Originally published in the Winter/Spring 2025 edition of the Virginia Defender, issue 76, printed March 26. Reproduced here for accessibility and archival purposes. To find other stories in the Winter/Spring 2025 issue or to download the full PDF, see this post. For other issues dating back to 2012, see the Full Issues page.
By Danielle DiBlasio
Since the Gaza ceasefire went into effect on Jan. 19, Gaza’s Government Media Office has reported more than 350 violations of the terms of the agreement by Israel. This includes airstrikes and shootings that have killed or wounded dozens of Palestinians; insufficient entry of food, aid and tents; and the blocking of medical evacuations.
Almost immediately following the conclusion of phase one of the ceasefire on March 1, Israel introduced a new ceasefire proposal with revised terms—terms that make no mention of releasing Palestinian hostages—and has reinstated a blockade of the Gaza Strip, yet again preventing food and humanitarian supplies from entering.
The same day, the U.S. State Department under Secretary of State Marco Rubio bypassed Congress to approve an arms sale to Israel worth roughly $4 billion. (Virginia’s U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine said of Rubio’s January nomination to Trump’s cabinet, “I’m proud to support his nomination, and I believe he will make an excellent Secretary of State.”)
Then, in the early morning hours of March 18, Israel unilaterally pulled out of the ceasefire agreement by launching massive airstrikes all across the Gaza Strip. Within hours, more than 400 Palestinians were confirmed dead. A spokesperson for the White House confirmed that Israel had consulted the Trump administration prior to the attacks.
Israel’s long-term goal of fully depopulating the occupied territories of Palestinians and swiftly expanding Israeli settlements is clear, as is the United States’ full complicity and partnership in this plan, regardless of which political party is in the White House.
While the combined forces of Israeli and U.S. oppression are mighty, we are not without power. It is imperative that people of conscience everywhere commit to the complete and total rejection of Israel in every sector, setting and situation. We must escalate calls for BDS.
What is the BDS movement?
BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) is a Palestinian-led movement established in 2005 and modeled after the South African anti-apartheid movement. BDS aims to win liberation justice for Palestinians by exerting economic pressure on Israel through boycotts, divestment and economic sanctions.
Its core demands are 1) ending Israel’s occupation and colonization of Palestinian lands; 2) establishing equal rights for Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel; and 3) the right of return of Palestinian refugees to their homes and lands.
Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) is an annual series of educational events and rallies that takes place in cities worldwide promoting targeted BDS campaigns. The 2025 IAW, which coincides with the 20th anniversary of BDS’ founding, will be held from March 21 through March 30 (Palestinian Land Day).
Virginia, unfortunately, is home to several Israeli companies, as well as companies that profit from Israel’s genocide of Palestinians.
The Sabra Dipping Company, for example, is an Israeli food manufacturer with a $61 million hummus plant in Chesterfield County. The Virginia Israel Advisory Board is based in Richmond. In early 2024, Northrop Grumman, one of the world’s biggest weapons manufacturers, started building a manufacturing and testing facility in Waynesboro.
To learn about and participate in Virginia-based IAW events this year, please connect with the following organizations:
Students for Justice in Palestine at VCU
Plowshare Peace & Justice Center
Categories: International & Antiwar News
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