Over the last few months the actions of the Israeli army have culminated in an unbearable level of suppression and persecution of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip. Operations, cynically named in the summer months “Operation Summer Rain” and now, bearing the title “Operation Autumn Clouds”, have brought death to hundreds of Palestinians, not to mention those wounded and maimed, some for life. Only this morning massacres on 19 Palestinians have been committed by the Israeli army in the Northern Gaza Strip – women and children have been the major victims of these unspeakable actions.

Does this all take place in the name of security? The incursions in Gaza by the Israeli army cannot be justified by using as an excuse the launching of Qassem rockets or the taking as hostage by Palestinian militants of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Indeed, the arbitrary and immeasurable violence of the Israeli army has probably endangered his life. The use of the new, illegal and lethal weapon called DIME (Dense Inert Metal Explosive) has no justification whatsoever.

It is obvious that the constant attacks, both physically and psychologically, have no other reason than to sow fear, demonstrate strength and attempt to break the will of the Palestinian people and its legitimate resistance to occupation! Hamas has not called for revenge attacks, but has requested international intervention. How many more must die before the international community assumes its responsibilities?

According to the United Nations Charter Israel, as any other member of the international community, must be judged, made accountable and deterred from imposing undeclared wars, from the killing of civilians, the devastation of nature, and the destruction of the industry and infrastructure of its neighbours.

As European citizens we are not willing to be silent about crimes being committed against a captive, occupied people, who are the victims of the events of European history.

As Jews we will not make the same mistake which we have often blamed others for, silence about crimes against humanity. On the eve of 9 November, the monstrous November Pogrom of 1938, we state loudly and clearly that the State of Israel, with these acts, is desecrating the name and reputation of Jews everywhere.

It is essential that strong, decisive and impartial steps finally be taken by the European Union to compel Israel to adhere to international law. It is obvious and long overdue that the countries of Europe should break off friendly relations and trade ties with Israel as long as it does not adhere to basic human rights and continues its war crimes.

We demand that the European Union dissociates itself from U.S. policy in the Middle East and conducts an independent policy of peace according to the European Convention on Human Rights.

We demand a debate of this topic in the EU Parliament as well as in the national parliaments of its members.

We demand that the European Union makes clear to the Government of Israel that the Union will not finance or support Israel until it reaches a fair peace agreement with the Palestinian people, in the interest of all participants and peace in the world.

We demand protection for the Palestinian people by means of deployment of international peacekeepers in Gaza and the West Bank.

November 8th 2006

EJJP Executive Committee

Dror Feiler (Chair) Sweden

Dan Judelson (Secretary) Great Britain

Paula Abrams-Hourani Austria

Paola Canarutto Italy Liliane Cordova Kaczerginski France

Fanny-Michaela Reisin Germany

Henri Wajnblum Belgium