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Stop the Occupation, Not the Flotilla!

Statement by the participants of SCI’s Exchange Platform Meeting 2025

As members of Service Civil International – currently at the EPM 2025, the annual evaluation
meeting among partners and branches – believing in dialogue and peaceful resolution of
conflicts, we take a clear stand against the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the
occupation-apartheid suffered by the Palestinian people. Despite the relentless violence and
systematic violations of human rights, there are still sparks of hope that inspire resistance
and solidarity.
In recent days, an international, civil society – led maritime initiative – the Global Sumud
Flotilla—set sail to challenge the illegal Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip. Over 40 vessels
with 500 activists carrying humanitarian aid attempted what governments have failed to
achieve: deliver concrete relief and solidarity directly to those in need. This is an unique
example of grassroots resistance in the face of international indifference. Furthermore, the
mission of the Sumud Flotilla is protected under established principles of international law.
The interception of this peaceful mission by the Israeli army represents yet another violation
of human rights and international law.
The Global Sumud Flotilla embodies this spirit of determined nonviolent resistance: the
Arabic word ṣumūd, symbolized by the olive tree, refers to rootedness—remaining steadfast
in one’s homeland and resisting with perseverance every attempt to uproot or dispossess.
As a peace movement, we stand by the Global Sumud Flotilla. We denounce the seizure of
the boats, the detention and the following deportation of the activists from the Israeli army:
all of these add to daily violations of human rights, which can only truly end through the
representation of the Palestinian people in any peace plans process, in line with international
law.


We, therefore, call for:

  • the protection of the activists of the Global Sumud Flotilla, and the respect of
    international law
  • the Western governments to stop being complicit in the genocide in Gaza by selling
    weapons to Israel
  • an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade and the opening of a humanitarian
    corridor held by the United Nations,
  • the release of all the civilian hostages in Gaza and all the Palestinian prisoners,
    among them children, held illegally in Israeli prisons according to the international law
  • the activation of a peace process involving the Palestinians towards the creation of a
    viable Palestinian State.

In fact, any genuine peace plan must be grounded in international law, beginning with the
right to self-determination. No proposal can be legitimate if it excludes the voices and
capacity of action of Palestinians themselves. The so-called “peace plan” proposed by the
USA administration, and currently under negotiation, is therefore unacceptable: marked by
hypocrisy, a disregard for history, a colonial view and a deliberate denial of Palestinian rights.
This suggested plan is not leading to peace: it is a continuation of injustice, reinforcing
oppression rather than ending it.
Governments should react according to international law and human rights and denounce
this plan. In fact, across the world, people are taking to the streets—organizing marches,
sit-ins, and demonstrations. This wave of solidarity sends a clear message: Gaza is not
alone. Acts of global solidarity are not just symbolic; they strengthen the resistance of those
under siege, challenge political indifference, and remind the world that silence is complicity.
As participants of the current EPM of the Service Civil International, we reaffirm our values of
solidarity, justice, and nonviolence, rejecting hate-ideologies and extremisms. We stand with
those who resist oppression through peaceful means, and we believe that longlasting peace
can only be built by respecting human rights, and involving Palestinians themselves in
deciding on their own future.

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