NEW YORK, Jan 14 (APP): A group of scholars that includes both Kashmiris and non-Kashmiris have issued a statement expressing “complete support” to South Africa’s case against Israel, presented Thursday at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), that accused the Jewish state of committing “genocidal acts” against Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Kashmir Scholars Consultative Action Network (KSCAN), a voluntary group of scholars and researchers, is committed to a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict, a resolution centered on the experiences and aspirations of all the peoples of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
In its statement, KSCAN called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which has been under relentless bombardment since Oct 7, restoration of access to food and water to everyone in the strip, and end to Israeli state violence and settler violence in the occupied territories.
The total number of Palestinians killed in Gaza now stands at over 23,000, mostly men and children, while at least 57,000 have been injured, according to the Ministry of Health.
Gaza’s entire population — more than 2.2 million people — is facing crisis or worse levels of hunger, with the risk of famine increasing every day as Israel’s ground offensive and bombardment of the enclave continues.
KSCAN statement also called for an end to Israeli occupation, colonialism, and apartheid; and self-determination of the Palestinian people in Palestine and in exile, and the right to return.
The statement also stressed the need for ending the silencing and criminalizing of students, scholars, and activists engaged in Palestinian advocacy on campuses around the world; and ending Israel’s exceptionalism and impunity.
Finally, KSCAN voiced support for the academic and cultural boycott of Israel as outlined by the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel until all the above demands are met.
