Gaza ceasefire now

‘There is no military solution to the conflict’

The Communist Party issued the following statement Dec. 31, 2008.

The Communist Party of the USA (CPUSA) adds its voice to the growing international call by the United Nations Security Council, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and many others for an immediate cease-fire by both the Israeli government and Hamas, and a return to honest negotiations based on the two-state model.

The Bush administration bears a heavy responsibility for this crisis because of its failure to exert any pressure on Israel to resolve the situation by negotiations, and because of its continued enabling of the Israeli military assault by diplomatic, financial and military means. The massive use of force by the Israeli military has absolutely no justification morally, legally or politically. It has already caused enormous civilian casualties and will cause many more if continued. Nor is there any justification for Hamas’ rocket attacks on civilian targets within Israel. They too are irresponsible, provocative, and deadly.

Any incursion of Israeli ground forces into Gaza will also cause massive civilian casualties, as well as qualitatively escalating and perhaps widening the conflict.

There is no military solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict.

We urge the incoming Congress and the Obama administration to break with the failed Bush policies, and take decisive action for a just diplomatic solution that supports the national aspirations of the Palestinian people as well as the true security interest of the Israeli people. Our government should play a leading role in convening an international conference, to include all the countries in the region and without preconditions, to work towards a lasting cease-fire and peace agreement for the region.

We also support calls for allowing the immediate entry of humanitarian aid, as well as an end to the blockade, which causes untold suffering among the people of Gaza.

We urge our members, friends and all peace-loving people to consider the following action proposals to end the bloodshed:

1. Contact the White House to protest U.S. policy and demand emergency negotiations for an immediate cease-fire. Call 202-456-1111 or send an e-mail to comments@whitehouse.gov.

2. Contact your Representative and Senators at 202-224-3121

3. Ask President-elect Obama to pursue a new policy toward Israel/Palestine, and send a message at www.change.gov.

4. Organize or join public protests.

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