Gaza: ITUC calls for urgent action to end humanitarian catastrophe
“The horror unfolding in Gaza and across the region must stop now. We need an immediate ceasefire, unhindered access for humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages in line with international law. The lives and freedom of civilians, especially children, must not be sacrificed in political conflicts. Trade unions stand for peace, democracy and the protection of all human rights,” said ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle.
The ITUC expresses deep concern over the unprecedented civilian toll, particularly the devastating impact on children. This includes widespread malnutrition and starvation. It reaffirms its condemnation of all attacks on civilians and breaches of international humanitarian law, including the targeting of residential areas, the denial of essential aid and the taking of hostages.
The global trade union movement calls for:
- An immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to all attacks on civilians.
- The immediate release of all hostages.
- Unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations.
- Support for the recognition of the State of Palestine as part of a just two-state solution based on international law.
- The urgent reopening of the Israeli labour market to Palestinian workers, and the payment of back wages owed to more than 200,000 workers, in line with the complaint to the ILO submitted by the ITUC and global union federations.
- Support for UNRWA’s critical humanitarian work and for the ILO’s Recovery Programme in the Occupied Palestinian Territory .
The ITUC stands in solidarity with its affiliates and other democratic forces in both Palestine and Israel, who continue to advocate for peace and reconciliation amid enormous adversity. There is no space for extremists in a peace-building process.
The ITUC calls on the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the conflict, including illegal occupation, settlement expansion and the systemic denial of Palestinian rights. The recent announcement by the Israeli government of 22 new settlements in the West Bank must therefore be strongly condemned. This goes hand in hand with watertight guarantees that there will be no further missile attacks on Israel.
“We support those on both sides who are opposing hate and division and working for a future built on coexistence and common security. The international community must act with urgency and principle. There can be no lasting peace without social justice,” added Luc Triangle.
The ITUC urges all governments, multilateral institutions and trade unionists around the world to amplify the call for peace, support humanitarian efforts, and stand with the people of Palestine and Israel in their struggle for peace and prosperity.