'Calls for end to violence in Gaza equated with antisemitism,' say UN experts

LONDON

The United Nations experts have expressed deep concern over the widespread wave of attacks, reprisals, criminalization, and sanctions targeting individuals who publicly express solidarity with the victims of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The experts on Thursday highlighted the alarming trend of stifling free expression, including artistic expression and creating an atmosphere of fear that hinders participation in public life.

“Calls for an end to the violence and attacks in Gaza, or for a humanitarian ceasefire, or criticism of Israeli government’s policies and actions, have in too many contexts been misleadingly equated with support for terrorism or antisemitism. This stifles free expression, including artistic expression, and creates an atmosphere of fear to participate in public life," the experts said in a statement.

"In other contexts, we also see a rise in antisemitic speech as well as intolerance, for those who support or are perceived to support Israel, or who express mere sympathy for Israeli suffering in the aftermath of the 7 Oct. attack,” they said. "This leaves little space for moderate views."

What they found particularly alarming is the harsh treatment faced by artists, academics, journalists, activists, and athletes, who have been targeted by both state and private actors due to their prominent roles and visibility.

The experts noted that individuals expressing solidarity with victims of human rights violations and calling for justice have faced severe consequences, including job loss, censorship, and even being silenced or sidelined by their own cultural organizations and artistic communities.

The experts underscored the importance of the right to express solidarity with victims of grave human rights violations and demand justice, regardless of the side being supported.

They called for an end to the crackdown on individuals expressing their views on the Israel-Palestine conflict and urged the international community to protect and uphold the principles of free expression.

Israel launched relentless air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack, killing more than 14,854 Palestinians, including 6,150 children and over 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.