With Israel’s attacks on Lebanon last week, the Middle East is once again on
the brink of a full-scale war. This escalation can only lead to another
round of bloodletting and destruction. Millions of people ­ including
thousands of Filipino migrant workers ­ in the region will be affected.

We at Stop the War Campaign, a broad coalition of civil society
organizations, social movements, labor unions, political parties, human
rights, women’s, students, religious and other organizations, lay the
responsibility behind this tragedy squarely on the Israeli state, its
primary ally the United States, and all those who actively support or
tacitly tolerate its actions.

This latest phase in the long-running tragedy in the Middle East began in
June 9 when Israel bombarded a beach in Gaza, killing an entire family
having a picnic by the sea. That was followed by a series of killings of
more innocent civilians. On June 25, Palestinian fighters then captured an
Israeli soldier, demanding the release of some of the 10,000 Palestinian
detainees held by Israel. Under international law, the soldier is a
legitimate target in a legitimate resistance operation by an occupied people

All hell then broke loose as Israel began an all-out military assault on
Gaza. It bombarded civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power
stations, leaving over a million civilians without water and hundreds of
sick people in hospitals without access to medication. Over forty were
killed in military operations. The Israeli military also kidnapped more than
a hundred elected Palestinian parliamentarians. The grossly disproportionate
use of force and the collective punishment imposed on the Palestinian people
are flagrant violations of international law.

It was evidently in response to the atrocities being carried out by Israel
on the people of Gaza ­ and the world’s failure to stop it ­ that the
Lebanese mass movement Hezbollah carried out its attacks on the Israeli
military beginning last June 12. Israel’s response has been to bomb
airports, bridges, roads, and other civilian infrastructure in Lebanon. Over
seventy have been killed and thousands have become refugees. Again, Israel¹s
actions are brazen violations of international law. Not only do they
constitute disproportionate violence but ­ with Israel itself provoking the
actions it claims to be defending itself from ­ they are also totally
unjustified.

At the root of the continuing tragedy in the Middle East is the continuing
occupation of Palestine by Israel. That Israel is able to continue this
occupation and that it is able to bomb and kill indiscriminately without
restraint points to the incapacity of the international community, including
the United Nations and the world¹s governments, to uphold peace and justice.
It is this unwillingness to act that will ensure that more blood and tears
will flow from this escalating war.

We in the Philippines must stop this war ­ not only because thousands of
Filipino migrant workers are caught in the crossfire ­ but because we have a
stake in creating a world with peace and justice. This world will not be
possibly without taking a stand.

We at the Stop the War Campaign demand that Israel should immediately end
its military offensive on Lebanon and Gaza, free all Palestinian detainees
from Israeli jails, and end the occupation of Palestine.

We call on the international community, the United Nations and all
responsible international government and civil society organizations, to
stop Israel from continuing its attacks and to support a just resolution to
the crisis. We demand that the Lebanese people’s right to sovereignty and
self determination be respected.

We demand that the Philippine government recalls its ambassador from Israel
and begin the process of severing all diplomatic ties with that state until
it complies with international law and ends the occupation of Palestine. As
our elected representatives, our government should take a stand in favor of
international law and justice, summon the Israeli ambassador to protest, and
expressly condemn Israel for its actions in international for a and
organizations. We call on our parliamentarians and diplomats to likewise
denounce Israel¹s actions. We also call for immediate relief and evacuation
plans for Filipino workers in the region.

In solidarity with the Palestinian, Lebanese, and Israeli people opposed to
war, we call for a global boycott and sanctions campaign against Israel.

Solidarity to Oppose Wars (STOP the War! Campaign):
A Movement for Peace and Justice

c/o Resource Center for People’s Development
98 Mapang-akit Street
Barangay Pinyahan
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Philippines
Tel: (63-2)
927-6309
abby_ipd yahoo.com
ynorcarreon gmail.com

PHILIPPINES:

Corazon Valdez-Fabros
Email: corafabros2000 yahoo.com
cc: nonukes tri-isys.com
Skype: corafabros
Tel/FAX:+632-931-1153 Mobile:+63917-887-1153
Visit the Phil. Peace & Sovereignty Website:
http://www.yonip.com