NEW YORK: A group of scholars that includes both Kashmiris and non-Kashmiris have expressed “complete support” to South Africa’s case against Israel 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 a statement, KSCAN called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which has been under constant bombardment since October 7, the restoration of access to food and water for everyone in the strip, and an end to Israeli state and settler violence in the occupied territories.
The total number of Palestinians killed in Gaza now stands at more than 23,000, mostly men and children, with at least 57,000 wounded, according to the health ministry.
The entire population of Gaza – more than 2.2 million people – faces crisis or worse levels of hunger, with the risk of famine increasing daily as Israel’s ground offensive and bombardment of the enclave continues.
The KSCAN statement also called for an end to Israeli occupation, colonialism and apartheid; and the self-determination of the Palestinian people in Palestine and in exile and the right of return.
The statement also emphasized the need to end the silencing and criminalization of students, scholars and activists involved in Palestinian advocacy at universities around the world; and an end to Israeli exceptionalism and impunity.
Finally, KSCAN expressed support for an academic and cultural boycott of Israel as outlined in the Palestinian Campaign for an Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel until all of the above demands are met. —APP
