Socialist Party USA... the voice for democratic socialism in the USA

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Free Palestine! Statement of Solidarity with the Palestinian People As the situations in neighboring Iraq and Syria continue to deteriorate, the crisis in Palestine is also in a downward spiral. The most recent attack on Gaza by the Israeli regime, in which they declared that all Palestinians should evacuate Northern Gaza or be subject to an imminent bombing campaign, brings the long-standing plight of the Palestinian people into a new and deadlier stage. Despite Israeli claims that they are only targeting militants, the United Nations estimates that 77% of the deceased from the first six days of the attack are innocent civilians. The Socialist Party USA has long condemned the Israeli occupation of Palestine, as well as the key role of the United States in financing the oppression of the Palestinian people. Our Platform specifically calls for an end to the occupation of Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Golan Heights, along with an end to all United States aid to the Israeli government, as preconditions for peace. With the Israeli regime pushing for the complete annexation of Palestine, coupled with U.S.-financed missiles raining down on Gaza, this point in our Statement of Principles continues to be completely accurate. As democratic socialists, we believe in the self determination of all people to collectively decide their own future. We continue to stand in support of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination in the occupied territories and the land recognized as the State of Israel. A permanent solution to the crisis in Palestine cannot be dictated or imposed by foreign governments, specifically the United States, that are looking to protect and expand their own interests. Instead, this solution must come from the Palestinian people themselves. Until such a future can be secured, we will continue to stand in opposition to the apartheid policies and oppressive nature of the Israeli state. Our 2011 national convention officially endorsed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to impose international pressure on the Israeli regime until the full liberation of the Palestinian people is realized. We continue to support this movement and any other outlet to defend the Palestinian cause. We reject the false notion that the Israeli state is innocent and is simply defending itself against Palestinian aggression. As far as we and other people of conscience are concerned, the exact opposite is true. passed by the Socialist Party USA National Action Committee - July 14, 2014