ARDD has sent letters to a number of European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) members, ahead of their meeting on Tuesday to discuss The War in Palestine stressing the context of 75 years of occupation and oppression and urging them to raise their voices at this critical moment, requesting that the European Commission exercise sound political judgment and be mindful of detrimental political decisions that could lead to grave human rights violations and escalation of violence.
Dear Madam/Sir,
I am writing on behalf of the Jordanian NGO Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (add-jo.org) regarding the current situation in Israel/Palestine. Tomorrow morning/today, you will meet to discuss “The terrorist attacks against Israel, the response and consequences in the region.”
On behalf of ARDD, I would like to convey to you the following points for your consideration during tomorrow’s debate and for your action more generally:
The history of the Israel/Palestine conflict is marked by missed opportunities due to the prevailing logic of using force over dissuasion, diplomacy, and a rights-based political agenda. Israel’s right to self-defense and to live in security within internationally recognized borders cannot legitimize indiscriminate retaliation against Palestinian civilians, as seen in current events and the ones about to occur.
We call upon Members of the Parliament to represent the interests of your constituencies and raise your voices at this critical moment, requesting that the European Commission exercise sound political judgment and be mindful of detrimental political decisions that could lead to grave human rights violations and escalation of violence on the following issues:
1- Halting funds to Palestinians: The decision announced earlier today by the European Commission regarding freezing funds in the middle of this conflict is a rushed foreign policy decision that only shows poor judgment regarding policy-making principles. Freezing of funds should be taken after careful consideration and in the context of a proven lack of accountability of institutions. Otherwise, it implies a collective punishment against innocent civilian populations, a war crime under international law.
The European Commission should furthermore invite country members to follow suit and leave the decision about freezing funds for a later time when decisions can be based on adequate judgment and thorough investigation of the use of such funding.
2- Actively pursuing all diplomatic efforts available to initiate a process of military de-escalation and avoid an escalation of the conflict by supporting one side of this conflict and refusing to acknowledge the plight of the other side or demonizing it.
We are witnessing an alarming turning point in the history of Israel/Palestine with unpredictable consequences for the region and Europe. The Middle East is a region close to the European borders and economy. Avoiding an escalation of the conflict should be the main political and geostrategic priority for Europe since the consequences of a far larger conflict would not only damage the interests of European citizens both in terms of security and economy but also preclude any future legitimacy of international security agenda of European countries and Western economies.
Thank you for your attention.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Lex Takkenberg
Senior Advisor for the Question of Palestine
Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development
