Pro-Palestine campaigners call for Gaza ceasefire on New Year’s Eve

Pro-Palestine activists worldwide have urged for a ceasefire in Gaza, transforming New Year’s Eve celebrations into a collective call for peace. Amidst relentless Israeli bombardment since October 7, Countdown2Ceasefire, a grassroots campaign based in London, has issued a compelling statement, emphasizing the need for a permanent ceasefire as the global community ushers in 2024.

“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,” states the campaign, rallying support for a cause that has gained traction in over 30 countries, including Switzerland, Turkey, Malaysia, Australia, Tanzania, Mexico, and Germany.

The movement encourages local events advocating for a ceasefire to be livestreamed across Countdown2Ceasefire’s social media platforms, amplifying the call for peace as the clock strikes midnight in various time zones.

Bushra Mohammad, a spokesperson for the campaign, asserts, “A permanent ceasefire is the first step in ending the current deplorable situation and a tangible move towards a future where traumatized communities can rebuild and recover.”

The global outrage against Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, resulting in over 21,500 casualties and more than 55,000 injuries, has prompted widespread protests. Criticism is also directed at nations and politicians who have either vetoed or abstained from supporting a ceasefire at the United Nations. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Doctors Without Borders have condemned these actions, warning of an impending humanitarian disaster.

Despite the growing international outcry, Israel persists in its refusal to halt the bombing, causing extensive damage to over 70 percent of Gaza’s homes and displacing over 90 percent of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.

Countdown2Ceasefire remains optimistic about the impact of collective action, stating, “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.”