By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana   
Student unions from several South Asian countries yesterday demanded Israel to declare immediate ceasefire and said that they will stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine recognising their right to resist, return home and to be free.   
A host of student unions representing India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka signing a joint statement said the student community stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine.   
The Inter University Students Federation (IUSF), Inter University Bhikkhus’ Federation (IUBF) and Revolutionary Students Union (RSU) being signatory to the joint statement said the people around the world have condemned Israeli brutality and it is time to unite the anti-imperialist, peace loving people across the globe.   
“We call on you all, to come forward to resist the fascist Israeli Government and their allies and protect Palestinian lives. The ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people by the Zionist state of Israel has resulted in the killing of more than 12, 000 people mostly women and children. It is also targeting journalists who are vital in relaying the ground situation in Gaza.   
Israel, through a deadly blockade, is depriving millions of people living in Gaza of food, water, electricity and fuel. This is defined as collective punishment under international law - a war crime. It is carrying out daily bombardments, including of hospitals, homes, schools, refugee camps and ambulances.   
The Netanyahu-led Zionist Israeli Government has blatantly stated its genocidal intent. The US, UK and other imperialist powers, continue to support Israel through funding and weapons, and provide cover for war crimes. Countries like India, China, Russia and US are playing mischievous role and extending their passive support to Israel in order to meet their own sinister motives,” it stated.   

The other unions signed the statement were Bangladesh Students’ Federation (BSF), Bangladesh Students’ Union (BSU), Democratic Students’ Council (DSC), Greater Chittagong Hill Tracts Hill Students Council (PCP), Revolutionary Students Unity (RSU) and Socialist Students’ Front (SSF), All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), All India Students’ Association (AISA), All India Students Federation (AISF), Progressive Student Union (PSU) and Students Federation of India (SFI), All Nepal National Free Student Union, ANNFSU, All Nepal National Independent Student Union (Sixth), All Nepal National Independent Student Union (Revolutionary) and Pratriodh, Nepal and from Pakistan Democratic Students Federation (DSF), Khalq Students Federation, National Students Federation of Pakistan (NSFP).