Statement

 

The International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY) is deeply concerned about the series of attacks on civilians, aid workers, and journalists in Israel, Gaza, and the occupied West Bank.

 

IUSY is: 

 

1. Alarmed by the killing of thousands of civilians and unsheltered populations, mainly children and women;

2. Convinced that today, as in the past, the need for an end to the long-lasting conflict comes with the recognition and freedom of the State of Palestine, as well as the termination of the apartheid in the illegally occupied territories, remains, the IUSY stresses that violence can never be considered a just or effective mean of resolving conflicts or advancing any just cause;

3. Considering that limiting the possibilities for a political settlement and persistently imposing unilateral measures, along with double standards are contributing to escalating the tension in the region;

4. Taking into consideration that the illegal occupation, which has violated the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, has not only deprived the people of Palestine of their basic needs but also undermined any process that could lead to a long and lasting peace for the people of Israel, Palestine and the region;

5. And reaffirming UN General Assembly Gaza resolution on ‘Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations”, A/ES-10/L.25, voted on the 27th of October 2023, calling for immediate and sustained ‘humanitarian truce’;

is determined to contribute for a path of dialogue and political consensus that should be preceded by an immediate ceasefire from all the involved parts of the conflict.

 

Therefore, the International Union of Socialist Youth:

 

a. Condemns, and calls on all member organizations to condemn, all the attacks targetting civilians. Furthermore, it is urgent and essential to prevent and stop any acts of genocide. Any collective punishment is and should be considered a war crime.

 

b. Calls for the immediate release of all hostages. All civilians must be protected at all costs.

 

c. Calls for an end to the violent escalation in Israel, Palestine, and the region.

 

d. Condemns the displacement and forced eviction of the Palestinian population in Gaza. This tragic displacement has once again turned Gazans into refugees. Such actions constitute a blatant violation of the rights of the Palestinian people and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.

 

e. Proclaims the urgent need to provide all humanitarian aid necessary to Gaza, including humanitarian corridors and an expedient resolution to the separation wall, which the International Court of Justice concluded as illegal.

 

f. Strongly urges both parties to adhere to international laws and the UN declarations and resolutions, ensuring the safety of innocent lives and preventing further insecurity, instability, and chaos in the region.

 

g. Appeals to the international community to take effective and urgent measures to fulfill its responsibilities in the region and commit to sustainable and livable peace.

 

h. Encourages all parties involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to actively engage in a peaceful and inclusive dialogue, and to take meaningful initiatives to bring an end to the occupation and promote coexistence in the region. This should be accompanied by the empowerment of a new generation of progressive actors in Israel and Palestine who are dedicated to seeking pathways of dialogue to peace.

 

i. Affirms that solidarity cannot be divided along national, racial, or religious lines. Solidarity is a universal value that holds true across every time and place.

 

j. Recognizes and stresses that neglecting people’s hope for a peaceful and determined future will only generate more chaos and increase extremist movements’ acceptance.

 

k. Reaffirms that the only way for a sustained peace in Palestine and Israel is the collective political commitment for an effective and immediate two state solution under the International Law.