Next steps on the ground in Israel-Palestine
Standing Together writes to supporters internationally.
This ceasefire, which has stopped the bombing of Gaza and freed all living hostages, has let so many of us breathe again. But it cannot be the end of our fight – the reality across this land is still one of occupation and military control over millions of people who do not have rights. And despite the deal, the bodies of 19 hostages have not been returned by Hamas and some 15 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since the deal took effect.
This ceasefire must hold, and we must double down on the fight for a just and sustainable political solution: an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, and a peace agreement that can guarantee true freedom and safety for all of us.
This week, the Tel Aviv-Jaffa municipality decided to remove posters of Palestinian children killed in the war that we had plastered on walls in Jaffa. So we put them up again – not only to show our solidarity with the many Palestinians in Jaffa who have family in Gaza, but to say that we will not forget the lives that were taken. They also stand as a painful reminder of the destruction that will continue if we do not change the status quo on this land.
Yesterday, Standing Together activists went to the West Bank along with the organization Rabbis for Human Rights to assist Palestinians in the olive harvest. This season is deeply meaningful for many families, and olives are a primary source of livelihood and an important part of Palestinian tradition and identity.
But in the West Bank the harvest season has become a time of violence and fear. Settlers regularly attack farmers, uproot trees, and burn fields with the backing of the army. And yesterday, settlers from a nearby outpost came to threaten Palestinians and activists by throwing stones. We’ve seen this happen time after time. This is the daily reality of the occupation, and all of us must fight to end this system of violent control over millions of people. It’s horrific for Palestinians and it can never bring anyone safety.
Finally, we want to make sure you know there’s a new episode of The Long Answer podcast out! Tune in to listen to Sally and Jess discuss whether they have consensus about their ideas for the future, and how we should go about mobilizing people in Israeli society toward a political solution.
Posted 18 October 2025