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Medea Benjamin, the founder of the anti-war organization CodePink and an American Jewish activist, has labeled the situation in Gaza as "genocide" and called on the United States to end its support for Israel.
Benjamin described the current situation in Gaza as a "systematic effort to eliminate the Palestinian population," referring to it as "genocide" and "ethnic cleansing."
She emphasized that the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza are making life unbearable for Palestinians, forcing them to leave their homeland. "What we are witnessing in Gaza is not just a conflict; it's a planned campaign to wipe out an entire people. The world must recognize this as genocide and act accordingly," Benjamin stated.
Reflecting on her experience of being detained during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the U.S., Benjamin criticized the U.S. government for its unwavering support of Israel.
She acknowledged that while some American politicians have begun questioning this support, the majority continue to back Israel despite the atrocities committed. Benjamin argued that a "complete break" with the Israeli government is necessary.
Benjamin called for an immediate halt to U.S. arms shipments to Israel, stating, "The U.S. government's unwavering support for Israel, despite blatant human rights violations, is a betrayal of our values. It's time to stop funding this genocide with our tax dollars."
On the possibility of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being held accountable for his actions, Benjamin expressed skepticism, noting that "powerful nations like the U.S. often evade responsibility for their own war crimes."
"Justice is often hard to come by for the powerful, but we must not stop fighting to hold Netanyahu and his administration accountable for the atrocities committed against the Palestinian people," Benjamin said.
Benjamin called for a global grassroots movement to pressure governments, particularly in terms of cutting commercial and military ties with Israel. "The majority of people around the world have lost respect for Israel and now see it as a genocidal state," she remarked.
She also highlighted the importance of the Boycott, Divestment,and Sanctions (BDS) movement in isolating Israel and pressuring it to offer a real solution that grants Palestinians their rightful freedom and sovereignty.
Praising Türkiye's efforts to mediate a cease-fire in Gaza and support the Palestinian cause at the U.N., Benjamin said, "Türkiye has shown leadership by standing with the Palestinians, but there is more it can do. Unlike the openly biased U.S., we hope Türkiye will emerge as a true mediator."
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