There can be no excuse for the deadly attack on a Jerusalem synagogue on 18 November. There can be no excuse for the killing of any civilians, including the daily killings and other forms of violence against Palestinians which are too often ignored, dismissed or rendered invisible by the ongoing occupation and oppression of Palestinian people.
It is the duty of the international community to address the root cause of the current situation in Jerusalem. Only by addressing the cause can the killing of Palestinians and Israelis be stopped. That means ending Israeli occupation, apartheid and colonialism, and fully respecting Palestinian rights.
The status quo is unsustainable. During July and August, more than 2000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza alone.* The announcement of further settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and restrictions of entry to the Al Aqsa Mosque have exacerbated the situation further and led to heightened tension across the whole region.
Israel’s Prime Minister must end incitement which is only fuelling more attacks on Palestinians and stop collective punishment.
The international community must act now to ensure that there is an end to Israel’s illegal occupation and to ensure Palestinians can access their full rights under international law – bringing an end to the Israeli system of power and control over Palestinians.
Hugh Lanning, PSC Chair