As missiles, drones, rockets, ballistics, and counter-ballistics collide in the skies above us, we stand united against this war of aggression. Like all those living in the region or observing it with any attention, members of the Green Olive Collective know that bombing is not the way democracy, stability, justice, or collective freedom are built. Yet again civilians throughout the region are suffering and dying for the interests of political regimes who imagine bombing will gain them popularity, distract from repressive actions at home, or increase their geopolitical might. We know two authoritarian regimes will only depose a third in their own interests.

Under the cover of war, Israel has shut down the Rafah crossing and intensified the siege of Gaza, further postponing any prospect of rebuilding civilian infrastructure. In the West Bank, settler attacks have escalated, and new checkpoints established. In both Israel and the US, this war, like every other, is a chance for authoritarian administrations to defund social services and divert money to military, weapons manufacturers, and arms companies.

We call on our members and friends around the world to keep their eyes on Gaza and on the West Bank, to protest this lethal war, and to call out politicians who have not spoken out against it while claiming to respect international human rights.

For our part, the sirens and rockets will not stop our work to tangibly support the steadfastness of Palestinian communities living under occupation, to build solidarity across borders, and toward a democratic future beyond endless war, occupation, forced transfer, and massacre where the inherent rights of all people are respected.