The world is once again witnessing another cycle of violence and destruction of Palestine and its people at the hands of the racist Israeli state.
“The world is grappling with a dangerous health pandemic that is threatening the safety, well-being and prosperity of nations in the form of Covid-19 and we can ill afford a situation where conflict further puts the lives of people at risk. As a movement we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities against the Palestinian and we call on leaders all over the world to act in solidarity with the people of Palestine. In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people’. This should be a time when nations come together in solidarity and putting their differences aside instead of rising up against one another,” says Hassan Sekajoolo, chairperson of MenEngage Africa Alliance.
“Although some world leaders have condemned the violence, this is simply not enough. Half-hearted and ambiguous condemnation in the form of statements when people are losing their lives is not enough. Instead, this is the opportune moment for effective and meaningful solutions to the gross violation of human rights faced by Palestinians. The Israeli State has gotten away with the use of brute force on the people of Palestine with no consequences for years. World leaders can no longer turn a blind eye to the human rights violations in Palestine as this is becoming an annual occurrence,” adds Mpiwa Mangwiro, Regional Campaigns Advocacy Specialist for Sonke Gender Justice, Secretariat of MenEngage Africa Alliance.
“This is a time to foster peace in the world, peace in Palestine and Israel, and we take this opportunity to urge our governments in Africa and the world to help create peace between Israel and Palestine. We want to see healthy and serene discussions initiated between these two communities in accordance with international law. Injustice anywhere in the world is an injustice everywhere in the world. We also want to tell our governments in Africa and everywhere in the world to reconsider their diplomatic ties with Israel if it continues to oppress the poor, the weak and the marginalised,” says Bafana Khumalo, co-chairperson of Global MenEngage Alliance.
The present killings started with the aim of Israel to occupy East Jerusalem by brutally storming into the Al Aqsa Mosque at a time when huge numbers of people were praying at the Mosque during the month of Ramadan, injuring many of them.
According to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), 915 Palestinians were injured between 7 and 10 May 2021 in East Jerusalem, and over 200 in the West Bank with the bloodshed showing no signs of letting up.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine and we call on the international community to ensure the State of Israel puts an end to its discriminatory policies against Palestinians.
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FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:
- Hassan Sekajoolo, Chairperson, MenEngage Africa Alliance: hsekajoolo@gmail.com or +256-703-983-298
- Mpiwa Mangwiro, Regional Campaigns & Advocacy Specialist, Sonke Gender Justice, Secretariat of MenEngage Africa Alliance: mpiwa@genderjustice.org.za or +27-82-480-2223.
- Bafana Khumalo,Co-Chairperson, Global MenEngage Alliance: bafana@genderjustice.org.za or +27-82-578-4479.
- Khopotso Bodibe,RegionalCommunications & Media Specialist, Sonke Gender Justice, Secretariat of MenEngage Africa Alliance: khopotso@genderjustice.org.za or +27-82-495-4158.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
MenEngage Africa is part of a global alliance of organisations that engage men and boys to achieve gender equality, promote health, reduce violence and to question and address the structural barriers to achieving gender equality. The alliance consists of 22 country networks spread across East, West, Central and Southern Africa. MEA members work collectively toward advancing gender justice, human rights and social justice in key thematic areas including Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV) & HIV prevention, Child Rights and Positive Parenting and in promoting peace on the continent.
Visit our website www.menengageafrica.org.za for more information.