MK Khenin: Only the end of occupation will bring peace

According to MK Dov Khenin (Hadash), only a treaty with the Palestinians – not a war – will bring peace. “What is crashing down before us at the moment is not the peace process, which never began, but the fantasy of the status quo,” Khenin said yesterday, on Wednesday, during a debate in the Knesset. “The thought that we can continue the occupation, continue building settlements, continue not moving toward an agreement without any consequences… The bubble of the status quo has popped”, he added.

Hadash and Communist Party of Israel demonstration, last week, in Haifa (Photo: Hadash-CPI Haifa)

Hadash and Communist Party of Israel demonstration, last week, in Haifa (Photo: Hadash-CPI Haifa)

Yesh Gvul Movement issued today (Thursday) the following statement: “According to our data, dozens of conscientious objectors have refused to take part in the current military operation against Palestinians. At least one reserve soldier has been sentenced, to 20 days in prison – in addition to Uriel Ferrera, an 18 year old refuser serving his fourth term. Another refuser was sent home as soon as he refused. Two other refusers, military physicians have left their base. The details about others are unclear. Around 30 reservists have contacted New Profile’s network which runs a hotline providing assistance to all those wishing to refrain from being enlisted by the emergency call-ups.”
“To all the refusers: well done for your courage, shown by refusing to participate in injustice and war crimes! Wars of choice and the occupation of the Palestinian people are anti-democratic by definition. We hope to see many more refusing to take part in these anti democratic actions! We invite the public to a ‘prison solidarity vigil’ this Friday, to support Uriel Ferrera and his other fellow refusers in prison,” said Yesh Gvul.