As Gaza comes under another round of brutal attacks, we must continue to build solidarity with Palestine, argues Sybil Gertraud Cock

As Gaza comes under another round of brutal attacks, we must continue to build solidarity with Palestine, argues Sybil Gertraud Cook

A rare headline from Gaza today – a serious community corona outbreak.   Also, a vague mention of rocket attacks.  

In reality, Gaza has been under Israeli bombardment for 12 consecutive nights.  A school, run by UNRWA for refugees has been targeted.  Fishing has been all but stopped by the occupation’s Navy.    This comes as we mark the sixth anniversary of the deadly bombing of Gaza by Israel in which over 500 Palestinians were killed.

We have to build the solidarity movement at home.  Last weekend there were over 50 local actions around the theme #StopArmingIsrael.  We drew attention to the companies who are complicit in providing the killer technology to the Israeli government.  Chief among these is HSBC, which provides loans and investments to companies such as Raytheon and BAE systems.  The demand is for a two-way arms embargo on Israel.

How should we organise?

Palestine Solidarity Campaign has over 60 active local branches across England and Wales, and a separate National Youth and Student group. It has the full support of all the big trades unions at national level.  A major campaign in the autumn will be around Local Government Pension schemes – our Supreme Court victory earlier this year gives us an opportunity to involve local union branches in a significant Boycott Divestment and Sanctions campaign.

The Israeli government knows that the UK’s PSC is a leading voice in the international struggle for Justice in Palestine. They lose no opportunity, and invest millions in trying to brand us as antisemitic or terrorist.

• Socialists should become individual members of PSC, and also sign up for the weekly national email updates.
• We should offer support and involvement with local PSC branches – in the current absence of national demonstrations there are many very effective local awareness raising actions.
• Keep yourself informed.  The Electronic Intifada is an excellent site which reports daily.
• When travel restrictions allow, try to visit Palestine with your trade union, with PSC, or with a local group. It is a politically unforgettable experience, and not as hard to organise as you might think!