Activists are calling on people to turn the countdown to the New Year in their country into a countdown to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Activists have launched a global campaign asking citizens to turn the countdown to the New Year in their countries into a countdown to a ceasefire in Gaza, which has been under devastating Israeli bombardment since October 7.
“New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration around the world and an opportunity to make resolutions for a better future. With nearly 30,000 civilians killed, including more than 10,000 children, our only New Year’s resolution is to call for a permanent ceasefire,” Countdown2Ceasefire, a London-based grassroots campaign, said in a statement on Thursday. communicated.
“Our goal is to transform the traditional New Year’s countdown into an influential and resounding countdown to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. »
So far, the campaign has been successfully adopted by activists in more than 30 countries, including Switzerland, Turkey, Malaysia, Australia, Tanzania, Mexico and Germany, according to organizers.
As the new year approaches, these local events calling for a ceasefire will be broadcast live on Countdown2ceasefire’s social media platforms.
“A permanent ceasefire is the first step to ending the current deplorable situation and a concrete step towards a future where traumatized communities can rebuild and recover,” said Bushra Mohammad, spokesperson for the campaign. , in a press release.
Israel’s brutal military offensive in Gaza has killed more than 21,500 people and injured more than 55,000 others, sparking global outrage as protesters around the world mobilize to call for a ceasefire. Many also expressed disappointment with politicians and countries that vetoed or abstained from voting for a ceasefire at the United Nations.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders, have also condemned countries that veto a ceasefire, warning that it would lead to a humanitarian disaster.
On Saturday, the World Food Program warned it was in a race against time to save millions of people in Gaza from starvation.
“Only a long-term ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access can put an end to this situation,” the UN agency published on X.
Israel has refused to stop the bombing that has destroyed more than 70 percent of homes in Gaza and displaced more than 90 percent of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.
Countdown2Ceasefire highlighted how people power can make a difference.
“As we enter 2024, we hope that this will be the year that our New Year’s resolution, for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, is implemented. »