Delcaration on the Middle East

Part One - Palestine: TAKING ACTION TO STOP THE WAR, FREE AND PROTECT PALESTINE, SAVE AND IMPLEMENT THE TWO-STATE SOLUTION

The Council of the Socialist International, meeting in Rabat, the kingdom of Morocco on December 20-22, recalls its previous resolutions and declarations on the question of Palestine and the Middle East Peace Process, in particular recent Council and Presidium meetings of the SI since 2010, and makes an urgent call upon all its member states to take concrete measures in order to save the prospects of a just and lasting peace between Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region. In this regard the SI reaffirms the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to their independent State of Palestine on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. It reaffirms its commitment, in accordance with international law, to bring a complete end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories that started in 1967, so as to achieve the two-state solution, as two sovereign democratic states for all their citizens, living in peace and harmony; and a just solution to the issue of the Palestinian refugees. Recalling the Two-State solution that is in line with international law, international humanitarian law, UN relevant resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002; we believe that time has come for the international community to meet its responsibilities under the international law and bring an end to the Israeli occupation.

Whereas the ongoing war in Gaza needs an immediate cessation, and that all the peoples of Palestine, Israel and the rest of the Middle East are equally entitled to freedom, human rights, security and peace;

Whereas only an immediate ceasefire alongside good faith to a real and credible political perspective with clear guarantees on both sides is the only recourse to end this conflict by peaceful means;

Whereas the SI is supporting the international community to bring an end to this conflict; to protect innocent civilians in Palestine and Israel and the Middle East, to avoid the extension of the conflict at a time of high global tension and to support concluding agreements that favour international stability and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict;

 

Therefore, in order to uphold the said principles and endeavor to work under this framework for Sustainable Peace in Palestine and the Middle East:

1. An immediate ceasefire should be reached with an exchange of hostages and prisoners, and an end to all crimes committed against innocent Palestinian peoples.

2. International aid should flow freely and unimpeded into Gaza with reconnection of water and electricity supplies.

3. The United Nations should prepare a roadmap to end the Israeli occupation that has occurred on the Palestinian Territories since 1967 based on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.

4. Two states, Israel and Palestine, are to be recognized by all United Nations member states on the basis of the UN resolutions relevant to the conflict namely the UN Security Council Resolution 242, UN Security Council Resolution 338, and UN Security Resolution 2334, which call for Israeli withdrawal from the territories occupied in the 1967 war.

5. Implementation modalities and mechanisms are to be discussed at an international conference to be hosted by the UN with the presence of both the Israelis and Palestinians.

6. Both sides should agree to refrain from any unilateral acts including settlements, construction activities, incursions into towns, deduction of funds illegally and incitements. Parties who do not adhere to these principles will have to face international sanctions.

7. To follow up with the progress of these measures, the UN Secretary General should appoint a peace envoy to ensure that these principles are respected and implemented within the proposed timetable.

Recalling our 2011 Athens Council declaration on the Middle East, whereby we called for the recognition of the State of Palestine, the SI members reaffirm this commitment and:

1. Declare it has become mandatory and urgent for all members of Socialist International, especially those in governments that have not recognised the State of Palestine in accordance with UNGA Resolution 67/19 of 2012, to do so as soon as possible.
2. Support a greater international action in order to achieve a just and lasting peace based on International Law for Palestine and Israel, including an end to the Israeli occupation.
3. Support a total end to the settlement activities, the immediate cessation of the destruction of homes and infrastructures and the deportation of Palestinians.
4. Condemns all acts of settlers' violence and attacks aimed at Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and the cessation of all forms of violence against the non-violent Palestinian resistance.
5. Emphasise that the only political solution for Israel and Palestine is one where international law and UN resolutions are implemented. 
6. Reiterate their solidarity with the progressive forces in Israel, including SI member parties that support full equality for all Israeli citizens regardless of their religion or ethnic origin as well as the implementation of the two-state solution based on International Law and relevant UN resolutions.

SI members support the celebration of the international conference for the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two state solution, to be held in New York under the auspices of the United Nations next June, 2025, as well as the work of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the Two state solution launched last September in the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.

Supporting the decisions of the United Nations resolutions and its courts

Obtaining Palestine full membership in the United Nations

We urge the delivery of  humanitarian aid in Gaza

We urge for the implementation of a ceasefire

We urge for the release of hostages held by Hamas

 

Part Two - Syria 

Socialist International welcomes the fall of Al-Assad's brutal regime which opens a new future of hope and democratic perspective.

Socialist International calls for the support of the Syrian people and wishes for the stability of the country with an inclusive government that respects the rights of all minorities and the rights of women.

Syria needs peace, stability and a democratic horizon in which Syrians have the right to decide for their future with no foreign interference. A new constitution is necessary to pave the way for free and fair elections.

SI urges the international community to protect the right of refugees and displaced

Socialist International calls for the respect of territorial integrity of Syria where all the population feel safe and secure.

We stand with all Syrians to rebuild their country and have the chance to ensure accountability.

_______________