After two years of genocide of the Palestinian people, perpetrated by Israel, the understanding that has now been announced must represent a step towards ensuring a permanent ceasefire, an end to the genocide, full access to humanitarian aid, the full withdrawal of the Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip and an end to its attacks in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem.
This step could, and should, have been taken long ago, were it not for the permanent deception, perfidy, boycott and refusal by the Israeli regime, whose genocidal policy of occupation and colonization has always counted with support from the USA and the powers of NATO and the European Union.
It is necessary to ensure that Israel respects the ceasefire, which must be permanent; that it does not raise obstacles to the entry of humanitarian aid; and that it respects the rights of the Palestinian people, unlike what happened with the agreement of January 19 of this year, which was brutally violated by the Israeli regime, as well as with every agreement that Israel has so far signed in relation to the Palestinian question.
It is also necessary to voice the demand that Israel puts an end to its aggression against Lebanon and Syria and withdraws from the territories that it illegally occupies in both these countries, as well as stops its threats against Iran and Yemen.
On the occasion of the announcement of this understanding, the PCP warns against the manoeuvres and pressure which, disrespecting the Palestinian People’s rights and sovereignty, will seek to jeopardize and even continue to prevent the creation of the State of Palestine, with the 1967 borders and capital in East Jerusalem, ensuring the right of return of Palestinian refugees, as is stipulated in the resolutions of the United Nations.
The Palestinian People are entitled to a State in which, in a full and effective way, they may decide with sovereignty about their future. This is a just cause, whose materialization can no longer be postponed, distorted or subverted.
The PCP reaffirms that the understanding that has now been reached is inseparable from the persistent and courageous resistance by the Palestinian People in defence of their rights; from the broad international movement of solidarity with Palestine and the condemnation of Israeli crimes and policy of occupation; as well as from the growing isolation of Israel and the USA.
The PCP considers that it is of the utmost importance to continue the solidarity with the courageous struggle of the Palestinian People for their national rights and calls for participation in the actions that are being carried out by the Solidarity Campaign «All for Palestine! An end to the Genocide! An End to the Occupation!», which has already been joined by 130 Portuguese organizations.
