The Green Party of the United States has endorsed the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international grassroots effort aimed at breaking the blockade on Gaza and delivering humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The party is also calling on the U.S. government to protect American citizens aboard the flotilla and to oppose any political or military support for Israeli actions against it.
In a September 18 statement, the party described the flotilla and its mission as an embodiment of Green values, citing resistance to militarism, international solidarity, and grassroots courage. It stressed that delegates are risking their safety to challenge Israel’s blockade, which it said “has trapped over two million Palestinians in conditions described by human rights organizations as an ‘open-air prison.'”
The statement points to recent attacks on the flotilla, including drone strikes on vessels off the coast of Tunisia on September 8 and 9. While no injuries were reported, the Green Party said such attacks demonstrate the intent of Israel to “violently suppress” the effort, which it regards as an “act of nonviolence resistance and solidarity.”
The party also condemned a proposal by Israel’s Public Security Minister to classify flotilla members as security prisoners, a move they warn could lead to indefinite detention.
“The flotilla is not just a convoy of ships, it is a living act of international conscience, standing against genocide and the machinery of empire,” said Arshia Papari, a political communications lead for the U.S. delegation and member of the Green Party’s National Steering Committee. “As Greens, we refuse to be silent in the face of Israel’s crimes. We demand that the U.S. government act immediately to ensure the safety of our delegates, U.S. citizens and U.S. military veterans, and to end the siege on Gaza once and for all.”
The party further called on “all people of conscience” to raise their voices, pressure elected officials, and support the flotilla’s mission, and for media outlets to cover news of the flotilla with “honesty and urgency.”
“The Global Sumud Flotilla represents the power of international grassroots action to confront militarism and empire,” the statement closed. “The Green Party stands firmly with the delegates, with the Palestinian people, and with all those who resist occupation and the ongoing siege through nonviolent, principled action.”
An endorsement of the flotilla was also issued by the Green Party of Pennsylvania earlier in the month, which similarly called for elected officials, civil society organizations, and individuals to join in support of ending the blockage of Gaza.
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