Activists are asking folks to show the New Yr’s countdown of their international locations right into a countdown for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Activists have launched a world marketing campaign asking folks to show the New Yr’s countdown of their international locations right into a countdown for a ceasefire in Gaza, which has been beneath devastating Israeli bombardment since October 7.
“New Year’s Eve is a moment of celebration worldwide, and an opportunity to create resolutions for a brighter future. With nearly 30,000 civilians killed, including over 10,000 children, our only New Year’s resolution is to call for a permanent ceasefire,” Countdown2Ceasefire, a London-based grassroots marketing campaign, stated in a press release on Thursday.
“Our aim is to morph the traditional New Year’s countdown into an influential and resounding countdown for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”
Thus far the marketing campaign has efficiently been embraced by activists in over 30 international locations, together with Switzerland, Turkiye, Malaysia, Australia, Tanzania, Mexico and Germany, in line with the organisers.
Whereas ringing within the new 12 months, these native occasions calling for a ceasefire might be livestreamed throughout Countdown2ceasefire’s social media platforms.
“A permanent ceasefire is the first step in ending the current deplorable situation and a tangible move towards a future where traumatised communities can rebuild and recover,” Bushra Mohammad, a marketing campaign spokeswoman, stated in a press release.
Israel’s brutal navy offensive in Gaza has killed greater than 21,500 folks and wounded greater than 55,000 others triggering a world outrage, with protesters internationally rallying to name for a ceasefire. Many have additionally expressed their disappointment in direction of politicians and international locations who vetoed or abstained from voting for a ceasefire on the United Nations.
Rights organisations together with Human Rights Watch, Amnesty Worldwide and Docs With out Borders additionally condemned international locations vetoing a ceasefire, warning that this might end in a humanitarian catastrophe.
Israel has refused to cease the bombing that has destroyed greater than 70 % of Gaza houses and displaced greater than 90 % of the enclave’s 2.3 million folks.
Countdown2Ceasefire identified how folks energy could make a distinction.
“As we enter 2024, we look forward to it being the year that our New Year’s resolution, of a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, is fulfilled.”