IUSY Presidium expresses its outrage at the prospects of formal annexation of further occupied Palestinian territory, which could begin as soon as July 1st, which constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and normalizes the acquisition of land through the use of force. As youth organizations that believe in a rules-based world order we cannot but reject this. But this is not enough: Decades of statements have not contributed to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. This is a call for action.

It is time for all member organizations and social-democratic comrades to translate words into action. It is in this context that we strongly condemn the attempts to lead by the German Foreign Minister and SPD member Mr. Heiko Maas, to promote the impunity of Israel at the International Criminal Court (ICC). We call upon all governments to promote accountability both individually and multilaterally making use of all political, legal and diplomatic available tools. This includes supporting the mandate of the ICC in investigating and prosecuting all crimes committed in Palestine.    

We also, express our utter condemnation to the Labor Party for committing to the annexation of occupied Palestinian territory by joining the Israeli government. There are no excuses for taking that step: Social Democratic values and human rights are universal and Palestinians are entitled to enjoy them. While concerns about social values in Israel are important, the fact that the Israeli Labor Party joined a coalition that promotes the negation of the same rights for the Palestinian people represents a giveaway to the core of our values. This is not what a member of a social-democratic does and as such, IUSY should avoid dealing with representatives of parties that deceived the social democratic principles and represent a provocation to others.

At the same time, we commend the position of Young Labor who opposes the Israeli Government and has made reiterative calls for a just and lasting peace with Palestine, as well as Meretz. We are also looking forward to building alliances with the movements representing the Palestinian citizens of Israel. IUSY will continue to promote progressive alliances for the advancement of a just and lasting peace between Israel, Palestine and the rest of the region which includes the full end of the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 and the fulfillment of international law and UN resolutions, including the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

In addition we make an urgent call on all our members to:

·       Promote the boycott of all Israeli Settlement Products.

·       Promote action, including divestment, on companies that violate the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by profiting from the Israeli occupation.

To promote action that will make their parties and governments take action against annexation.