By Left Horizons reporters in Liverpool
The following is the text of the emergency resolution passed at Labour conference today (emphasis added)…
Conference notes:
* That the Labour government formally recognised the State of Palestine on 21 September.
* The Labour Government took a bold and important step in formally recognising the state of Palestine.
* The recognition of Palestine is a critical contribution towards a two-state solution, with a viable, contiguous Palestinian state alongside a safe and secure Israel.
* On 16 September, the United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory concluded that Israeli authorities and Israeli security forces have committed the crime of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
* The Commission called on all Member States, including the UK, to “employ all means reasonably available to them to prevent the commission of genocide in the Gaza Strip”.
* Alongside the ongoing genocide case against Israel at the ICJ, the report adds to a growing international consensus finding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, which also includes the International Association of Genocide Scholars and Amnesty International.
* The European Commission has proposed the suspension of trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, in response to repeated violations of international law.
* On 16 September, Israel launched its ground assault on Gaza City.
* Israel has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, including more than 20,000 children; destroyed health and education infrastructure; caused famine by blocking food and aid; and overseen unprecedented accelerated widespread ethnic cleansing in the West Bank.
* UN reports confirm mass displacement on a scale not seen since 1967, with more than 40,000 Palestinians uprooted and neighbourhoods destroyed. Hospitals and aid convoys have been obstructed, deepening a growing humanitarian
* The destruction of health facilities is cited in the report as evidence of Israel’s genocide.
Conference believes:
* The path to safety and justice for the Palestinian people begins, but does not end, with recognition of the Palestinian state.
* This UN report must mark a watershed in Britain’s foreign policy.
However, further steps by the government are urgently required to prevent the crime of genocide, and demand a permanent ceasefire, full access to humanitarian assistance, the release of hostages and an end to the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories.
The government must also take action to address the escalating displacement of Palestinian communities, destruction of their homes and property, settler and military attacks and the expansion of illegal settlements and outposts, all of which are contributing to the continued annexation of the occupied West Bank.
Conference accepts the findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry and calls on the Labour government to:
* Employ all means reasonably available to it to prevent the commission of genocide in Gaza.
* Fully suspend the arms trade with Israel and the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement.
* Ban trade with the illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
* Apply comprehensive sanctions to put pressure on the Israeli government to respect international law, including a full arms embargo and ending military cooperation.
* Take coordinated action with European and other allies to end the famine in Gaza by ensuring full access to humanitarian assistance.
* Ensure individuals and corporations in the UK are not involved in aiding and assisting the genocide.
[Feature picture: Palestine flags at Labour conference in 2018]
