Weekly MDS (Movement for Democratic Socialism)Editorial No. 1903
【End Complicity and the Occupation Through the BDS Movement ?
Strengthen Solidarity with Palestine in 2026**
Published January 9, 2026】
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The Ongoing Crisis in Gaza
At the end of December, the Gaza Strip was struck by heavy rain and severe cold. Aging buildings collapsed, tents were blown away by strong winds, and more than twenty people lost their lives. Because Israel has obstructed the delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid, people are forced to survive in freezing temperatures, on muddy ground and in soaked tents, and the death toll continues to rise.
In the West Bank as well, economic activity has been paralyzed by settler
violence and destruction, movement restrictions imposed by military checkpoints,
and the sealing off of cities and villages. Many workers have been driven
into forced unemployment, poverty, and deep insecurity, as their means
of livelihood are deliberately destroyed.
Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel’s so-called “low-intensity” genocide is still ongoing.
The U.S. and Japanese Governments That Sustain the Occupation
Against this backdrop, U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met in Florida on December 29. They staged a show of “ceasefire leadership,” claiming to “accelerate the transition to the second phase,” while in reality aiming to strengthen intervention and control.
In fact, it is Israel and the United States that are undermining the ceasefire
agreement. Israel has continued airstrikes and military attacks, killing
420 Palestinians since the ceasefire alone. In early January, the Israeli
military killed three civilians and announced the revocation of activity
permits for many international NGOs engaged in humanitarian relief in Gaza.
The Japanese government still refuses to recognize Palestine as a state and continues to follow the United States and Israel. It supports Israel through measures such as the introduction of military drones and investments of pension reserve funds. Corporations such as Mitsubishi and FANUC are also complicit in the massacres through the production of weapons, including F-35 fighter jets.
International criticism of Israel’s violation of the ceasefire must be
further expanded. Citizens around the world must raise their voices and
take action more forcefully to ensure that their own governments and corporations
are not allowed to be complicit in genocide.
Solidarity with the Struggle on the Ground
In Palestine, an unyielding struggle continues to defend the right to live with dignity, freedom, and humanity through nonviolent means. The PWSU (Palestinian Workers Struggle Union) is resisting repression, protecting workers’ rights, and fighting against the destruction of people’s livelihoods.
On January 25, ZENKO will hold an online meeting in solidarity with the
PWSU and its on-the-ground struggle. An urgent fundraising appeal is also
underway to support trade-union activities, children’s support initiatives,
and food assistance programs. On January 30, protests will be directed
at the Japanese government and its ministries to denounce the Takaichi
administration’s complicity in the massacres. On February 12, a second
nationwide coordinated action against FANUC will be carried out.
In 2026, let us strengthen solidarity with the struggle on the ground and with the global BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement, and make this a year that advances from state recognition to an end to the occupation and the liberation of Palestine.
On January 3, the Trump administration invaded Venezuela, killing civilians
and abducting the president and first lady. This lawless act is a violation
of international law no different from the massacre in Gaza. We must condemn
it and stop the Japanese government’s complicity in aggression. As with
solidarity with Palestine, this is the responsibility of people around
the world.
(January 5) |
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