We condemn in the strongest terms the ongoing attack on innocent Palestinian civilians, 50% of whom are children, by the Israeli state. We call for an immediate ceasefire, end to collective punishment and lifting of blockades on humanitarian aid entering Palestine. We also call on other feminist organisations and individuals to join us in adding their voices to mounting international pressure that seeks to end these war crimes.
We believe that the feminist struggle for liberation of women and girls from Patriarchy must centre on anti-colonialist, anti-imperialist, anti-war and anti-racist politics. The liberation of women means all women: regardless of differences of ethnicity, religion, class, sexuality, or any other distinguishing characteristic. Palestinian women face the dual oppressions of Occupation and Patriarchy. They suffer brutal and violent repression, displacement, denial of rights and murder by the Israeli apartheid state, as well as sexism and misogyny.
We reject the false polarity whereby protesting genocide of Palestinians equates to condoning acts of harm towards Israelis. We affirm the sanctity of all life, and acknowledge the pain suffered by those Israelis victimized by violence, kidnapping or bereavement.
We also highlight those Palestinian and Jewish women who have been undertaking peace and liberation work over many years, including through organisations such as Palestinian Feminist Collective and Jewish Voice For Peace. Their efforts must not be lost.
Manchester Feminist Network seeks to extend a spirit of unity and compassion in welcoming Palestinian, Muslim and Jewish women into our network to join us in activism and sisterhood. Now, more than ever, feminist values of equality and non-hierarchical co-operation are needed to put an end to this devastating humanitarian catastrophe.
We urge all women of conscience everywhere to work towards peace, justice and liberation for Palestinian women, children and men.