A Call for Diplomacy: Messages to the world’s leaders

Date 14/10/2023

“Today, as we witness yet another devastating military operation by Israeli occupation power against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and the occupied Al-Quds City, we are reminded of the urgent need for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The images of destruction, suffering, and loss of innocent lives across the Palestinian territories mainly in the Gaza Strip are heart-wrenching and unacceptable ever.

We unequivocally condemn the use of military force that indiscriminately harms civilians, including women and children, and violates their basic human rights. The people of Gaza have endured far too much pain and hardship, and their right to live in peace and security must be upheld. It must be clear that, the Palestinian leadership has been warning , for months and year on end, that Israeli’s breaches on international law and attempts to negate Palestinian rights, coupled with the persistent failure to hold accountable for its grave crimes, would lead to an escalation with dire consequences, but the Israeli extreme government and leadership ignored all this calls and messages.

The sad part of the story is that the world has counted Palestinian civilians’ casualties and losses with apathy and indifference, lamenting fatigue with the Palestinian issue rather than the loss of innocent civilians’ lives and continued torment of an entire people by this prolonged injustice.

All These crimes have been witnessed repeatedly on an endless cycle and yet nothing has been done, the world continues to watch, some actively shielding Israel from accountability, our appeals for an end to these crimes unheeded, and the suffering of our people deepening.

In addition to the Israeli war crimes, for months has escalated its imprisonment of Palestinians as a form of persecution to instill terror silence, and resistance to its illegal occupation, now held captive in its jails are over 5,000 Palestinians, among them women and children and at least 1500 in administrative detentions, deprived of their rights, abused and tortured, entire families ruptured and a society traumatized.

Regrettably, rather than accountability, Israel has been given carte blanch, with some states choosing instead to reward the extremist Israeli government with normalizing its occupation in the region and beyond.

Sir Hisham Abuthaha

1st secretary & deputy head of the mission
Embassy of the State of Palestine, Colombo, Sri Lanka

We call on all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities and engage in meaningful dialogue towards a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire. The cycle of violence must end, and all efforts should be directed towards a negotiated settlement that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.

International actors must play a pivotal role in facilitating a just resolution to this conflict. We urge the international community to redouble its efforts to mediate and create the conditions for a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. The United Nations, in particular, must step up its efforts to protect civilians and support a negotiated two-state solution.

The situation in Gaza underscores the need for empathy, compassion, and a commitment to human rights. We must all work together to ensure that the people of Gaza and the entire region can finally experience the peace and security they so desperately deserve.”

This statement emphasizes the principles of human rights, peace, and international cooperation while calling for an immediate end to violence and a commitment to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through diplomatic means and international protection before anything to the civilians in the Palestinian territories whom under attacks since the 7^th of October.

Mr. Agbinya Mario, Educational psychologist

Nigeria

Addressing issues like genocidal efforts, repressive regimes, persecution, and violence around the world is a complex and challenging task that requires a multifaceted approach. If I could speak with world leaders, I would emphasis the following points:

1. Promote Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Encourage the use of peaceful means, diplomacy and dialogue in resolving conflict rather than military intervention.

3. International Cooperation: Stress the importance of cooperation, alliances, and organisation like the United Nations to address global challenges and conflict.4. Prevention and Early Intervention:  Prioritise early detection and intervention to prevent conflicts from escalating into violence.

5. Humanitarian Assistance: Ensure access to humanitarian aid for affected population, including food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

6. Democracy and Good Governance: Encourage democratic processes and good governance as a means to empower citizens, improve accountability and prevent the rise of repressive regimes.

7. Economic Development: Reduce poverty and inequalities and people can reduce conflict and violence.

8. Strong Sections and Accountability: Use targeted section including financial and travel restriction against individuals responsible for human right violation and repressive actions.

It’s essential for world leaders to work collectively, transcend political difference and prioritse human right and peace to address the pressing global challenges mentioned.

*Video translation from Igede language in Nigeria.*