The Democratic Socialists of America Statement on the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict

DSA reaffirms its long-standing support for the rights of self-determination of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples, and the right of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples to live in peace, each within their own state, with secure and recognized borders. Thus, DSA-without equivocation-condemns the suicide bombings and calls on the Palestinian Authority to do all within its power to stop them. DSA, with equal severity, condemns the Sharon government's invasion of the Palestinian Authority, an invasion which is destroying the viability of a civilian Palestinian Authority and thereby the possibility of a Palestinian state. Furthermore, DSA condemns the Bush Administration's granting of a blank check to the Sharon government to carry out this invasion and to prevent a UN investigation of the Israeli invasion of Jenin.

DSA calls upon the United States government to cease framing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the terrorist suicide bombings solely in terms of the US's global "War on Terrorism." The causes of the conflict are specific to the region and not part of a "global terrorist conspiracy" against the "West."

DSA stands in solidarity with the peace forces in both the Israeli and Palestinian communities who call for the removal of Israeli settlements on the West Bank and Gaza Strip. We also support their consensus on the necessity of siting the capital of the Palestinian state in the Palestinian, eastern part of Jerusalem.

DSA also supports the Israeli and Palestinian peace forces who believe that, while the just and legal claims of Palestinian refugees must be addressed, it is unlikely that a final settlement acceptable to both sides will involve the full return of all Palestinian refugees to pre-1967 Israel. We also support large-scale economic compensation for the Palestinian refugees of 1948 and their descendants who may not choose to or be able to reside within pre-1967 Israeli borders.

Finally, pro-peace forces in both Palestine and Israel cannot succeed without the aid of the international community. Therefore, DSA calls upon the United States immediately to abide by its stated policy of ending all military aid to Israel used directly for purposes of the occupation. Furthermore, the United States should cut off all military aid if Israel refuses to end all settlement activity and withdraw from the occupied territories as an integral part of the peace process. DSA also supports the UN, the European Union and the United States pressuring the Palestinian Authority to do all in its power to stop terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians.

Passed by the DSA National Political Committee, June 2, 2002.

Page last updated July 15th, 2002