In Defense of Peace and the Immediate End of the Horror in Gaza

PN #74

In view of the exceptional gravity of the devastating situation in Gaza, the Dom Paulo Evaristo Arns Human Rights Defense Commission expresses its deepest rejection of all acts of violence committed by the extremist government of the State of Israel, which uses security forces to attack defenseless civilians, in an attempt to destroy their means of existence.

We express our deep sorrow and solidarity with the inhuman suffering imposed on the lives of people trying to survive intolerable aggression. It affects babies, children, women, and the elderly, who have been the main victims of the ongoing degradation.

The attacks are sacrificing non-combatants. The goal is the complete destruction of civilian infrastructure. Military blockades are preventing humanitarian aid from reaching the area. People have no water, food, energy, medicine, sanitation, communication, or healthcare. It has become impossible to access the essentials of life. The suffering of the Palestinian people, punished by hunger and disease, is intolerable.

The most recent escalation of violence has been widely condemned by the international community and even in Israel, where there are reports of civil, academic, and military demonstrations against the atrocities abusively committed in Israel's name. We call for an end to criminal offensives, both inside and outside the country.

We call on nations, as well as civil society, in Brazil and abroad, to pressure the deviant government to immediately cease hostilities.

The peace desired by all includes the release of the hostages captured in the barbaric attack of October 7, 2023, which imposed unspeakable suffering on Israeli families, to whom we extend our solidarity, while repudiating anti-Semitism.

The Arns Commission joins the outcry in defense of the lives of those who are being humiliated and offended in their essential dignity as human beings. They all have the inalienable right to live in peace and security in their homes and on their land.

It is imperative to stop the extermination. Without compassion, peace will not be found.

Therefore, cruel and violent acts that, according to decisions of the International Court of Justice, may constitute crimes against humanity, among other very serious violations of international law, must cease immediately. Let the weapons be silenced.