Nobel Women's Initiative

PRESS RELEASE


ENOUGH! COALITION RALLY END THE OCCUPATION'
Trafalgar Square London, Saturday 9th June 2007

June 2007 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Six Day War, in which the Israeli Army took military control of the Palestinian Gaza Strip, and West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

This Anniversary was marked by a Rally and demonstration organized by the Enough! Coalition, made up of a group of charities, trade unions, faith and campaign groups, concerned for peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and calling for an End to Occupation'.

Amongst those attending the Rally in Trafalgar Square, London, were Miriam Margolyes, Mike Leigh, Stephen Fry, and Mairead Corrigan Maguire.

Addressing the Rally, Nobel Peace Laureate, Mairead Corrigan Maguire said:

I join with you in calling for an End to the Israeli Occupaton of Palestine, and a negotiated settlement to the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. It is over 30 years since many of us from Northern Ireland stood here in Trafalgar Square, calling for a peaceful settlement to the Northern Irish conflict, and insisting that there would not be a paramilitary, nor a military solution to our own situation. We insisted then, that our conflict could only be solved through nonviolent means, with Governments and Armed Groups, upholding human rights and international laws, all inclusive dialogue, including with ones enemies, and a belief that peace is our right and it is possible. Today in N.Ireland the guns (both legal and illegal) are silent and we are building genuine democracy and a nonviolent community. Peace is built by people working nonviolently on the ground, with determination and courage, and by Political Leadership willing to uphold the Rule of Law and take risks for peace.

During my visits to Palestine and Israel, I have seen such determination and courage by both Israeli and Palestinian nonviolent activists, but their work, and willingness to compromise through dialogue, has to be reciprocated by the Israeli Political Leadership.

Tragically, the Israeli Government continues to ignore its obligations under International Law, building the Wall, settlements, etc., The International Court of Justice of The Hague has ruled that Israel has an obligation to dismantle the Wall and to compensate the Palestinians for all the damage suffered from its construction. All States, including the UK/USA are under obligation not to recognize this illegal situation resulting from the construction of the wall; and the continuation of the Israeli's Government to ignore over 60 UN resolutions, including the right of return for the Palestinian Refugees. It is the duty of the UK / USA and International community to reaffirm the supremacy of international law as the basis for the settlement of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Many of these countries, particularly the USA's and UK's unwavering support of Israel's occupation, have prevented a just and peaceful solution to this conflict.

The European Union must stop having a double standard that is suppressing its financial aid to the Palestinian Authority, boycotting the Palestinian Government and on the other hand refusing to put any pressure on Israeli Authorities who refuse to comply with International Law.

In the words of one Israeli Professor to live in Palestine is to live in one huge prison camp of occupation and repression, where ones daily life is totally controlled by Israeli military, and Israeli Government which holds the key to everything in Palestinians' lives. The Palestinian nonviolent resistance movement to such injustice deserves all our support.

Also to live in Israel for Jewish people, is to live in fear of suicide bombs and Kassam rockets. We all know violence begets violence and is never excusable or acceptable, and all violent activities from Palestinian paramilitaries must cease if there is to be any hope for peace.

I believe, the way forward is unconditional, all inclusive dialogue between all Parties to the conflict, including the detained elected Palestinian representatives, in order to reach a win/win solution for everyone. The Military Mindset of the Israeli Government must change to one of conflict resolution and recognize that their mantra that they have no partners for dialogue, is a block to a peace agreement. This excuse is no longer acceptable to the International community. Their partner in dialogue is the Palestinian Authority, including Hamas the democratically elected representatives of the Palestinian people, and the 22 Arab states whose Peace Plan is offered to all.

The Israeli/Palestinian people have suffered enough and want peace. It is time for the Israeli/Palestinian Governments to start talking together, they owe it to their citizens now.

Shalom, Salaam to you all"

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Read on about what Women organizations are doing locally:

International Womens Commission (IWC) brings together Palestinian, Israeli, and international women dedicated to an end of the Israeli occupation and a just peace based on international law...human rights and equality.

The Parent's Circle- Families Forum (PCFF) is a grassroots organization of  bereaved Palestinians and Israelis. the PCFF promotes reconciliation as an alternative to hatred and revenge.

Women in Black is a world-wide network of women committed to peace with justice and actively opposed to injustice, war, militarism and other forms of violence.

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