IN a statement issued on October 8, concerning rapid escalation of military confrontation between Hamas and Israeli forces, the Communist Party of Israel (CPI) and the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality (Hadash) blamed the criminal occupation policy of the far-right Netanyahu government, underlining the grave dangers that it poses for the peace in the region.

“The fascist right-wing government’s crimes to perpetuate the occupation are leading to a regional war that must be stopped. Even in difficult days like this – we repeat and voice an unequivocal condemnation of any harm to innocent civilians, and call for their removal from the bloodshed. We send our condolences to all the families of the victims of the occupation, Arabs and Jews alike”, the statement reads.

The Communist Party of Israel and Hadash put the full responsibility on the fascist right-wing government for the sharp and dangerous escalation of the last few hours, that costed the lives of many innocent citizens. “At the end of a shocking week in which the settlers ran amok throughout the occupied territories under the auspices of their government, desecrated the Al-Aqsa Mosque and carried out another pogrom in Huwara, we woke up this morning to a very serious escalation, which endangers the entire region in a regional and dangerous war – which the right-wing government has been fueling since its first day.”

“Today’s events show in what dangerous direction the Netanyahu government and the settlers are leading the entire region, and emphasize once again that there is no way to manage the conflict or resolve it militarily – there is only one solution: strive to end the occupation and recognise the legitimate demands and rights of the Palestinian people. The end of the occupation and the establishment of a just peace are a distinct and common interest of the two peoples in this country”.

The Communist Party of Israel and Hadash express “deep concern about the use of recent developments by the Netanyahu government to carry out a vengeful attack on the Gaza Strip and call on the international community and the countries of the region to intervene immediately to silence the drums of war and initiate moves that will lead to the promotion of a political solution.”

The Communist Party of Israel and Hadash warn of revenge activities against the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel, and especially the residents of the mixed cities and the unknown villages in the Negev – who have already paid a high price due to the neglect of their lives by the State and the lack of infrastructure in the settlements. In this reality, it is the duty of the sane forces in Israel, Jews and Arabs alike, to raise a sharp and clear voice against any attempt to incite against entire populations or to take the law into one’s own hands, and to promote joint activity, which signifies the aspiration for a normative life without occupation, discrimination and supremacy – a life of peace, equality and true democracy for all.”

On October 7th evening, MK Ofer Cassif (Hadash) posted a video on social media: “Nothing justifies crimes and massacres as committed today in the south of Israel. But the writing was on the wall, as I warned for a long time: We will pay a heavy price for the crimes of the occupation, the siege on Gaza and the arrogance of the racist) Kahanist government. There is no military solution, only a political one – the end of the occupation and Palestinian independence.”