AMP hails truce in Gaza; vows to continue work to end the occupation

(CHICAGO 08/26/2014) – The American Muslims for Palestine, a national education and advocacy organization, today welcomes with relief and joy the truce agreement in Gaza that will end Israel’s nearly two-month long assault on 1.8 million Palestinians. Yet, AMP reminds the public that while the border will be open for certain items, Israel’s siege on Gaza and it’s occupation of Palestinians are still in effect.

 The truce agreement, which went into effect today, will open five borders crossings between Gaza and Israel; will allow for the importation of some reconstruction and humanitarian supplies; and will widen the fishing zone from three nautical miles to six and eventually to 12 nautical miles by the end of the year. The Palestinian consensus government, created recently, will oversee reconstruction.

Israel’s 50-day assault on Gaza killed 2,153 Palestinians, including at least 518 children, according to Al Mezan Center for Human Rights, quoting the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Israel destroyed or damaged more than 10,000 homes, displacing more than 500,000 Palestinians, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The Zionist enterprise also destroyed 63 mosques and damaged more than 200, some of which dated back to the 8th and 15th centuries, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

“While we are extremely happy to see an end to Israel’s military offensive against the Palestinians in Gaza and are hopeful the opening of the borders will increase their quality of life, we must not forget that Israel still controls every aspect of a Palestinian’s life, whether in Gaza or elsewhere,” said AMP Chairman, Dr. Hatem Bazian. “We must redouble our efforts to increase the grassroots movement that has been calling on Congress to create a more fair and balanced foreign policy in the Middle East.”

“We must also continue our support of the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions as a way to pressure Israel to abide by international law,” Dr. Bazian added.

AMP congratulates the Palestinian people for their steadfastness and resilience in the face of adversity and prays for a day soon when they will be able to achieve self-determination and live in peace and security.

AMP’s 7th annual “Conference for Palestine in the US: Rising from the Ashes – Gaza Teaches Life!” will take place Nov. 27-29, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago. Sessions on activism, including BDS, legislative and media work will be part of the educational event. Register now for 50 percent off at conference.ampalestine.org.