The illegal occupation of Palestine must end; international law is not optional

As officials from 30 countries meet today at a conference aimed at ending Israel’s occupation of Palestine, Jamil Sawalmeh, Country Director for ActionAid Palestine says:  

“Today is an important moment for the future of Gaza and the Palestinian people. The meeting of 30 countries in Colombia is a vital step in the right direction to bring Israel’s war on Gaza to an end. With the support from Francesca Albanese, countries can begin to implement a UN General Assembly motion mandating member states to take measures in support of Israel ending its unlawful occupation of Palestine. 

“We have been watching a live-streamed genocide for nearly two years. International humanitarian agencies have been blocked from delivering aid, people are starving, hospitals are struggling to function, pregnant women can’t give birth safely, tens of thousands of children have been killed – and the world just watches in horror. We need the international community to stand up and deliver a permanent ceasefire, and ensure free, fair and accessible humanitarian aid for all Palestinians in Gaza.  

“In the West Bank, settler violence is increasing. Since October 2023, over 1000 people have been killed. Homes are being demolished, and it is not safe for Palestinians to go about their daily lives. Once again, this is happening with impunity. 

“The illegal occupation of Palestine must end; international law is not optional. Israel must be held accountable for its actions, we must stand up for international justice, freedom and the rights of the Palestinian people.” 

ENDS 

Jamil Sawalmeh, Country Director of ActionAid Palestine and Riham Jafari, advocacy and communications coordinator at ActionAid Palestine, are available for interview. Please contact the press office at media-enquiries@actionaid.org for requests.