Statement from the Executive Committee of the Association of Social Anthropologists of the UK (ASAUK)

The Executive Committee of the Association of Social Anthropologists of the UK (ASAUK) condemns the violence committed against all civilians in Palestine and Israel. We call for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages and prisoners, an end to violence in the West Bank, and engagement by all parties in a genuine process for enduring peace.

Israel is under investigation by the International Court of Justice for violations of the Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in Gaza. According to the United Nations and human rights organizations, conditions in Gaza and other Palestinian territories are catastrophic.

We condemn Israel’s war against the Palestinian people, including the indiscriminate killing of civilians, targeted killing of academics, medical staff and journalists, the use of hunger and thirst as weapons, and the destruction of essential infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, universities, religious sites, power stations, aid centres, homes, farmland, and water sources. We further condemn the mass incarceration of Palestinians, mistreatment of prisoners, and forced displacement from occupied territories.

As social and cultural anthropologists, our mission is to understand and nourish human life in all its diversity. In accordance with this mission, and in solidarity with the Palestinian academic community and Israeli scholars who support their call, we demand an end to the destruction of Palestinian life.

As a committee, we are currently developing a series of steps to engage with the membership, including consulting on appropriate actions to be taken in respect of the current situation. We invite members with ideas and suggestions for initiatives to contact the committee using the form emailed to them.