Statements

We, the Japan P.E.N. Club, are deeply concerned about the inhumane military actions that the government of Israel has been taking since late last year in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, and it has been our hope that those actions would be stopped as soon as possible. The government of Israel recently announced a halt to the military actions, but the Israeli military still occupies Gaza, and the territory remains far from a state of peace and security.

Reports indicate that over the past several weeks the Israeli military used inhumane weapons, such as phosphorous bombs, in urban areas. The number of dead from such indiscriminate attacks has already exceeded 1,300, many of whom are members of the general public, women and children included. Serious and widespread damage has also been suffered by international relief bodies attempting to provide relief to residents and by journalists and media organizations reporting on the tragic conditions.

Gaza was occupied by Israel for many years, and since the withdrawal of Israeli forces in 2005, it has been subject to an economic blockade greatly restricting the movement of people and goods. Occurring under such conditions, the recent military actions and current occupation are destroying the foundations of the already impoverished infrastructure of Gaza society and depriving the people of Gaza of their basic right of survival.

From the mistakes made in our own history, we learned that oppression and violence not only damage the lives and existence of the victims but also destroy the spirit of people on the attacking side. The actions taken by Israel in Gaza remind us of this.

Taking into consideration our own history, we of the Japan P.E.N. Club want to issue an appeal to our colleagues in the Israeli and Palestinian P.E.N. centres. Remembering that both sides are comprised of equal human beings entitled to human dignity, please talk to each other and listen to each other. Restoring the power of words, we hope that you will portray a concrete path by which all people living in Israeli and Palestinian lands will be able to transcend religious, ethnic, and culture differences to coexist with true mutual understanding.

We of the Japan P.E.N. Club are certain that there are many people in Israel and Palestine with the wisdom and courage to do this, and we want to express our feeling of heartfelt solidarity with these friends.

We believe that humanity has the ability to create peace through words, wisdom, and courage rather than the force of arms.

January 19, 2009