2025.1.31 No.1856
【MDS Statement Welcoming the Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza, Palestine】
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On January 15, a ceasefire agreement was reached in Gaza, Palestine, initiating a six-week ceasefire starting on January 19. We welcome this ceasefire. This agreement was achieved through the resistance of Palestinian citizens against Israel's extermination policy, which has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, as well as through the global solidarity with Palestine and the widespread condemnation of Israel. Palestinian citizens have expressed immense joy in response to the ceasefire agreement. For example, one man, who had fled from northern Gaza, said, "Words cannot express this feeling. Gaza is filled with joy. Finally, our suffering and this war will come to an end" (NHK, January 15, 11:56 AM). This happiness among Palestinian citizens must be sustained.
The ceasefire agreement outlines a three-phase process:
Phase 1 (42 days) includes the exchange of prisoners, the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the expansion of humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza (up to 600 truckloads of supplies per day), the rebuilding of medical facilities, and the treatment of injured Palestinians outside of Gaza.
Phase 2 involves the declaration of a "sustainable calm" between Israel and Hamas, the exchange of remaining Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Phase 3 focuses on the reconstruction of Gaza.
On the 16th day after the ceasefire begins, negotiations are scheduled to address the implementation of Phases 2 and 3. However, even before the ceasefire took effect on January 19, Israel continued its attacks on Gaza, prolonging the conflict. The international community must strengthen its solidarity efforts to ensure Israel adheres to the ceasefire agreement through to the third phase. We must fight in solidarity to enable Palestinian citizens to rebuild their lives in Gaza. This includes dismantling checkpoints to ensure free movement, allowing aid supplies to reach citizens without obstruction, and completely lifting the blockade on Gaza. Furthermore, Israel must end its colonial domination through illegal settlements.
While U.S. President Biden and President-elect Trump highlight their roles in the ceasefire agreement, it is important to note that the loss of over 46,000 lives could have been prevented if the United States had ceased its military aid to Israel from the outset. Military assistance from the U.S. and other global capitalist nations, as well as their support for Israeli companies, must be completely terminated. Additionally, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared Israel's occupation policies as violations of international law, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and others. These international decisions must be enforced.
The MDS will continue to stand in solidarity with global anti-war movements, opposing cooperation with Israeli companies and investments in Israel. We will persist in our struggle alongside the Palestinian people to help create a society where they can live freely and securely.
The ceasefire agreement is a significant achievement against the forces of war worldwide. Furthermore, let us also achieve an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and work to eliminate war-mongering forces across the globe.
Demands and Goals:
・The immediate and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
・The lifting of the blockade on Gaza and the guarantee of free movement for Palestinian citizens.
・The full restoration of the activities of UNRWA (United Nations Relief
and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East).
・The immediate cessation of Israel’s occupation, settlement expansion, blockade, ethnic cleansing, and apartheid policies.
・The suspension of U.S. and other nations’ military aid to Israel.
・Continued support for the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement, including the boycott of Israeli products and divestment from Israeli companies.
・Continued accountability for Israel’s violations of international law and enforcement of the arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
・The annulment of all agreements and memorandums between the Japanese government and companies with Israel, and the cessation of military, economic cooperation, and investments.
・The realization of a free Palestine from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea, restoration of the right to self-determination, and the recognition of a Palestinian state.
・Guarantee and realization of the right of return for all Palestinian refugees.
Central Leadership Committee
Movemeent for Democratic Socialism, Japan
January 17 2025 |
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