Top 4 things foreigners Muslim do to support the Palestinian cause?

Palestinian cause: As the violence in Gaza escalates, many people who care about justice are looking for ways to support the Palestinians there. On Oct. 7, a Hamas-led attack on Israel killed at least 1,200 Israelis and took an estimated 200 hostages. Israel immediately launched attacks on Gaza. Since then, Israeli attacks have killed 11,500 Palestinians (over 40% of them children) in Gaza and forced 1.5 million to flee their homes.

the Palestinian cause

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is desperate. There is a shortage of water, food, and fuel that affects every aspect of daily life. Oxfam warned that “Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war against Gaza civilians” as it blocks the delivery of aid and keeps its total siege on the territory. The entire healthcare system has collapsed. On Oct. 28, an AFSC staff member in Gaza wrote, “Every day I keep saying that it was the worst night ever, and I am so done. … I never wished to die as much as I do now.” Even before the Oct. 7 Palestinian attacks on Israel and Israeli military response, Gaza’s 2.3 million people have long suffered from the oppressive conditions imposed by Israel and supported by the international community. For 16 years, Palestinians in Gaza have lived under Israel’s cruel blockade, cut off from the rest of Palestine and the world. More than 50% of Palestinians were unemployed, and over 80% depended on humanitarian relief to survive. They had limited access to clean water, electricity, and medical care. Previous Israeli military attacks on Gaza—including devastating bombing assaults in May 2021, August 2022, and May 2023—killed hundreds of civilians and destroyed vital infrastructure. Even before the current war, the mental health of children, young people, and their caregivers had dropped to alarming levels, according to Save the Children. Today, we must renew and strengthen our efforts to change these realities. Here are five ways you can support Palestinian cause in Gaza today.

1. Contact your member of Congress and call for an immediate cease-fire.

Contact your congressional representative urging an immediate cease-fire. Despite widespread public support for a cease-fire, few members of Congress have openly advocated for it. It’s crucial that our elected officials continue to hear from us. Take a few moments to use this online platform to call your representative and follow up with an email. Join AFSC’s weekly Cease-Fire Action Hour online. Every Friday, you’ll receive updates from AFSC’s Gaza staff, advocacy tips, and the opportunity to make calls and draft letters to Congress. Register here to participate.

2. Hold corporations accountable for their role in violating the rights of Palestinians in Gaza.

The U.S. military-industrial complex facilitates this conflict, as seen in Israel’s past assaults on Gaza. This brief list highlights major arms manufacturers complicit in Gaza’s military attacks, poised to profit from the ongoing war. However, this is just the beginning. Numerous U.S. corporations are involved in sustaining Israel’s apartheid system and regularly infringe upon Palestinian human rights. It’s essential to ensure that your financial contributions aren’t supporting human rights abuses. Take action and demand these companies end their involvement in apartheid and war crimes. Explore AFSC’s Investigate website to understand more about corporations linked to the occupation. Discover how you can join initiatives advocating divestment or boycotting these entities.

3. Join us in working to dismantle Israeli apartheid.

Earlier this year, AFSC and its partners introduced the Apartheid-Free initiative. More than 170 communities, groups, and organizations have committed to adopting the label “Apartheid-Free.” They aim to collaborate in efforts to terminate all forms of backing for Israel’s apartheid system, settler colonialism, and military occupation. Utilize the tools and materials available on the Apartheid-Free website to engage actively and contribute to the movement. Together, let’s strive towards a world where all individuals are treated equally, with dignity and respect.

4. Hold corporations accountable for their role in violating the rights of Palestinians in Gaza.

This conflict is facilitated by the U.S. military-industrial complex, as seen in previous Israeli attacks on Gaza. This brief list highlights major weapon manufacturers complicit in Gaza’s military assaults, positioned to benefit financially from the ongoing conflict. However, this issue goes beyond surface-level involvement. Numerous U.S. corporations play a role in supporting Israel’s apartheid policies and routinely violate the human rights of Palestinians. It’s essential to ensure your financial contributions aren’t contributing to these human rights abuses and to demand that these companies cease their complicity in apartheid and war crimes. Explore AFSC’s Investigate website to gain deeper insights into companies involved in the occupation. Learn how you can participate in efforts to divest from or boycott these corporations.