We can never accept colonialism, annexation, or ethnic cleansing in Palestine

Layne Mullett
Director of Media Relations

215-241-7085
news@afsc.org

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Last night President Trump called for the mass expulsion of Palestinians and a U.S. takeover of Gaza. If carried out, this would be a U.S.-led ethnic cleansing and colonization of Palestine. These remarks come as Israel expands its military assault on the West Bank and politicians in both the U.S. and Israel are increasing calls for annexation. 

Forcibly transferring an entire population from their land is a crime against humanity. Annexation is a grave violation of the right to self-determination, a fundamental principle of international law. As a Quaker organization, we are steadfast in our commitment to honoring the divine Light in every person. We must all do everything in our power to prevent these atrocities and any further violence. 

These threats are extreme, but they are not new. Palestinians have endured violent dispossession and attempts at ethnic cleansing for over a century. In 1948, Israeli forces expelled most of the Palestinian population in what became Israel from their homes. The complicity of the international community, the lack of accountability, and the failure of the international system of protection to address this fundamental injustice are at the root of the occupation and the genocide we are witnessing today. 

Palestinians have spent more than 75 years demanding justice and asserting their right of return and self-determination. They have endured 15 months of genocide. Palestinians are resilient and determined and will not accept annexation. They will not give up their land and their rights. 

Instead of systematically dispossessing Palestinians, the U.S. and the international community should focus on supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and a just and lasting peace for all. This means ensuring a Palestinian-led reconstruction of Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, an end to the occupation in both Gaza and the West Bank, and the right of return for all Palestinians. Annexation, occupation, and ethnic cleansing are unacceptable under any circumstances. The only path to peace is addressing the root causes of violence and building systems grounded in justice, self-determination, and human rights. 

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The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) promotes a world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine Light within each person, we nurture the seeds of change and the respect for human life to fundamentally transform our societies and institutions. We work with people and partners worldwide, of all faiths and backgrounds, to meet urgent community needs, challenge injustice, and build peace.