As Israel's war on the occupied Gaza Strip nears two weeks in duration, Palestinians casualties continue to mount at a horrific rate. According to medics, Israel has killed nearly 800 Palestinians and wounded more than 3,000-all with U.S. weapons provided by U.S. taxpayers in violation of U.S. law.
Last night, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1860 (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=yIJq0bM17yu9xAkaDNGzzJAUXAT5RDke) by a vote of 14-0 with the United States abstaining. The resolution calls for an "immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire, leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza" and for "unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, including of food, fuel and medical treatment".
Although the White House reportedly overruled the State Department (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=8PEWYTFF2hCcA2ZsxV8Vp5AUXAT5RDke) and changed the U.S. vote from "yes" to "abstain", this vote is a clear indication that our collective pressure is being heeded and we are forcing a change in U.S. policy. Keep in mind that for the first ten days or so of Israel's war on Gaza, both President Bush and Secretary of State Rice urged a conditional, non-immediate ceasefire that has allowed Israel to continue its killing of Palestinians.
Now, we need to demand from our Members of Congress, the State Department, White House, and the Obama Transition Team the immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1860.
Israel already has rejected the Security Council Resolution and is continuing its deadly attacks on and siege of Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip. An immediate ceasefire is the best way to protect all civilians. Because Israel is defying the will of the Security Council, the United States must impose an immediate arms embargo on Israel until the resolution is implemented, just as President Eisenhower did when Israel invaded Egypt in 1956. The United States must also investigate Israel's misuse of U.S. weapons in violation of the Arms Export Control Act as demanded by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=%2FWFPSOlfDYnl2kr%2B8vfaCf0OCclP7X0o), and impose the sanctions that are required by law on countries that violate this law.
TAKE ACTION NOW
1. Call your Representative now at 202-224-3121 and tell them to vote "NO" on H.Res.34 (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=%2FfmcNXPm6s8ikY0HQeUm1P0OCclP7X0o) and instead support UN Security Council Resolution 1860 which calls for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access. Earlier this morning, the House of Representative debated this resolution "recognizing Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza" but has yet to vote on it. To watch the debate, click here and then on the segment that begins with Rep. Berman at 9:15am. Congress is expected to vote on the resolution later today, so call now.
2. Contact Congress, the State Department, the White House, and Obama Transition Team and demand an immediate arms embargo on Israel and full and immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1860. Send a letter by clicking here(http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=W5islNLpKqTXin%2BaP8Ng65AUXAT5RDke) and register your opinion on the Obama Transition Team's website by clicking here (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=UnJk4FGMxOl8GJ4bx96D0pAUXAT5RDke).
3. Take your demands to the street. Many protests are scheduled across the country this weekend. Attend one near you or organize one yourself. For the latest protest information, check our calendar for frequent updates by clicking here (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=I3bS9R92WBL8eijU8JnMXpAUXAT5RDke) or see www.ANSWERcoalition.org.
Join in with many others who are taking action to end Israel's war on and siege of Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip. Download educational resources, find action ideas, sign up to help us organize, and more by clicking here (http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=C%2FZ00CpyCKfg0IHM%2BuERG5AUXAT5RDke).
Thank you for all that you are doing. Our collective pressure is working. We need to step it up!
DONATE - Send donations to support our work to Action Center For Justice, 7100 Mapleridge Dr, Charlotte, NC 28210. Please note GAZA with your donation.
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At least sixteen people demonstrated in front of Rep. Sue Myrick's office today demanding a ceasefire NOW in Gaza & unimpeded access for humanitarian goods & workers. We'll post a YouTube Video sometime this afternoon or evening at www.charlotteaction.blogspot.com. Support from passing cars was again overwhelming with horns blaring & waves of support. Rep. Myrick's staff directed security to let only one of us go to a special office they set up on the first floor to deliver a letter for our so-called representative. Ths staff members were laughing about not letting us in. I don't think innoccent men, women, and children being slaughter with U.S> taxpayer dollars is a laughing matter. It was disgusting.
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Sat., Jan 10 Mass Rally & March to Let Gaza Live!
1:oo PM
Independence Park
7th St & Hawthorne Ln
Charlotte, NC
Guest speakers to be announced.
Sponsored by Muslim American Society Charlotte; Al-Awda, Palestine Right To Return Coalition-Charlotte; Islamic Political Party Of America; Action Center For Justice; Jibril Hough, Spokesperson, Islamic Center of Charlotte (listed for id purposes); CODEPINK, Women For Peace-Charlotte; Students For A Democratic Society - UNCC; & others.
For more info call 704-492-5226
Email: charlotteaction@gmail.com
Details will be posted at www.charlotteaction.blogspot.com
Sat., Jan. 10 Vans to National Emergency March On Washington, DC
Details at http://charlotteaction.blogspot.com/2009/01/jan-10-national-emergency-protest-in-dc.html
Saturday, January 10 at 5 pm
MAS Community Center
4301 Shamrock Drive
Charlotte, NC 28215
DO MORE THAN JUST RALLY - What are we rallying for - COME LEARN ABOUT PALESTINE
Its history and cause of the conflict.
Understand why we declare FREE PALESTINE, END THE OCCUPATION
Understand why MUSLIMS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD consider it THEIR OWN CAUSE!!!
For more info contact Mohammad at 704-293-3744.
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Urgent Appeal for Israel to Immediately Cease Its Murderous Bombing, Siege and Invasion of Palestinian Gaza
Initiated by 2008 U.N. Human Rights Award winner Ramsey Clark
Join the ONLINE PETITION (http://www.iacenter.org/gazapetition)- sign on and send the message to President Bush, President Elect Obama, VP Cheney, VP Elect Biden, Secretary of State Rice, Secretary of State designate Clinton, Congressional leaders, the U.N. Secretary General, Security Council, and key member states, the Israeli President, Prime Minister and cabinet, and members of the world media appealing for Israel to Immediately Cease Its Murderous Bombing, Siege and Invasion of Palestinian Gaza
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Action Center For Justice
www.charlotteaction.blogspot.com
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