Champaign-Urbana, IL – CU Muslim Action Committee (CU MAC) is deeply disturbed by the recent escalation of violence in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 42 people in the last 24 hours alone, following accusations against Hamas—allegations that Hamas has denied. These air strikes follow a series of attacks by Israeli Terror Forces against Palestinians in Gaza since the beginning of the “ceasefire” including the murder of a family of 11 when their bus was hit by an Israeli tank shell in northern Gaza. At least 80 Palestinians have been killed between Oct. 10 and Oct. 16.
These numbers do not include the escalation of violence being witnessed in the occupied West Bank. The number of Palestinians killed by Israeli terror forces or settlers in the occupied West Bank amid the Gaza genocide has surpassed 1,000, according to the UN, after soldiers killed an 11-year-old Palestinian child while he was playing soccer on Thursday.
A ‘ceasefire’ in which one side maintains the right to strike at will, without accountability or due process, is not a ceasefire at all. True peace cannot exist under conditions where one party acts with impunity while the other lives under constant threat.
We call for a genuine and enforceable ceasefire—one that upholds international law, ensures mutual accountability, and responds to allegations through transparent and lawful means, not through indiscriminate military retaliation.
We are equally outraged by Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid into Gaza. Denying food, water, and medical supplies to civilians is collective punishment, a clear violation of human rights and international humanitarian law. Civilians must never bear the cost of political or military actions.
We demand Israel be held accountable for its numerous violations of the ‘ceasefire’ along with the immediate resumption of aid deliveries and the protection of all civilians. Lasting peace begins with justice, restraint, and the recognition of every human life as equal in worth and dignity.
CU MAC reminds the community that a ceasefire is only the beginning. It is ceasefire then lift the siege then end the occupation for a Free Palestine. It is vital that we continue applying pressure on Israel and the institutions that profit from Israeli aggression against Palestinians. Now is the time to join BDS efforts locally, nationally, and globally. In Champaign-Urbana, we invite you to join the No Appetite for Apartheid in CU campaign.