We, the Global Anti-Imperialism Grassroots Islamic Organization, condemn in the strongest terms the calamity which has befallen the people of Gaza. Our deepest sympathies are with those affected by this heinous aggression by a military power on a defenseless, impoverished population.
Israel unilaterally invaded Gaza on the day of December 27th, 2008 and broke the ceasefire agreement between the democratically elected government of Gaza which had lasted six months. Israel's illegal actions have so far caused the deaths of 933 Palestinian civilians, among them about 300 children, and injured more than 4,000 innocent people.
Children, women, elderly, even worshippers are not safe from the Israeli army which effectively has been targeting defenseless civilians. Israel having effectively blockaded Gaza for more than 60 years. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is extremely urgent. Infrastructure of Gaza is also in ruins including bridges, roads, television stations, hospitals, schools, government buildings, blocks of homes, electricity stations, mosques, and churches. The first day alone Israel massacred more than 300 innocent Palestinians. There is scarce water, shortages of food, rampant malnutrition and illness among civilians. There are no figures right now of how many people have died because of the humanitarian disaster, lack of food, water, and medical treatment. No aid can be provided to the civilians, because Israel has blockaded Gaza by air, sea, and land. Gaza is one of the most densely populated regions in the world. Blatant disregard for civilians have cost the people of Gaza thousands of deaths and injuries. Gaza has essentially become an open air prison for its inhabitants.
In the Gaza Strip, scores of civilians have been killed. The Gaza strip is in an effective occupation with the major cities sealed off from the rest of Palestine or the Arab world. The confrontation with Hamas is leading Israel into attacking and destroying the civilian infrastructure of Palestine. The situation is urgent.
We, the GAIGIO, praise the great patience and resistance of our brothers in Gaza against the unabated Israeli aggression. In this conflict Israel has been attacking defenseless civilians, but Hamas have concentrated their attacks against soldiers. This shows the deep conviction of these people in the honor and discipline of war. Israel is a vengeful nation, established and furthered by terrorism. The Hamas resistance group against Israel has fought only for the freedom of their people from occupation and the true meaning of words such as justice, honor, and chivalry. This organization is known for providing social services, charity, and defended them against the Israelis. The honesty of their leaders are well accepted, and they are known never to lie, while Israeli officials constantly deceive their people. We repeat our appreciation of the actions of our brethren and pray for an end to their suffering and their eventual triumph, may Allah (swt) bless them.
-issued by the Global Anti-Imperialism Grassroots Islamic Organization [1/13/09]