In an official statement released today, the Icelandic Green Left Movement condemned the use of force by the Israeli government in response to rocket attacks from the Gaza Strip.
This is the worst situation since 2014. More than 100 people have died in Gaza since Monday. The attacks followed weeks of Israeli-Palestinian tensions in East Jerusalem, culminating in a conflict in a holy place worshiped by both Muslims and Jews. Rocket attacks by Hamas – the de facto governing authority in Gaza – triggered retaliatory strikes by Israel.
Last night, Israeli troops directed heavy artillery fire and dozens of air strikes into the Gaza Strip. As reported by CNN, concerns are mounting that Israel may launch a land invasion to quell missile fire.
This morning, the Green Left Movement – the leading party in the Icelandic coalition formed after the 2017 elections – condemned the actions of the Israeli government. The statement, which was published on the party’s website, reads as follows:
“The Green Left Movement condemns the abuse of power, land expropriation and the deportation of Palestinians from settlements that are then destroyed and colonized by the Israelis. This is a flagrant violation of international treaties, international law and human rights.
We condemn the reaction of the Israeli government – air strikes with advanced weapons (or unmanned drones) in densely populated areas of Palestine. We also condemn the actions of the Israeli police against the protesters in Jerusalem.
The Green Left Movement party has always stressed the need to seek a peaceful solution in this region. Sustainable peace will never be achieved through military force or oppression, so it is important to preserve the integrity of international law and avoid violating the human rights of the people of the region. The party would also like to recall the resolution adopted by parliament, which authorized the government to officially recognize the independence and autonomy of the Palestinian state. “
The Foreign Minister and Independence Party member Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson called on all parties to the conflict to refrain from violence.
I am deeply concerned about the violence and tensions in #EastJerusalem and Gaza. All parties must refrain from violence and seek to de-escalate the situation.
– Guðlaugur Þór (@GudlaugurThor)
Source: Yle