(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/17/2023) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said the international community must take action as UN agencies report that Palestinians now face starvation, disease, and genocide at the hands of the Israeli government.
UN agencies issued statements Thursday and Friday saying Gaza’s 2.3 million people are at risk of starvation and face an increased threat of disease as water desalination plants and sewage facilities cease operations. The UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner issued a statement yesterday saying “grave violations committed by Israel against Palestinians in the aftermath of 7 October, particularly in Gaza, point to a genocide in the making.”
SEE: Israel Hamas war live updates: Starvation risk in Gaza, UN says
Gaza: UN experts call on international community to prevent genocide against the Palestinian people
In a statement, CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad:
“The world must act to prevent not only a humanitarian catastrophe on a massive scale, but an outright genocide that the Israeli government has been very open about wanting to carry out against the people of Gaza. The world cannot continue making an exception when it comes to the protection of Palestinian human rights and dignity.
“If any other government was behaving the way the Israeli government is, they would be rightfully held to account and condemned. Israel must also be held to account for these crimes, and our nation and the broader international community must demand an immediate ceasefire and end to Israel’s genocidal campaign.”
He noted that yesterday, CAIR condemned the killing of at least 50 Palestinians when a mosque in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza was bombed during prayers.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Latest Israeli War Crime in Gaza as 50 Worshipers Killed at Mosque During Prayers
[NOTE: More than 100,000 Americans have used CAIR’s action alert to contact their members of Congress and call for an end to the violence and the renewal of U.S.-led efforts to end the occupation. SEE: Urge Your Members of Congress to Address Root Cause of Mideast Violence]
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-999-8292, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com