Dear Editor: Sitkans for Peace and Democracy will hold a vigil calling for an end to Israel’s near-total food blockade of Gaza, this Wednesday, Aug. 6, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the roundabout.
At least six people died of starvation in Gaza on Sunday, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The new deaths raised the number of those dying to 175, including 93 children. UN agencies caution that time is running out for a humanitarian response to famine conditions in the Gaza Strip. Nearly a quarter of the population is facing “catastrophic” level of food insecurity, and a further 54 per cent is at “emergency” level. The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stressed that “this is a condition that we can prevent,” calling for an end to deliberate blocking and delay of food, health, and humanitarian aid.
Joining a growing international consensus, two leading Israeli human rights groups, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel, issued reports last week accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. “What we see is a clear, intentional attack on civilians in order to destroy a group,” said Yuli Novak, the director of the Israeli human rights organization, B’Tselem, calling for urgent action. “I think every human being has to ask himself: what do you do in the face of genocide?”
Bring an empty pot or pan and spoon. Let’s make noise and demand an end to Israel’s food blockade (or just come stand with us).
You can also call our elected officials and demand that they speak out publicly to stop starving Gaza:
Senator Murkowski: (202) 224-6665 (Washington, D.C.), (907) 271-3735 (Anchorage);
Senator Sullivan: (202) 224-3004 (Washington, D.C.), (907) 271-5915 (Anchorage);
Representative Begich: (202) 225-5765 (Washington, D.C.), (907) 921-6575 (Anchorage).
Cindy Litman, Sitka
