SOMO in solidarity with the people of Gaza

SOMO condemns utterly the collective punishment, indiscriminate attacks and other grave breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law that we daily witness being inflicted on the civilian population of Gaza. We condemn the indefensible targeting of Israeli civilians by Hamas. 

Our shared humanity weeps in agony with the people of Gaza and with the families of the victims in Israel. But never, ever, can we use our pain to justify inflicting merciless pain on others. 

The grave abuses we are watching unfold did not start after 7 October. For decades, the Palestinian people have been subjected to systemic abuse, apartheid and war crimes under cover of a blanket of impunity granted by third states. The failures of the international community have paved the road to this moment, where Israeli officials can openly declare their intent to commit serious crimes under international law.

The laws of war were written to preserve the fundamental core of our humanity. World leaders cannot stand by and watch as Israel tears up and tramples the Geneva Conventions underfoot. In doing so, they condemn millions now and in the future to horrific ordeals and death.

We urge all political leaders to call for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians.

For over a decade SOMO has, together with local partners, been investigating the role of multinationals as an integral part of the military occupation and illegal settlement industry. We have looked at the role of natural resource companies in relation to agriculture, stone, gas and water, and analysed the involvement of big tech and platform companies.