send to Gaza humanitarian cargoes nowadays. We, as a social organization, join the world community in this noble duty and declare our readiness to organize delivery of any humanitarian help.

The beginning of aggression against Palestinian people was necessary for the formation of Israel which from first days of its existence tramples on all international contracts and own obligations, grasping the land of Palestinians, expelling the population living there, exhausting it in a ghetto, subjecting to regular discrimination.

For more than 60 years the Palestinian people live in conditions of the most severe occupation, and Israel shows a defiance concept of "human rights" and international law.

Latest events show that the management of Israel intends to destroy the people of Palestine, therefore we consider it as our duty to address the world community with the requirement to stop bloodshed, to raise blockade of Gaza and to recognize actions of Israel as genocide of Palestinians.

We address to the President, the Government and the Parliament of Ukraine with an appeal to support Palestinians and to condemn actions of Israel. We express hope that our reference will not be left without due attention and everything possible will be done to establish long-awaited peace on the distressful Palestinian land.

Info. Department of "Alraid"