Jerusalem:Amnesty International's director of global research, advocacy, and policy, Erika Rosas, expressed concerns on Saturday regarding the exposure of Israeli voters to anti-Palestinian rhetoric during the country's election period, highlighting the political gains being sought from such discourse.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, Rosas emphasized that the ongoing demonization of Palestinians in election campaigns includes pledges to expand the occupation in the West Bank and threats to increase destruction in the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to three years of conflict described as genocidal.
Rosas pointed out that Israel's actions continue to forcibly displace Palestinians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and noted that deaths in Gaza persist despite a ceasefire over a year ago. She also mentioned the expansion of restricted-access areas and the indefinite postponement of reconstruction efforts.
The statement also highlighted that restrictions on commercial goods entering Gaza are leading to long queues for aid, exacerbated by a ban on motor oil that is impacting the health sector. Rosas stressed that the outcomes of Israel's elections will affect millions in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, who have no voting rights in these elections.
Rosas urged influential nations to apply diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel's forthcoming government. Proposed measures include suspending the European Union-Israel Association Agreement, imposing an arms embargo, and terminating any cooperation that supports Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.