Prime Minister Schoof: if you don’t draw a red line, we will
For 1.5 years, Gaza has been subjected to extreme violence that has resulted in more than 50,000 deaths, countless injuries and displacements, and the destruction of schools, hospitals and other vital infrastructure. Israel ignores International Court of Justice rulings, Criminal Court arrest warrants and urgent appeals from the UN and aid organisations. It is using hunger as a weapon of war, taking away more and more land and causing unbearable suffering to Palestinian civilians, including many children. This brings neither the release of the hostages nor a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians any closer.
And the Netherlands, as host country of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, makes it painfully clear that it is unwilling to take action against Israel’s violations of international law and continues to choose to engage in pointless talks with Israel. Talks that Israel ignores time and again without consequence. The time for words is long gone, it is time for action. But the Netherlands continues to actively support Israel – with trade benefits, defence treaties and the supply of weapons used to kill civilians in Gaza on a daily basis.
On 18 May, various organisations will gather together with countless citizens to demand that the government stand for human rights and listen to the loud call of the majority. A government that stands for international law. And that takes action when that law is violated. Take action, draw the red line and demand no Dutch complicity in Israel’s war crimes.
Practical information
What: Jointly forming a human chain in The Hague
Date & time: Sunday afternoon 18 May
Location: The Hague
Important: Put on red clothing so that we can draw the red line
As many people as possible are needed to draw a clear red line, join in!
Organisations participating in the action:
Officials and the Constitution, Amnesty International, Amsterdam for Gaza, Doctors for Gaza, Médecins Sans Frontières, BDS NL, Care, De Goede Zaak, De Nieuwe Vredesbeweging, Dolle Mina’s, Een Ander Joods Geluid, Erev Rav, Extinction Rebellion, Free Press Unlimited, Gate48, Greenpeace, The Action Fund, Hivos, Humanistisch Verbond, News Neighbours Utrecht, Oxfam Novib, Pakhuis de Zwijger, Palestinian Community In The Netherlands, PAX, Peace SOS, Plan International, Plant an Olive Tree, Platform Stop Racism, Platform Women & Sustainable Peace, Rotterdam Palestine Coalition, S.P.E.A.K., Samenwerkingsverband Islamitische Organisaties Regio Haaglanden (SIORH), Save the Children, Schone Kleren Campagne, SOMO, Stichting Kifaia, Stichting Vluchteling, Terre des Hommes, The Rights Forum, War Child, Wo=men.