Initiatives of Change International, an international non-governmental organization (registered in Switzerland) with Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), expresses its solidarity with the United Nations in its call to end the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to find a path for peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict has continued for decades, causing excessive suffering on all sides. The current crisis in Gaza, triggered by the events of 7 October 2023, has resulted in further loss of countless lives.
In recognition of the catastrophic deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), especially Gaza, without detracting from the severity of the situation in other parts of the OPT, Initiatives of Change International supports the call for:
- the immediate and permanent ceasefire and unrestricted access to humanitarian relief to meet the needs of all residents in the affected areas, and
- restoring the necessary means for dignified daily living conditions for all residents of the affected areas. This is urgent and needs immediate action.
Initiatives of Change International affirms the call, issued by the United Nations, to all world leaders to play their part in establishing a situation of peaceful co-existence between Israelis and Palestinians. Once a ceasefire is in place, we urge that substantial measures be put in place to resolve the long conflict, considering the legitimate needs, responsibilities and rights of all inhabitants of Israel, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza, in accordance with international law and the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.
A sustainable, peaceful future requires that both Israelis and Palestinians have equal economic, social, cultural, civic and political rights. Both Palestinians and Israelis deserve equal measures of security, freedom, opportunity, respect, dignity and right to self-determination.
We in Initiatives of Change helped to build fraternity and peace between Germany and France post-World War II and between people in conflict in many countries. We are able and willing to contribute to peace-making efforts independently and in partnership with other like-minded organizations. We are also committed to participate in any grassroots initiatives to achieve a sustainable peace in the Middle East.
Initiatives of Change seeks to strengthen the moral and spiritual foundations of society and believes that change in the world starts with change in our own lives. We encourage individuals to seek peace in their communities, their nation and around the world.
Issued by:
Professor Gerald J Pillay, President, Initiatives of Change International
on behalf of the International Council of Initiatives of Change International
