Dear Friends,

Here we are again. In the aftermath of extreme violence, futile loss of life, and witness to images of families rebuilding their homes and lives after they were destroyed. It’s hard to bear.

As ever, it is the most vulnerable who suffer the most. At time of writing, fifteen Palestinian children have been killed. Fifteen innocent lives taken. The usual round of accusations and blame has begun, but they are insignificant when these children are gone. The reality is that the Gaza siege must end, occupation has to be stopped, and peace needs to be realised. How much more can we take? When is enough, enough?

Our cynical selves may wonder if the timing of this show of ‘military strength’ and display of undercover intelligence was simply coincidental in the run up to yet another election in Israel. There have been a number of similar coincidences over the years. But we can’t let ourselves dwell on such things, or allow fear, anger or sadness to take over - we have work to do.

There have been protests across Israel in Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Shfaram, Umm el-Fahm, Rahat, Kafr Yasif, and Taibe. Combatants for Peace activists are out on the streets protesting, calling for calm, and demanding a permanent end to the bombardment of Gaza. We are standing together as a movement, showing those that say otherwise that we can work together. That there is a partner for peace. And that the people of Gaza are not alone.

For the future of all Palestinians and Israelis we must do all we can to stay strong, and be the change we so badly need. We will keep our youth programs running and support our communities in every way possible to be active and united. We don’t know what the next few days or weeks will bring, if a ceasefire will hold or if promises will be broken, but we know that violence is not the answer, and together, we must keep going.

In Peace & Solidarity from Israel/Palestine