Dear John,

Just yesterday, South Africa announced that it has instituted proceedings against Israel for the crime of genocide at the International Court of Justice! This announcement comes after thousands of people signed a petition to countries all over the world demanding that they charge Israel with genocide at the ICJ. People power and international pressure is working. We have to keep going! 

The death toll in Palestine continues to skyrocket. While many will gather for celebrations, Palestinians in Gaza will be packed in tents and whatever schools and hospitals are left standing, sheltering from Israeli airstrikes. 

Let’s end 2023 by doing our part. Call on the international community to stand with South Africa and charge Israel with genocide in the International Court of Justice! 

Bisan, a young journalist in Gaza, interviewed children about the new year and asked them what they wish for in 2024. All of them said they wished that the war would end. A girl wished she could see her injured brother again. A young boy said that his one wish was to go back to his home, and “just be able to live our lives. That’s all.” 9,000 children have been killed in Gaza since October 7th. 

More and more the world is waking up to the crisis in Gaza. In the new year we will be taking these stories to Washington, DC for another massive march for Palestine. If you’re in or around DC, join us on Saturday, January 13th! 

If you can’t make it to DC for the march but want to take action here’s how:

• Go to CODEPINK’s event page closer to the date and see if there is an event near you!

• If you’re in the US: Tell the Senate to hold Israel accountable!

• Read and share the FAQ on Palestine

• Sign up for our Palestine solidarity ListServ to get the most up to date information! 

• Read and share our Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Toolkit!
  
  
• Text President Biden and tell him to call for a permanent ceasefire! (302) 404-0880

The wishes the children of Gaza have are simple. They want to go back to their homes. They want to live their lives. Leading up to the march on Washington on January 13th, we will be delivering the petition to the ICJ to consulates and embassies all over the country. Your demands, and the demands of the people of Gaza will be heard by the international community. 

The more countries that follow the lead of South Africa, the more pressure will be felt by Israel and the US. Sign the letter to hold Israel accountable at the International Court of Justice! 

May 2024 bring us more justice, more peace, and a free Palestine from the river to the sea.  

Towards Peace,
Nour and the whole CODEPINK Team

PS: Join us Jan 8 as we resume our "The Missing Peace" weekly calls and continue to discuss our efforts for the people of Gaza!