Israel pounds Gaza as Muslims mark the start of Ramadan

(WASHINGTON, D.C. 05/05/2019)—Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip have been forced to mark yet another Ramadan with bloodshed and devastation. American Muslims for Palestine condemns Israel's brutal onslaught of Gaza and its utter disregard for human life that has left two pregnant women, a toddler, and an infant dead. The death toll has risen to 29 Palestinians since airstrikes began yesterday, with Israel escalating violence against civilians to a level not seen since 2014.

According to media reports late Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu shows no signs of backing down with his Cabinet instructing the army to “continue its attacks and to stand by” for more orders. Israel has continued its inhumane policy of targeting civilians, this time killing pregnant women and very young children. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that 14-month-old Saba Abu Arar was being held in the lap of her pregnant aunt, Falestine Abu Arar, 37, who was also struck. Both were killed in the bombing in Gaza City. 

CALL THE WHITE HOUSE NOW (202) 456-1111 TO DEMAND AN END TO U.S. SUPPORT FOR ISRAELI AGGRESSION

The uptick in violence comes on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from dawn until sunset. During what is normally a time for worship and celebration, Palestinians in Gaza continue to face aggression and fear for the safety of themselves and their loved ones in the face of bombs raining down upon them from the Israeli occupation forces. 

Even without the added stress and loss of life due to the current bombing, Gazans continue to cope with the daily consequences of the blockade on the entire Gaza Strip, which has entered its 13th year. The Gaza blockade through land, air and sea denies Palestinians their basic human rights, is in contravention of international law, and amounts to collective punishment, according to the United Nations. Gazans remain isolated from the rest of the world, unable to travel in or out, and deal with shortages of electricity, food and building supplies. The situation is unsustainable and Gazans struggle with obtaining basic provisions for their families.

Despite all of this, the Trump administration has continued to enable Israel’s aggression, with Sec. Mike Pompeo asserting that Israel may do whatever it deems necessary to “defend” itself. Various officials from the administration have made statements enabling and encouraging Israeli aggression. They have set a deadline just weeks from now, after which they will reveal their “ultimate deal” for peace, which is expected to essentially liquidate whatever remains of Palestinian rights.

CALL THE STATE DEPARTMENT NOW AND ASK TO SPEAK TO THE VETTER OF LEAHY LAW VIOLATIONS FOR THE NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS DESK, JOSE-MANUEL DOBARCO, (202) 632-2040

Compounding an already volatile situation is the rise of extreme right-wing politicians following the most recent Israeli elections, in addition to the anniversary of Al Nakba on May 15, which marks the 71st year since the violent takeover of Palestine by Zionist militia and the expulsion of more than 750,000 indigenous Palestinians from their homeland.

AMP calls on all supporters of justice and human rights to take the following actions in support of Palestinians under attack:

1) Call the White House (202) 456-1111 to pressure Israel to stop its aggression, and demand that they pursue a more balanced and objective policy toward the region
2) Call the State Department (202) 632-2040 and ask them to investigate Israel's Leahy Law violations. The Leahy Law prohibits the United States from providing funding to foreign military units if they commit human rights violations. 
3) For those observing the holy month of Ramadan, we ask you and communities all over to make duaa (prayer) during this blessed time for peace in Gaza, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and wherever there is suffering
4) Commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Nakba in your community