The European Left Party (EL), since its foundation consistently standing up for a peaceful, lasting solution of the tragic Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is following with great concern the current turmoil in the Middle East. The disappearance of Ariel Sharon from the political scene, the increasing struggle for political power and influence between different Palestinian factions will have a great impact both on future developments in Israel and Palestine as well as on the Israeli-Palestinian relationship as a whole.
Taking into account the new challenges and risks endangering the indispensable peace process based on international law, on the relevant UN-Security Council resolutions and the Road Map, the EL appeals to all conflict parties to pursue a strictly realistic policy based on the vital interests of both sides, on mutual respect and political means with the aim of establishing a viable independent Palestinian state – side by side with Israel – on the basis of international law. The Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as a very first step in the direction of peace must turn into a comprehensive withdrawal from all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, held under the same illegal occupancy. The Gaza strip must not be cut off from the West Bank, the Palestinians have to get complete control over it. They urgently need comprehensive international support to overcome the complicated socio-economic problems of the people.
The EL considers the election of the Palestinian Legislative Council (parliament) on 25 January 2006 an important step to legitimize the political institutions and to consolidate the process of democratization within the Palestinian society. The EL is strictly against creating any kind of obstacles for this election and against Israeli attempts to prevent the Palestinians of East Jerusalem to participate in the vote.
The EL supports all Palestinian efforts to prevent a „chaos of weapons“, especially in the Gaza-strip. Kidnappings, violent acts against UN represantatives, armed attacks against border installations in Rafah and Egyptian soldiers, violent clashes between Palestinian factions as well as suicide bombings against Israeli civilians jeopardize not only peace and stability in the region but also the interests of the Palestinians themselves.
The EL urges the EU to play a more active role in promoting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Therefore it welcomes the EU contribution to the functioning of the Rafah border station as the so-called European Union Border Assistance Mission Rafah (EU BAM Rafah) and also its assistance to the preparation and implementation of the Palestine elections. The EU should use its influence on Israel for securing the participation of the Palestinians of East Jerusalem. That could prevent misusing this problem for postponing the election.

A special EU-initiative for the immediate start of a negotiation process between the Israeli government and the elected Palestinian leadership is necessary. The EL is strictly against such steps as building the Wall condemned by the International Court of Justice, by which more Palestinian land is taken away, the big Israeli settlement blocks are made part of Israel and East Jerusalem is sliced off the political map. That means imposing more and more facts on the ground to pre-empt the final status negotiations. The aim of all this is a unilateral solution in favour of Israel, unacceptable to the Palestinian people and at odds with international law.
Supporting all initiatives to push forward the Middle East peace process like the Geneva initiative, the EL confirms its demand for convening an international peace conference to discuss the essentials and main critical issues - such as the creation of the Palestinian state, final borders, settlements, right of refugees, East-Jerusalem -, to involve the international community into the negotioation process and to re-establish international law as the basis on which the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be solved.
The EL supports the initiative of NELF-Member parties and the GUE/NGL-group in the European Parliament for a comprehensive Middle East action plan of European and Middle East left wing parties and democratic forces aimed at strengthening all initiatives for regaining the peace process in the whole region. Therefore the EL ExB calls all EL parties to take active part in realizing this joint plan of activities of left forces in Europe and the Middle East.