Madurai: At its 24th national congress held in Madurai, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) adopted a bold resolution calling for Israel to be officially recognised as an “apartheid State” in light of its continued assault on Gaza. The party demanded an immediate ceasefire and urged the Indian government to revert to its traditional policy of support for the Palestinian cause.
The resolution accused Israel of carrying out a systematic genocide in Gaza, noting that the majority of those killed in Israeli strikes were women and children. It highlighted attacks on hospitals, UN shelters, aid convoys, schools, mosques, churches, and media workers, describing them as evidence of Israel’s “genocidal character.” The resolution also referenced the International Court of Justice’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top leaders.
The CPI(M) further condemned the expansion of illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank, stating that Israel’s aim is to completely annex Palestinian territory and establish a Greater Israel. The resolution criticised the role of Western imperialist powers, particularly the United States, for providing military and diplomatic support to Israel.
The party also lashed out at the BJP-led central government for diluting India’s historic pro-Palestine stance. It accused the Modi government of aligning ideologically with Zionist forces and projecting the war on Gaza as a religious conflict. “The RSS and Zionists share a common belief in linking nationality with religion and expressing hostility toward Muslims,” the resolution stated.
During the session, CPI(M) delegates wore kufiyas, a symbol of Palestinian resistance, and raised slogans in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
The resolution concluded with a strong call for India to recognise East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 borders, and reaffirmed the party’s unwavering support for Palestine.
