Brussels, 15 May 2021 - Nakba Day: EBCO stands in solidarity with the Israeli conscientious objectors and the civilians who bear the brunt of the hostilities from both sides.

On the occasion of the Nakba Day (May 15th) and given the new bloodshed and the escalating hostilities in Israel / Occupied Palestinian Territories following the forcible eviction of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah, the European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO) expresses its solidarity with the Israeli conscientious objectors who are prosecuted because of their refusal to serve in the Israeli army and the civilians from both sides who bear the brunt of the suffering.

As Mesarvot stated yesterday “Specifically now, in such violent and dark days, refusal has great power to create a better, more just, more empathetic and more solidar reality”. Mesarvot is a network of Israeli activists supporting conscientious objectors in their refusal to become soldiers and take part in the occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.

“EBCO condemns the new armed conflict between the Israeli military and Palestinian armed groups, leading to war crimes, such as the massacre of civilians, the vast majority of them being, once again, Palestinians. EBCO demands an immediate ceasefire and calls for UN to impose an arms embargo on both sides immediately and to investigate all violations of international humanitarian law”, EBCO’s President Alexia Tsouni stated today.

EBCO asks the Israeli troops to get out of the Occupied Palestinian Territories and end the blockade. EBCO opposes all types of war and violence including violence emanating from occupation and colonisation. EBCO promotes non-violent resistance and peaceful civil disobedience.

NOTE:

Read the statement of Mesarvot on 12 May 2021:

http://www.facebook.com/mesarvot/posts/4107837775963304