More than 2,000 Israelis have signed this letter, published in 11 languages, asking the international community to use ‘every possible sanction’ to ‘save us from ourselves’.

Open letter, The Guardian

Palestinian child playing in rubble in Gaza

The government of Israel has abandoned its citizens who are hostages (and has killed some), it has neglected the residents of the south and north of Israel, and it has forsaken the fate and future of all of its citizens. Israel’s Palestinian citizens are persecuted and silenced by state authorities and by the wider public. It is our opinion that the repression, intimidation and political persecution prevent many who share our views from joining this call.

Every day that goes by further distances any possible horizon for a regional agreement and reconciliation, a future where Jewish Israelis can live with security in this place. Achieving these will require lengthy processes, but the constant massacres and destruction must be stopped immediately!

The lack of true international pressure, the continuation of arms supplies to Israel, economic and security partnerships and scientific and cultural collaborations, bring most Israelis to believe that Israel’s policies enjoy international support. The leaders of many countries make repeated statements about the horror they feel and verbally denounce Israel’s operations, but these condemnations are not backed by practical actions. We are replete with empty words and declarations.

Please, for our futures and the futures of all of the residents of Israel and the region, save us from ourselves and use real pressure on Israel for an immediate ceasefire.