Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions
Name	Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions
Formation	2005
Founders	Palestinian National Authority, Palestinian Civil Society
Purpose	To end Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza Strip

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions is a global movement that aims to end the Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza Strip through economic and political pressure, inspired by the Anti-Apartheid Movement against South Africa during the Cold War. The movement was launched in 2005 by Palestinian National Authority and Palestinian Civil Society, with the support of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and other prominent figures such as Jimmy Carter and Noam Chomsky. The movement has gained significant attention and support from organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Introduction

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement is a non-violent resistance movement that seeks to end the Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza Strip and promote the rights of Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. The movement is supported by a wide range of organizations and individuals, including Palestinian Liberation Organization, Fatah, Hamas, Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, and Jewish Voice for Peace, as well as prominent figures such as Angela Davis, Cornel West, and Alice Walker. The movement has also been endorsed by several United Nations agencies, including UNESCO, UNICEF, and World Health Organization.

History

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has its roots in the First Intifada, which began in 1987 and was characterized by widespread protests and boycotts against Israeli occupation. The movement gained momentum in the early 2000s, with the launch of the Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel in 2004, which was supported by Edward Said, Ghassan Kanafani, and other prominent Palestinian intellectuals. The movement was formally launched in 2005, with the publication of the Palestinian Civil Society Call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, which was endorsed by over 170 Palestinian organizations, including Palestinian Trade Union Federation, Palestinian Medical Association, and Palestinian Bar Association. The movement has since been supported by organizations such as International Solidarity Movement, Free Gaza Movement, and Gaza Freedom Flotilla, as well as prominent figures such as Naomi Klein, John Pilger, and Tariq Ali.

Methods_and_Tactics

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement uses a range of methods and tactics to achieve its goals, including boycotts of Israeli products, divestment from companies that operate in West Bank and Gaza Strip, and sanctions against Israel. The movement has targeted companies such as Caterpillar Inc., HP Inc., and G4S, which have been accused of profiting from the Israeli occupation. The movement has also organized protests and demonstrations, such as the Gaza War protests and the Israel-Gaza conflict protests, which have taken place in cities around the world, including New York City, London, Paris, and Cairo. The movement has also used social media and other online platforms to raise awareness and mobilize support, with the help of organizations such as Electronic Intifada and Mondoweiss.

Impact_and_Effectiveness

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has had a significant impact on the Israeli economy and has helped to raise awareness about the Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza Strip. The movement has also helped to mobilize support for the Palestinian people and has contributed to the growth of a global movement for Palestinian rights, which includes organizations such as Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Jewish Voice for Peace, and American Friends Service Committee. The movement has been credited with helping to persuade companies such as Veolia Environnement and CRH plc to withdraw from West Bank and Gaza Strip, and has also helped to secure support for Palestinian statehood from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and South Africa. The movement has also been endorsed by prominent figures such as Pope Francis, Dalai Lama, and Malala Yousafzai.

Criticisms_and_Controversies

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has faced criticism and controversy from some quarters, with some accusing the movement of being anti-Semitic or anti-Israeli. The movement has been opposed by organizations such as American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Anti-Defamation League, and Simon Wiesenthal Center, which have accused the movement of promoting hatred and intolerance. The movement has also been criticized by some Israeli politicians, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Avigdor Lieberman, who have accused the movement of seeking to delegitimize the State of Israel. However, the movement has also been defended by organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, which have argued that the movement is a legitimate form of non-violent resistance against human rights abuses.

International_Reactions

The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement has received a range of reactions from governments and international organizations around the world. Some countries, such as Sweden and Ireland, have expressed support for the movement, while others, such as United States and Canada, have opposed it. The movement has also been the subject of debate at the United Nations, with some countries, such as South Africa and Cuba, expressing support for the movement, while others, such as Israel and United States, have opposed it. The movement has also been endorsed by organizations such as European Union, African Union, and Organization of American States, which have recognized the right of Palestinian people to self-determination and statehood. The movement has also been supported by prominent figures such as Ban Ki-moon, Kofi Annan, and Mary Robinson, who have argued that the movement is a legitimate form of non-violent resistance against human rights abuses.

Category:Social movements