Finnish leftist women condemn Israel’s Gaza attacks, call for immediate action

By admin On Jan 18, 2024

A woman reacts in front of a destroyed building the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza Strip, on January 16, 2024, amid oingoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. Photo: LEHTIKUVA / AFP

The Finnish Leftist Women’s group has voiced a strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing bombing of Gaza, labeling it as an attack against women and children. The crisis in Gaza, which has escalated following Israel’s latest airstrikes starting in October 2023, has drawn international concern over the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories.

According to UN Women, the casualties in Gaza have now surpassed 24,000, with women and children making up 70% of the victims.

The conflict has forced approximately a million women and children to flee their homes in an area where no safe havens remain. The situation is further exacerbated by the estimated 9,000 children who have lost both parents and 50,000 pregnant women suffering daily due to the bombings.

Veronika Honkasalo, spokesperson for the Leftist Women and a member of the Finnish parliament, expressed dismay at the West’s reluctance to denounce Israel’s actions. She stated, “It’s shocking and tragic how difficult it has been for Western countries to condemn the brutal violence Israel inflicts on Palestinians. Nothing justifies the systematic violation of international law, not even Hamas’s appalling and utterly condemnable attack on Israel in October 2023.”

The situation in Gaza worsens daily as Israel’s blockade impedes necessary humanitarian aid. The region is already experiencing famine, with residents receiving only a fraction of the required food supply. The social and healthcare systems have collapsed due to the bombings, and international aid organizations face restricted access to the area.

Gashaw Bibani, vice spokesperson for the Leftist Women, highlighted the catastrophic situation for women and children, particularly those in vulnerable positions. She urged the international community to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches women and children without obstacles. She referenced UNICEF’s characterization of the situation in Gaza as a war against children.

The Leftist Women are calling on the Finnish government to unequivocally condemn Israel’s actions against Palestinians, including what they describe as ethnic cleansing and the destruction of Gaza. They urge Finland to strive for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. Additionally, they support South Africa’s initiative to investigate allegations of genocide by Israel at the International Criminal Court in The Hague and advocate for the EU to impose economic sanctions on Israel to secure a ceasefire.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi