Position and proposals following the conflict in the Middle East

Following the latest outbursts of violence in the Middle East, the European Region of the Humanist International declares:

Humanists reject the violence that both sides in this conflict are applying; a conflict that that has already gone on for so many years and cost so much human life.

In particular we denounce the invasion by Israeli armed forces into Gaza and Lebanon. This aggression is directed not only to armed groups, but also to the Palestinian and Lebanese people in general who live in this territory, because of which we demand the immediate withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied territories.

Equally we denounce the Hizbollah and Hamas attacks against the people of Israel and demand the immediate liberation of the young Israeli prisoners held by these armed groups.

There is no justification for terrorist attacks against a civil population, be they of Israeli or Palestinian origin. All the factions involved are blindly following the irrational logic of violence, feeling that they have the right to kill others, in an endless spiral of revenge. With this they clearly show humanity their anti-humanist face.

We repeat once more that violence forms part of human pre-history and is totally opposed to the desires of the large majority of the global population.

To emerge from the spiral of violence, we propose:

1. that firstly all those who are invading territories should immediately withdraw and implement the resolutions and recommendations of the United Nations. This includes Israel having to destroy the wall that has been described by the UN as “contrary to international law”.
2. Secondly, we propose the creation of a military force under the control of the UN that will establish corridors to protect both peoples.
3. Thirdly, we propose that a process of reconciliation is started that covers the issue of responsibility, with the victims and perpetrators on both sides. We propose the establishment of a “Commission for Truth and Reconciliation” where justice is carried out, but this justice does not mean to inflict suffering on the witnesses, but rather that the suffering ceases as much for the victims as for those responsible.
4. Finally, we request the total nuclear disarmament of Israel as we do all countries in possession of nuclear arms as an international priority.

The future of humanity cannot be based in the self-affirmation of one people against another. The process of humanity is going towards the creation of a Universal Human Nation in which will come together the diversity of humanity in a common direction of overcoming pain and suffering in individuals and peoples.

We particularly want this message to reach the youth of Palestine and Israel so that they can share with us a non-violent revolution.

European Region of the Humanist International
16th July 2006