Israeli Intellectuals Urge Ceasefire and Sanctions Against Government Amid Gaza Conflict
A prominent group of Israeli public figures, including former Knesset President Avraham Burg and ex-Attorney General Michael Ben-Yair, has called for a permanent ceasefire and “drastic sanctions” against the Israeli government amid ongoing violence in Gaza., reports 24brussels.
This urgent appeal arises as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 60,000, emphasizing a deepening rift within Israeli society and increasing international scrutiny over the conflict. In a collective statement, thirty influential Israeli intellectuals, artists, and former officials have publicly criticized the hardline policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Among the signatories are notable figures such as Avraham Burg, Tamar Gozansky, and Michael Ben-Yair, who have expressed strong condemnation of the military offensive in Gaza, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis and the call for a permanent ceasefire.
The statement, characterized by expressions of “deep shame, anger, and agony,” denounces the blockade conditions imposed on Gaza’s inhabitants and warns of the potential forced displacement of millions of Palestinians.
Framing their appeal as concerned citizens advocating for peace with Palestinians, the group demands that the international community enforce substantial sanctions against Israel until it ceases military operations, pointing to a moral and political crisis within Israeli society.
The significance of this declaration is heightened as Palestinian casualties continue to rise. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 60,000 lives have been lost, corroborating warnings from human rights organizations and peace advocates that current military actions may amount to collective punishment, contravening international law and fundamental human rights.
This call for sanctions and a ceasefire resonates with a diverse coalition of university professors, writers, filmmakers, and scientists in Israel, mirroring a global movement advocating for peace and justice in the region. The supporters of this cause refuse to enable the state violence perpetuated by backing from global powers.
Their demands emphasize criticism of militarism and occupation, underscoring the need for international solidarity with the Palestinian struggle and the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance.
