A statement from Standing Together in response to US president Donald Trump’s plan to displace Palestinians from Gaza.

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The forced transfer of 2 million Palestinians won’t happen. Those who advocate for it are condemning everyone in Israel-Palestine to live in endless war and grief. There is another way, one that is possible and in the interest of everyone, Israelis and Palestinians. It’s called peace.

Netanyahu is pleased today. Smotrich is celebrating. Ben-Gvir is gleefully running back to the government. This is the real result of Trump’s statement about forced transfer and an American takeover of the Gaza Strip. For our far-right government, this is a dream come true: instead of continuing to the second stage of the ceasefire deal and returning every hostage, they have an excuse to restart the war, destroy Gaza even more, avoid responsibility for this horrific catastrophe, and to stay in power. On their way, they’re also advancing formal annexation of the West Bank, the only result of which will be more bereaved families. This is why they’re rejoicing over the blood already spilled and the blood that will be spilled. We must not fall into their trap. We must not let them drag us into another disaster, commit more war crimes, and turn us all into warmongers like them.

There is another way. And in contrast to the Kahanist vision of transfer and ethnic cleansing, it is possible, real, and good for us all. This way is called Israeli-Palestinian peace. There are those who don’t want it. There are those who think that they can destroy an entire people, to drive them into the sea, and to make them disappear. It won’t happen. Two peoples live on this land, and both call it their homeland. That’s how it has been and how it always will be. Among both peoples are extremists who want more death and destruction so they can continue to rule – but the majority understand that we’re all here to stay and we can only benefit from peace. Now is the time to turn this alternative into reality and to save ourselves from a future of endless war.

It’s possible. We have partners for peace. There are Palestinian partners, and there are Israeli partners. Instead of letting our government of warmongers turn us into a messianic and hateful society, we need to fight for peace. In the coming days and weeks, we will be on the ground, across the country, demanding what is good for all of us: the continuation of the ceasefire deal, an end to the occupation, and a real just peace, that will give independence to both peoples. This is the task of each and every one of us.

There are children in Gaza. There are children in Israel. There are children in the West Bank. All of these children will grow up here in this land that is home to all of them. Yesterday, Trump and Netanyahu promised them a future where they will fight, kill, and die for the decisions that these politicians made, against their interests. We must promise them life.

Show your support for Standing Together’s statement by signing the petition here.

Posted 5 February 2025