SACP STATEMENT ON THE genocidal aggression of the Israeli security apparatus against the people of Gaza

The South African Communist Party joins millions across the globe, including tens of thousands of Israeli peace activists, in expressing outrage at the genocidal aggression of the Israeli security apparatus against the people of Gaza. This aggression is both futile and absolutely disproportionate to the alleged objective of halting rocket fire from Gaza, an enclave that has been suffering a bitter and illegal siege for months.

The real and entirely cynical objectives of the current military offensive include the boosting of the popularity of Israeli politicians ahead of February elections, and punishing Palestinians for supporting a political party of their choice in democratic elections.

In overall strategic terms, "Operation Cast Lead" is part of a broader Zionist agenda that includes the Zionist apartheid wall and the daily harassment of Palestinians on the West Bank and in Gaza. In the words of Israeli peace activist, Ur Shlonsky, the objective is to "terrorise the civilian population, assuring maximal destruction of property and cultural resources... The daily life of the Palestinians must be rendered unbearable: They should be locked up in cities and towns, prevented from exercising normal economic life, cut off from workplaces, schools and hospitals, This will encourage emigration and weaken the resistance to future expulsions". The hundreds of Palestinian civilian casualities of the last few days of intensified aggression (like the tens of thousands who have been killed in the last years), are not "collateral" victims, they are the targets.

It is also in this light that the 2004 relocation Jewish settlements in Gaza should be understood. The relocation was presented as part of Washington's "road map to peace" and a "victory" for Palestinians. In fact, it was exactly the opposite. The presence of Jewish settlers within Gaza was an impediment to turning the territory into a concentration camp that could be indiscriminately bombarded.

The SACP further condemns the criminal complicity of the US administration, the major backer and arms supplier to the Zionist state, and the hypocrisy of all major western governments.

Statement issued by the South African Communist Party January 6 2008