New Delhi: Marking the first anniversary of Gaza Genocide and Palestine Solidarity Day, more than 30 organizations gathered at Jantar Mantar here Monday to jointly protest. They called for an immediate end to the ongoing genocide, a permanent ceasefire, resistance to the Israeli occupation, and urged the Indian government to halt all arms and trade deals with Israel.
In a powerful joint statement, these organizations condemned the ongoing genocide and invasion of Gaza by Israel’s Zionist apartheid regime. They also denounced the Israeli attacks on East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Lebanon, which have been supported by the U.S. and other Western powers.
“With the support of the U.S., Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has blocked ceasefire negotiations and prisoner exchanges, despite the UN General Assembly’s overwhelming vote for a permanent ceasefire and the recognition of a Palestinian state. We are deeply concerned that the Indian government has abstained from all votes against Israel and has shifted its policy on the Palestinian issue. We urge the Indian government to end its political backing of Israel and cut all diplomatic ties with this Zionist regime,” the statement said.
The organizations highlighted the devastating impact of Israeli attacks, which have caused mass civilian casualties and displacement. According to The Lancet, since October 7, 2023, around 200,000 Palestinians have been killed, 70% of whom are women and children. More than 8% of Gaza’s population has been killed, and 90% displaced. Israel has also imprisoned 20,000 Palestinians, many of whom have reportedly been subjected to torture, starvation, and sexual violence.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened with the destruction of infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems, leading to disease outbreaks. Despite calls for a ceasefire, violence continues, putting Gaza on the verge of complete collapse. The joint statement emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to stop the genocide and protect Palestinian civilians.
The statement also condemned recent attacks on Masjid al-Aqsa, a sacred site for Muslims, and the circulation of AI-generated videos falsely depicting its destruction. Such actions, they said, not only violate religious rights but also fuel Islamophobia and religious hatred.
The organizations demanded immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, and urged the Indian government to revert to its pro-Palestine stance and end its political support for Israel, cease all diplomatic relations with Israel, halt all arms trade with Israel, impose sanctions and an arms and energy embargo on Israel, and support the rebuilding of Palestinian infrastructure and the rehabilitation of displaced people.
The joint statement was signed by IPSN, IPSF, I4P, AICCWW, AIDWA, AIDSO, AIKS, AIMSS, AIPWA, AISF, AIYF, ANHAD, CITU, CSW, Delhi Forum, DSG, DYFI, IFTU, IPTA, Janhastakshep, JanNatyaManch, Jimmedari SWO, KYS, MEC, MWF, NFIW, Nishant, PDSU, Pragatisheel MS, Purogami MS, SFI, and YWCA.
